THE SISTER of former Observer journalist Matthew Bates – who lost his battle with cancer – is raising money in his memory to help others.
Deputy editor Matt passed away a year ago after being diagnosed with a rare form of kidney cancer at the age of just 27.
During his fight, the Whitnash resident received treatment at The Christie, a specialist research and cancer treatment hospital in Manchester.
At that time his sister Sarah – who is an artist and author from Warwick – created ‘Cards for Cancer’, selling Christmas cards she designed to raise money to help Matt and his parents with the costs of his care and treatment.
But Matt passed away before the £400 raised could be collected, and instead the money went towards his funeral costs.
Now she is planning to sell Cards for Cancer annually in aid of The Christie Hospital.
She said: “I created five original illustrations and turned them into Christmas cards. I sold them on my online store, and the intention was to raise money for Matt who had been severely disabled after a life altering surgery to remove a tumour on his spine.
“Unfortunately my brother passed away, but his attitude towards his life, and his death, was inspirational.
“However, I had already sold cards, and wanted to put the money towards something important to me. As such, I gave the money to my parents, to support them with funeral costs, and decided to set up Cards for Cancer as a yearly project to raise money for various cancer charities that had benefited my brother and my family over the course of his illness.
“Raising money for the Christie Hospital will help it to continue to provide top quality care and assistance to all those who pass through its doors.”
The cards are available to buy in packs of ten. (s)
And supporter Patrick Cullen said the cards made a huge difference to the Bates family.
He said: “Cards For Cancer really helped Sarah and her family at a very difficult time, and it will be fantastic to see the idea carry on each year and help others who are in the same position. The cards are really lovely, too.”
A ten pack of cards costs £15. Visit www.sarahandthestrange.com/cardsforcancer to order.
