A BLACKBIRD Leys mother is holding a charity fun day in aid of McMillan Cancer Support for a second time – but this year it will have a far more personal factor.

Community volunteer Lauraine Dineen, of Evenlode Tower, held a small gathering for friends and family to support McMillan’s World Biggest Coffee Morning appeal last year, purely because she likes to fundraise.

But when her aunt fell ill to the disease at Christmas she decided not only to repeat the event but make it a family fun day as well and open it up to all of Blackbird Leys in an effort to raise as much as possible.

The 30-year-old mother-of-two said: “I’m going to go all out. I have my friend Stacey Black helping me.

“Last year was just something small, but after my aunt was told she had cancer I knew I had to do something more.”

Mrs Dineen’s aunt, Tania Palmer, of Bicester, was diagnosed with breast cancer in December.

In April she had a mastectomy and reconstruction surgery, and will now undergo chemotherapy for a year.

The family has rallied round, and Mrs Dineen says her aunt’s bravery has touched all who know her.

Mrs Dineen said: “I am quite shy so was a bit scared at first because I wasn’t sure how to go about organising an event like this. But then when I think what my auntie has to go through and how brave she is everyone else’s troubles seem insignificant in comparison.

“She is a self-employed carer with a daughter of her own and yet she has carried on working as much as possible, she’s an inspiration. My mum, Lynda Moss, has also been a tower of strength.”

She and Ms Black have been busy canvassing local businesses in Oxford.

She said: “We’re going around as many as we can for raffle prizes and games, and so far we’ve had a really good response, but obviously want as many people to take part either on the day or by donating.”

So far prizes include paintball tickets for Delta Force paintball, two tickets to any show at the O2 Academy in Cowley Road and a family ticket to Woburn Safari Park.

The event will take place in Littlemore Village Hall on October 12 between noon and 3pm.

  • To find out more about the event or to offer raffle prizes, call 07814 762089.