A determined daughter has raised over £16,000 for the hospice that cared for her mother before her death at the age of 34.
July 26 marked two years since 10-year-old Harli Dixon lost her mother, Jemma Chatten, to cancer.
Jemma had first been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017 and received chemotherapy.
In December 2021, she was told that the cancer had spread and was now incurable.
Jemma came under the care of St Elizabeth Hospice in June 2022. The hospice is an independent charity which cares for more than 4,000 patients and their families throughout East Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney every year.
Harli's dad Rob Dixon said: “From the moment Jemma arrived at the St Elizabeth Hospice Inpatient Unit, staff were just brilliant.
“They were so kind and compassionate towards Jemma and our whole family."
After her mother died, Harli became determined to do all she could to raise funds to help St Elizabeth Hospice.
“I will remember mummy forever, and I would love to have a leaf in her memory on the Memory Tree at the hospice,” said Harli, speaking before the event.
“The hospice staff were so nice to me and looked after my Mummy as best they could. Even when she struggled with speaking, they knew what she liked and her favourite food to eat – they always made sure she was comfortable.”
In 2023, Harli raised £2,500 by taking part in the charity’s Midnight Walk fundraiser.
This year, she was determined to do even better, and hosted a dinner and dance at Seckford Hall, where her father works, on Friday.
The evening saw over 130 people attend for a special dinner and dance, with music provided by MJ Soul, and a raffle featuring a range of prizes including a signed Terry Butcher England football shirt and a weekend away in Ibiza.
Harli smashed her £10,000 target and has raised over £16,800.
Rob said: “I am so, so proud of Harli for what she has managed to achieve. She continues to amaze us with her dedication and determination to support this wonderful charity.
“I had no idea we would raise this fantastic amount of money for the hospice. I am absolutely blown away by the generosity people have shown and we are extremely grateful to everyone who has made this evening possible.
“We can never thank St Elizabeth Hospice enough for the support they gave Jemma and Harli. We will continue to support the charity going forward and hope the money raised will help others who are under the care of the hospice.”
Judi Newman, chief executive officer at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: “On behalf of the whole hospice, I want to say a big thank you and well done to Harli for her fantastic fundraising in memory of her mummy.
“It is a remarkable achievement and she should be very proud herself. The fundraising Dinner & Dance was so lovely to attend and we are extremely grateful to everyone who supported the night.
“Every penny raised by Harli will make a big difference to patients and families under our care throughout East Suffolk, Great Yarmouth & Waveney.”
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