Alison Straw and Steve Kitchman are set to tie the knot over the Bank Holiday weekend at Rossington Hall and instead of receiving traditional wedding gifts and keepsakes are choosing to support their local cancer hospital by asking their wedding guests for donations to the charity that supports its work. The couple have asked for donations to be made to Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity, in memory of Alison’s mum, Christine.   Christine sadly passed away in June 1994 after being diagnosed with cancer, and Alison and Steve wish to raise money in her memory for a cause that is close to their hearts.
Weston Park Hospital is one of only four specialist cancer hospitals in England and treats patients from all over South Yorkshire, North Nottinghamshire and North Derbyshire. Almost a quarter of all patients treated by the hospital come from the Doncaster and Bassetlaw area, a startling fact that Steve and Alison were previously unaware of.   Donations made on the day will be even more poignant for Alison with the absence of her mum.   Alison said: “My mum would have played such a huge part in my marriage ceremony that it will be strange not to have her alongside me on the day. Although she can’t be present, it will be great knowing that our guests can help to make a difference to cancer research, treatment and care in our region.   “If we are able to give just a little something back to help families stay together for longer, it’s the least we can do.”

Funds raised at the wedding will contribute to the Cancer Charity’s ‘Do Your Bit’ campaign, which is raising funds for a state-of-the-art Cancer Research and Treatment Suite at Weston Park Hospital.   The facilities will offer patients access to the most up-to-date cancer treatments and therapies, initially as part of a research programme, and subsequently as NHS treatment.

Alison (46), who is a partner at Taylor Bracewell Solicitors in Doncaster, and Steve (47), who works for the Doncaster Chamber of Commerce, are keen to support the charity’s work across the region.   Acting Charity Deputy Director, Tina Harrison said: “It’s fantastic that Alison and Steve have chosen to support the charity on such a special day in their lives.   “By making donations to the charity, the couple are not only helping to improve the lives of cancer patients across the region, but are also highlighting the range of fundraising options available for people wanting to ‘Do Their Bit’ in Doncaster.”Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity needs to raise £1.5million this year to fund pioneering cancer research and to help improve the treatments and care for people living with cancer.

For more information on Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity or how you can get involved, visit www.wphcancercharity.org.uk or call the charity office on 0114 226 5370.