CHINGFORD: Mother, 71, plans garden party to raise charity cash (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

CHINGFORD: Mother, 71, plans garden party to raise charity cash

6:16pm Saturday 31st July 2010 in

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A 71-year-old who battled cancer has started organising a garden party to raise cash for charity.

Christine Hebbs has started planning for a party which she will host at her house in Chingford in September.

Mrs Hebbs, of York Road, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer four years ago when she was 67.

She has received respite care from Macmillan Cancer Support and wants to raise money for the charity.

Mrs Hebbs, who now has check ups every six months, said four people in her road have suffered cancer and it prompted her to open the doors to her house on September 24 to help raise funds.

A neighbour, and mother of two, who Mrs Hebbs knew as Maria, died of cancer aged 36.

Mrs Hebbs said: "I thought it would be good to raise money for Macmillan because there will be other Maria's and there are plenty of people with cancer who need the support of the charity."

Mrs Hebbs said she has no idea how many people will turn up for her garden party but she has organised a variety of stalls including a book stall, bric-a-brac and a cake stall and there will be plenty of things to buy, from videos and DVDs to homemade jam.

Mrs Hebbs, who works at a restaurant in Newbury Park, said there will also be a balloon release and a raffle.

Her employers, Miller and Carter, have offered a meal for two as a raffle prize and she is seeking more gifts.

She said friends and family are supporting her plans, including her 75-year-old husband Derek.