Lesley gives to charity for 50th

Instead of presents for her 50th birthday, Shirebrook woman Lesley Morton, has donated £975 to three charities close to her heart.

After losing her mum to breast cancer, Lesley decided all she wanted for her 50th was a big party with friends and family to raise as much money as possible for three charities which have helped her and herfamily through a difficult time.

“I decided that I had everything I could possibly want when deciding what to do for my 50th a year ago and after my mum was diagnosed with breast cancer, I thought I would organise a big party to raise money for charity,” she said.

“My mum died before it happened and I nearly cancelled it all but I decided to go ahead because it was for such a good cause.

“We lit a memorial candle for mum and it burned all night so she was there in spirit, I loved every minute of the party, it was brilliant.”

Around 400 people turned up to celebrate Lesley’s birthday at Shirebrook Welfare Club with the funds being split between the Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire Air Ambulance (£250), the breast care unit at King’s Mill Hospital (£250), and a donation of £475 to Gaucher’s Disease.

The air ambulance was one of Lesley’s chosen charities after it tried to save her brother, James’ life ten years ago.

She also donated the money raised to Gaucher’s Disease to raise awareness of the condition after her cousin’s daughter, Summer, was diagnosed. People with Gaucher’s Disease have an enzyme deficiency making them unable to break down food and drink properly.

Lesley started fund raising 10 years ago after her brother died by doing a sponsored head shave and has since taken part in a number of other fundraising activities including a sponsored walk for Erin.

She added: “I had always wanted a big party so I took this opportunity to organise it all myself. It was a posh frocks and black tie event and although I asked for donations to charity, I got absolutely loads of cards.

“I want to thank everyone who came and donated on the night and all those that helped put it all together and contributed. All the money donated will be so worthwhile, my cousin’s daughter, Summer, had to be revived twice over Christmas because of her condition. She is 16 months old. I want to make people more aware about Gaucher’s Disease and get more people donating to charity.” For more information on Gaucher’s visit www.gaucher.scorecomms.com/home