AS Kingsteignton prepares to say farewell to Kate Drummond, her sister, Kelly, has stepped up her campaign to help the charity researching the illness her sister battled so courageously.

Kelly’s 12-month campaign aims to raise funds for the Ewing’s Sarcoma Research Trust and has raised more than £21,000 already.

Kate’s family have asked if local people would like to support the campaign and ‘wear something bright’ on Thursday, April 7, the day of her funeral service. This will be held at St Michael’s Church in Kingsteignton and this is for Kate’s family and close friends.

Kelly takes up the story: ‘I am running 12 months of fundraising for Ewing’s Sarcoma Research Trust because my sister was diagnosed earlier this year.

‘Cancer affects one in two, but I’m young, fit and healthy so it won’t happen to me, right? Sadly, that could be wrong. 

‘Among young adults, bone cancers are some of the most common, affecting around 550 people every year in the UK.

‘Sadly this statistic became a reality for my family in 2021 when my sister, Kate, was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma at just 24. 

‘It was an extremely challenging, turbulent journey from the start. Kate was initially told she’d undergo treatment (including both radio and chemotherapy) for at least 12 months.

‘And so, after a couple of months of hospital visits, scans, tests and treatments, I thought it was time I did my bit to help. I started my fundraising journey and to date it has been a total success.

‘Sadly however, Kate lost her battle to Ewing’s Sarcoma after a very brave and courageous eight-month fight and passed away peacefully on March 17. 

‘My aim was to fundraise for 12 months, starting October ’21, to match Kate’s treatment time.

‘My main aim was always to vastly increase the amount of money available for research into Ewing’s Sarcoma.

‘I have also realised that this disease isn’t something that features in the public awareness and many, including young adults who are a high risk group, have never heard of it.

‘I therefore want to continue what I started, keep my promise, and raise as much money as possible but also help to raise public awareness of this horrible cancer. If we can help just one person or family, then it’s worth every effort.

‘All of the money raised will go to the Ewing’s Sarcoma Research Trust who fund much needed research the bone cancer.

‘If you can support me in my endeavours in any way, I would be forever grateful. I will be posting about all fundraising events on my social media page https://www.facebook.com/pg/Kellys-12-month-Fundraise-for-Ewings-Sarcoma-107714851671150/community/’

By Monday the fundraiser had topped £21,000 and Kelly said: ‘Thank you in advance for taking the time to read, help, support and donate.’

‘For Kate’s funeral we ask that people do not donate flowers but instead, if you’d like to make a donation, please donate to The Ewing’s Sarcoma Research Trust.’

l This can be done directly or via Kelly’s just giving fundraiser https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kelly-drummond1