December 16, 2016 11.30 am This story is over 87 months old

RAF Wing Commander raises £5k for charity following devastating cancer diagnosis

A Royal Air Force Wing Commander diagnosed with cancer has raised more than £5,000 to support cancer patients in Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire. Keri Spencer-Thomas was told of her cancer diagnosis in March 2016 during her tour at RAF Coningsby and has completed nine months of treatment alongside her fundraising efforts. Fundraising events including a sponsored…
Keri Spencer-Thomas Photo: Dean Wilkinson

A Royal Air Force Wing Commander diagnosed with cancer has raised more than £5,000 to support cancer patients in Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.

Keri Spencer-Thomas was told of her cancer diagnosis in March 2016 during her tour at RAF Coningsby and has completed nine months of treatment alongside her fundraising efforts.

Fundraising events including a sponsored Typhoon pull, cancer awareness day and a charity evening with the RAF Typhoon Display Pilot, ensured Keri reached her goal by the end of November.

Competitors dressed in pink taking part in the Typhoon pull challenge Photo: MOD

The money raised will be divided equally between four organisations involved in cancer treatment and care:

  • Lincoln Hospital Breast Unit
  • Queen’s Medical Centre Paediatric Oncology Department
  • Macmillan Cancer Support, Lincolnshire
  • St Barnabas Hospice, Lincolnshire

She said: “I knew people who had cancer, but never thought it would affect me until I was diagnosed with an invasive cancer.

“For me, the feeling of disbelief was quickly replaced by a fear of the unknown.

“I was quickly referred for treatment at Lincoln Hospital and the staff there gave me so much excellent treatment and support.

“Through their care, and the support of charities like Macmillan Cancer Support, I soon discovered I was not alone.

“I am delighted with the support that has been given to this cause by the whole community, family, friends, colleagues and even people I did not know.

“The money raised will go a long way towards continuing those treatments and services that are not funded directly by the NHS and providing new equipment that will help make the experience of cancer and its treatment as comfortable as possible.”