A MOTHER with terminal cancer is holding two fundraising events to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support – The Comet s Charity of the Year - after discovering first hand how valuable the organisation s work is. Shirley Jackson, 49, of Holroyd Crescent

A MOTHER with terminal cancer is holding two fundraising events to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support - The Comet's Charity of the Year - after discovering first hand how valuable the organisation's work is.

Shirley Jackson, 49, of Holroyd Crescent in Baldock, was admitted into hospital on Boxing Day last year.

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I was in pain but I didn't know what was wrong," she said. "Within 24 hours I was diagnosed with bowel cancer which had spread to my liver.

"From that moment I had so much support."

Immediately, she had a Macmillan nurse dedicated to her, who has helped her with everything from pain relief to complimentary therapies to financial guidance.

Shirley said: "When something like this happens, it turns your world upside down. There was just so much support - I was overwhelmed. They do so much."

Shirley's nurse is available from 9am until 5pm, but there is also a 24-hour helpline which can offer advice and send someone to a patient's home if they need more pain relief.

"Cancer pain is 24/7," Shirley explained. "But at times I have intense pain and Macmillan comes straight out to me that day, as soon as they can."

"It's just amazing," she said. "Sometimes you don't know where your heads at, and you can't phone a doctor every five minutes. Macmillan nurses have got access to your medical records, so they know what's going on with you.

"They are sorting out extra medication for me now. I'm on oral morphine but they are sorting out patches for me."

Shirley said she feels she can talk to Macmillan about any worry she has, no matter how small.

"Without them, I would probably be sitting in limbo," she said.

Shirley had been having chemotherapy, but it was not working. She is now due to start radiotherapy, in a bid to shrink the cancer and make her more comfortable.

To raise money for Macmillan, Shirley, her husband, Patrick, and their five children, have organised a charity football match at Baldock Football Club on June 6.

The event kicks off at 2pm and there will be a barbeque for spectators. All are welcome.

The family has also organised a 50s and 60s night at Baldock Community Centre on June 13 to raise money for Macmillan.

The fancy dress event has proved popular, with all 200 tickets sold.

"We tried to keep it to people we know," Shirley explained. "We wanted to make it a family and friends thing for me, so I can catch up with people I haven't seen for years."

PRIMARY school pupils have pledged to support Macmillan by raising money during their sports day.

Ashtree Primary and Nursery School in Stevenage has registered to take part in the charity's new initiative - the Big Sports Day - and other schools are encouraged to get involved.

Simply hold your sports day as usual, but ask each pupil to bring in a suggested donation of �1.

Aimee Wilcox, a teacher at Ashtree, said: "We are very keen to educate our children about the importance of being fit for life. Because of this we decided to incorporate our normal sports day with a fundraising event that will raise awareness of health and lifestyle choices, as well as support the wonderful work Macmillan carries out each day.

"Signing up for the Macmillan Big Sports Day was really easy to do and will make our sports day a meaningful, family event."

If you would like to register to take part in the event, or to find out more information about the charity, call 01438 712012 or email hertfordshire@macmillan.org.uk