Residents in West Norfolk rally round to add ‘Hope for Heather’ in support of Downham Market woman

Residents in West Norfolk have been rallying around to support a Downham woman who has a rare type of cancer.

Members of the community have been organising events such as concerts, quizzes and even a 200-mile walk for the ‘Hope for Heather’ campaign to help raise the funds to get former nurse Heather Bellamy the treatment she needs.

Last month, those close to 48-year-old Heather, who has acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), launched an appeal to raise £250,000 which will allow her to travel to America, where an advanced medicine is available.

Mother-of-four Heather has received two stem cell transplants in the past, but these did not work and, besides chemotherapy which can slow down the spread of the aggressive cancer, there is no further treatment available to her in this country.

Staff at Arbuckles in Downham, Chris Heyes and Andy Lucraft-Townley, are among those who have gone the extra mile to help reach the fundraising target.

The pair will be taking on a 200-mile walk from Arbuckles to Cardiff over eight days in April to raise as much money as possible.

Mr Heyes, whose children were patients of Heather’s when she was a nurse, said he and Andy decided to take on the challenge as they are both fathers to young children and connected with Heather’s story.

He said: “My partner started organising cake sales and various other small events to raise money for Heather and I thought well, let’s do something big.

“Neither myself or Andy are fit enough to run a marathon a day for eight days, but walking it seemed like a realistic challenge.

“We thought we would start at Arbuckles as we both work there and finish in Cardiff, as there is a link with Josh Murphy, who plays for them. He is the son of the former owners of Arbuckles and also friend of Heather’s daughter.”

The pair have their own fundraising link. To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/chris-and-andy-head-to-cardiff.

A number of fundraising efforts have already taken place over the past few weekends, including raffles and bake sales organised by West Norfolk Swimming Club – which Heather’s two sons Alfie and Sam belong to – and have raised £2,456.

She said: “I truly believe without the support of West Norfolk Swimming Club, Alfie and Sam and also myself, would not be in such a strong place that we find ourselves in today.”

Several fundraising events are also planned over the next couple of months to boost the appeal.

There will be bucket collections at the King’s Lynn Town match at the Walks on Saturday.

A quiz will be held at the King’s Arms at Shouldham on February 24 at 7pm – to book, call 01366 347410.

Downham Lions Club will be hosting a concert by the Flukes (Fenland Ukeleles) at the Conservative Club on March 9 from 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £10 and are available from Bob Archibald on 01366 388840, or Alan Pickering on 01366 386125, or from the Conservative Club.

On the same evening, the Denver Bell will host an evening of live music from 8pm. Tickets cost £5.

A bingo night will be held at Marham Village Hall on March 22 from 6.30pm, with proceeds to be split between the appeal and village hall funds.

To donate, go to www.gofundme.com/auntie-heather039s-last-chance.