By Helen Le Caplain, Senior News Correspondent
A Wigan man is taking inspiration from his step-father’s battle with cancer to raise funds for the Manchester hospital that cared for him in his final weeks.
David Corless, 25, is organising a charity event for The Christie which treated Chris Corless for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma during the last four weeks of his life in 2007.
He is planning to host a black tie charity dinner at Ramada, Manchester Piccadilly on Friday March 30 next year, but needs initial sponsorship.
He said: “To get this event rolling, I am asking companies or businesses to make a donation of £500 to secure the venue and booking.
“In return for whoever sponsors this event with this kind donation then we would offer them free publicity and advertisement.”
Chris first felt unwell in March 2007 and after four weeks of going back and forth to Wigan Infirmary without any diagnosis, David’s mum, Joanne, insisted on him seeing a specialist.
It was at the first Christie appointment that the family was dealt the devastating blow that he did not have long left to live.
They were initially told that he would not last the weekend.
David said: “We didn’t tell him he was dying, it’s not what he would have wanted to have heard.
“We just wanted him to enjoy what time he had left.”
Against the odds, Chris battled against the disease for a further four weeks, during which time David celebrated his 21st birthday.
It was a low-key party held at home for family and close friends, and although Chris was confined to a wheelchair at this stage of his illness, he was determined to celebrate.
David said: “It wasn’t the best, but we made the most of it.
“He laughed and enjoyed every last minute.”
On September 21 2007, just four months after his diagnosis, Chris passed away at home with his family by his bedside.
Over 500 people, including doctors and nurses from The Christie, attended the funeral at St Mark’s Church in Newtown, Wigan.
David added: “Every single day I think about my father, as well as other people who have lost loved ones to cancer.
“I want to give back to The Christie to thank them for the hard work, care and support they give to each individual and their families.”
If David receives the sponsorship he needs, the event will begin with a champagne reception, followed by a three-course meal and live entertainment including singing waiters A Laaaaa Garcons, Take That Reunited, and a performance by Emma Jay.
An auction and raffle will be drawn on the night, with prizes including hotel breaks, a radio station tour and Manchester United football memorabilia.
Tickets cost £40 per head with all proceeds going to The Christie. This includes an arrival drink, three course meal, live entertainment, raffle, auction & special guest appearences. Sponsoring a table for £500 will include all the above PLUS VIP reception, photographs, half page advertisement in evening programmme, and even meet/greet/photo with all entertainment acts.
For more information about the event or to discuss sponsorship contact David on [email protected] or visit the Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=226738734015102
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