Woman’s determination to stop the suffering of others

Lily Dorritt (66), of Washington Street in Mexborough, has already raised £13,500 in two years for Weston Park Cancer Research and aims to reach a £10,000 target this year.

She has organised a range of events over the coming months and hopes that the public and businesses will get on board and support her.

Lily’s mum Lily Wassell and sister Carole both died from breast cancer along with five aunts.

Other close relatives have also been struck down with breast cancer or other cancers.

Lily now has two sisters battling cancer but she is clear of the breast cancer gene herself, which has made her even more determined to help others.

She said: “Seeing what my sisters are going through at the moment is not nice and and I just wish they will find a cure.

“I really do want them to find a cure — and the sooner the better.”

Lily has already held a month’s worth of car boot sales at the Pentecostal Church in Goldthorpe to raise £1,525 and has other events in her diary.

One of her nieces, Claire Wassell, gave up alcohol for nine weeks to raise cash and Lily will be presenting her with a certificate, flowers “and a big hug” at the Comrades Club in Goldthorpe on April 6.

Lily has organised a karaoke night at the Comrades Club on April 25 with a £50 first prize and there will be a psychic night, again at the Comrades Club, on May 26 with three mediums.

Then there is one for the ladies on June 27 at the Coronation Club in Thurnscoe where there will be a Full Monty show. Eighty tickets have already been sold for that.

Lily is also helping a friend who runs the Bryony’s Gift charity organise a family fun day at the Highgate Dog Track on August 2.

The determined fundraiser said that she would welcome support from local companies and traders who would be happy to donate items to raise money at the events.

Lily said: “I need some big companies behind me for raffle prizes.”