Grateful teenage patient helps out RVI hospital

Oct 26 2009 by David Black, The Journal

A GRATEFUL teenager who survived a malignant brain tumour has raised thousands of pounds for a Tyneside hospital unit that offers hope to other young people stricken by cancer.

Fifteen-year-old Charlotte Lee was determined to repay medical staff for the life-saving treatment and care she received after being diagnosed with a medulloblastoma – an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Now she has raised a magnificent £8,500 for the children’s cancer ward at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary – and vital research into medulloblastoma – by holding a charity auction night.

Dozens of people attended the event at The Badger pub near Ponteland, Northumberland, which included more than 100 auction lots and a £2,000 donation from Northern Rock. The result has delighted Charlotte – known as Charliie to her family and friends – who lives in Ponteland with her parents Joan and Kevin, and younger sisters Jessica and Stephanie.

Last night she said: “It is amazing to have raised £8,500 for the two charities because I thought I might raise a couple of hundred pounds at the most. The night went really, really well and I could not believe how many people turned up.

“I am very grateful to everyone who donated things to the auction and for the help I got from friends and family. Someone did the Great North Run and raised about £800 and another person donated £1,000.