THE mother of a nurse battling terminal cancer said a recent fundraising effort was a ‘huge success’.
Teresa Chandler, 54, is a children’s nurse at Colchester Hospital.
Her tenure at the hospital began when she volunteered in the paediatric unit.
Teresa was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in August 2021.
At present, Teresa is being cared for by St Helena Hospice, requires the use of a wheelchair and needs oxygen support.
Teresa’s current prognosis is two years, however, her doctors have said some patients have lived up to five years – a target Teresa is determined to reach.
She has also recently undergone new chemotherapy treatment.
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With assistance from Colchester business Artsy Image, an auction selling some of Teresa’s own sports memorabilia took place on June 9.
Ipswich Town Football Club hosted the auction at their venue.
The haul included t-shirts adorned with the signatures of footballers, F1 drivers and other sportspeople.
Essex County Cricket Club also donated a signed bat to be included.
The funds are partially intended to help Teresa complete items on her bucket list.
One item on the bucket list is going to see P!nk in concert, as Teresa has a ticket for an upcoming show.
Not only that, but her dream is to travel to and from the venue in a limousine.
Portions of the money raised will also go to the Ipswich Town Football Club trust and Collingwood Cancer Treatment Centre at Colchester Hospital.
In particular, the latter has looked after Teresa during her treatment.
Teresa herself attended the auction with help from the staff at St Helena Hospice.
Friday’s auction was very much a family affair, with Teresa’s brothers, Richard and Nigel in attendance.
Nigel had travelled from Taunton in Somerset just to be at the auction with his family.
Jo Garwood, Teresa’s mother said the fundraising night had raised approximately £7,500.
Jo added: “Teresa was overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone who gave so generously by either bidding on items on the night and via the Go Fund Me site and to the kindness of everyone at Ipswich Town for their support since her diagnosis.
“She would like to say a very big thank you to everyone who attended either in person or online on the night.”
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