24 hour rowathon raises funds for Doncaster mum battling cancer
The event raised funds for the Doncaster mum and former city pub boss
Big-hearted members of a Doncaster gym came together to raise funds for a Doncaster mum and former pub boss battling cancer for a second time.
More than £12,000 has already been raised for Lydia Pearson, who formerly ran The Wheatley Hotel, so she can travel to Portugal for care.
And at the weekend, members of Hybrid House gym in Doncaster boosted funds even further by staging a 24 hour sponsored rowathon.
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Owner Sophie Smith said: “Members of Hybrid House Gym came together for an incredible 24-hour rowing challenge to raise vital funds forour friend and fellow gym member, Lydia.”
From 8am on Saturday until 8am on Sunday, members took turns on the rowing machines, keeping the challenge going around the clock.
Added Sophie: “The challenge was organised to support Lydia, who is currently facing pancreatic cancer and needs life-saving surgery.
“For the members taking part, this was about much more than fitness. It was a chance for the Hybrid House Gym community to come together, support one of their own and help raise much needed funds during an incredibly difficult time.”
Money has poured in for Lydia after being told her condition is inoperable in this country.
Lydia, 59, has been diagnosed with stage three pancreatic cancer - after earlier surviving a fight with breast cancer.
Daughter Laura Sykes said: “She is now battling cancer again and has been told that she is inoperable in this country.
A funding page has been set up for Lydia, who ran the pub between 2004 and 2018. You can donate here - https://shorturl.at/m8Ee8
The family added: “We all believe our mum is the best mum in the world.
“She brought us into the world, clothed us, fed us, and ensured we never went without, even though she had very little.
“Our mum taught us how to carry on, no matter what. That when the chips are down and things are tough, it's okay to shed a tear, but you pick yourself up and keep on going.
“The last time she was diagnosed with cancer, she actually worked through her chemo. I couldn't quite believe my eyes as she stood there behind the bar, running a pub during treatment… pouring pints, laughing and joking with a beaming smile, and lighting up the room as though nothing was happening.
“She'd finish for the day, but not before making sure tea was on the table and the washing was done.
“Our mum is an exceptional mother of two, grandmother of three and wife. Unfortunately, cancer has come for round two.
“Though it will stand there with its big nasty teeth, eager to take another victim, it won't beat our mum.”