A WOMAN from East Tilbury has been praised for her fundraising efforts for the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity.

Joanne Phillips, 54, has recently completed three charity challenges raising £747! 

Starting in April 2022, Joanne has completed the Peak District Ultra Challenge, Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge and the Easter 50 Challenge, running and walking over 80km in total. Furthermore, upon her return home, Joanne also completed the Thurrock Cycle Marathon run by Mardyke Valley Rotary Club – completing 111km overall!

Proud family: Joanne with mum Jean Foster and daughter Sally.

Joanne said: "I decided that I wanted to give something back to the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity to say thank you for their support for my mum who was diagnosed with breast cancer. With the help of their counsellors and holistic therapies, they helped her to get through the dark days. 

"Their Mid Essex Support Centre in Hatfield Peverel have always provided a warm welcome to both my parents, Eddy and Jean Foster. We are always met by a friendly volunteer to chat to and they will arrange a cup of tea for my dad while my mum is having her treatment. Both my parents were offered counselling, which has helped my dad to understand and come to terms with my mum's diagnosis. 

"I feel incredibly proud of all I have achieved and would like to say thank you to my friends and family not only for their valuable support, but also donating to this fantastic cause. I've enjoyed fundraising so much for Helen Rollason Cancer Charity that I also held an afternoon tea and raffle in their honour! We can never thank the charity enough." 

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Helen Rollason Cancer Charity Head of Marketing and Fundraising Zoe Jay said; "What an incredible accomplishment for Joanne! We are so grateful for her support and raising £747 which will go towards supporting those living with cancer. This donation alone will fund 14 counselling appointments or 14 reflexology sessions for our clients.   

"Our Support Centres offer a range of complementary therapies to patients in an environment of peace and tranquillity, including counselling, reflexology, aromatherapy, manual lymphatic drainage and support groups. We support men and women with all types of cancer at all stages – whether newly diagnosed or longer-term, throughout treatment and after treatment is completed. 

"The work we do really does make a difference. We're a local charity serving our local community, and every penny raised at this event will go towards ensuring we continue to provide the best possible cancer care now and in the future." 

To find out more about taking on a challenge in aid of Helen Rollason Cancer Charity visit the charity's website: www.helenrollason.org.uk