THE family of a Penarth girl who died tragically from an infection following her recovery from an aggressive form of cancer five years ago are continuing to fundraise in her honour.
Jade Pemberton died on March 12, 2008, following a short and intense battle with Burkitt’s lymphoma, aged just 19.
Her family have already raised more than £8,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust (TCT) but her aunt and uncle are planning more events.
Malanie Asthenidis-Dawson will be accepting donations during a bag-packing session at Asda in Cardiff Bay on Saturday, March 2, while her husband, Nektarios Asthenidis, is preparing to run the London Marathon after securing a last-minute place.
Blu Hair Salon in Penarth will also be dressing up in their finest onesies to fundraise on March 2, and Barry Dock engineering firm Harris Pye Marine have pledged to double every donation provided by employees – directors alone have already donated £600.
Nektarios has never run a full marathon before and needs to raise £2,000 over the next three months.
Malanie said it was a daunting prospect but knew the memory of Jade’s strength would drive them both on.
“This is an extremely emotional journey for us as family and friends,” she said. Jade was such an incredibly brave and beautiful girl.
“Never for one minute did we actually think things would turn out as they did, as she had such strength.
“We were even planning in hospital how we could raise money for the TCT, as she never wanted anyone else to go through what she had to.
“We watched through the window as the TCT ward was being built and it was inspirational to us all, which is why Jade and I would make plans for raising money.
“Sadly she never got the chance to do this, but we are hoping to carry on her wish by making this happen and raise as much money as we can to make a difference in her honour.
“My husband has said he will walk the marathon if need be – Jade never ever gave up so he says that is the least he can do.”
Melanie and Nektarios have set up a JustGiving page in their appeal for help, be it sponsorship, fund-raising ideas, or even to help with the bag packing at Asda.
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