When Josie Sanderson was told she had terminal cancer she was determined to do something memorable to celebrate her life.

So the 47-year-old decided to throw a huge party for 250 friends, family, and work colleagues to thank them for their love and support during the difficult times she has faced. Josie, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer two years ago and given just six months to live, wanted the occasion to be joyous and to help others touched by the disease. So she pledged to raise as much money as possible from the party to support research with the Weston Park Hospital Cancer Appeal, and to help two other cancer organisations.

"Whilst I can I will continue to fight," she said. "My approach to life has always been one of 'Live for the day and to the full'. I could not leave this life without trying to help others in similar situations."

The huge bash – held in Sheffield's Hilton Hotel on Saturday 25th January 2003 – was a great success and raised around £10,000 for the charities. "It exceeded all my expectations – it was really good and I have so many people to thank for their contributions and support. It was an amazing evening," said Josie.

Since December, Josie and three friends have been working tirelessly on the event, and when word of her plans got round, offers of help came flooding in. Musicians "Vinyl Years" played pop music from the 1960s for free, and a magician and clown also donated their services. Josie's colleagues at Elan – part of the Manpower organisation – held dress-down days at work and donated the profits to the fund. Companies and individuals also donated raffle and tombola prizes to help boost the total.

The event touched the hearts of many people, including many who do not know Josie.
Guests staying at the hotel organised a collection when they heard about the party. And managers donated proceeds from cloakroom tickets.

"There was a great atmosphere. I was really touched by the response – it was fantastic," said Josie.

Since January 2000 she has lived with the uncertainty of limited life expectancy, but remains determined to make the most of the time she has left. After her diagnosis she had treatment at the Christie Hospital in Manchester, which extended her life. But she now has secondary cancer and sadly cannot be cured.

By organising the party Josie was fulfilling one of her goals – and is now looking forward to her next target – a holiday in the Caribbean in April. "I'm setting myself achievable goals. I have got to be realistic, but that's what I'll continue to do."

The money raised will help a research project at Weston Park Hospital, which is studying the effects of cancer treatment on long term survivors. Donations will also be made to the Christie Hospital and the Cancer Research charity.

I personally am full of admiration for Josie and what she is trying to achieve. I believe she deserves the support of all of us, whether or not we knew her at school. We will continue to support her in any way we can.

Please see the article on The Star's website and do a search for Josie Sanderson in the archives if necessary. I've included below Josie's own words about the event.

Rob Tomlinson

“This is an event to celebrate my having survived so far!
I want to party whilst I can and want you my friends to do so with me!  At the same time we will be holding an auction and raffle as well as events on the night to raise much needed funds for cancer research. It will be fun and I really hope you can join us!”

All Welcome!

Josie Sanderson

Background information:
My name is Josie Sanderson; I am 47 years old and am living for each day with cancer.  I realise also that many people have experienced or are touched by cancer in some way within their own family and friends, and as a result can be inundated with requests.  My story involves being diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer in January 2000. I was given a life expectancy of 6 months and told that the only treatment I could be offered was two weeks of radiotherapy which may increase my expectancy by another two months maximum. At 45 I would not accept this. And through the help of many friends I was lucky to find a surgeon 40 miles away in Manchester who said I deserved a chance.  Needless to say his work and the follow-up treatment at Christies in Manchester has helped me to this day.  Unfortunately I now have secondary cancers which have now limited my expectations. However, whilst I can I will continue to fight!

The point:
Those of you who know me realise that my approach to life has always been one of live for the day and to the full.  For the past 25 years I have worked within the IT recruitment industry, the past eight of which have been with Manpower and Elan.  I am really sorry I am no longer able to work, I miss the friends, colleagues and customers with whom I have had excellent relationships over the time.  You all know therefore that I could not leave this life without trying to help others in similar situations.  So far the only thing I have done is a 300ft abseil which was not planned but ultimately I raised over £600 for Weston Park Hospital in Sheffield.

My next project is much bigger.  It is the combination of a big party to celebrate my life whilst I can still enjoy things and at the same time raise money for cancer charities through an auction, raffle and events on the night.  I am therefore asking for your help in these three areas.

For the auction if you or your organisation can offer services of any kind, large or small, serious or if possible humorous, then we would like to include them in the actual auction. If you can offer something on the night, for example I have a friend who will be providing Reiki healing, then that would be good too.  The third area is of course the raffle, any prize for that would be great.

We haven’t as yet set a target – we need to see what the possible services and prizes are first- but anything you can do to help us will be great.

The invite:
The date for the event is the 25^th January 2003 and it is to be held at The Hilton Hotel in Sheffield. They have very kindly offered reductions on room rates for those guests who need to stay over. We have arranged entertainment and food and are looking forward to a night of fun and laughter. Tickets for the event are £15 to cover our costs for food etc and if you and any of your friends and family would like to attend we would gladly welcome you.

Thank you for your time, if you could let me know if you can help I would be most grateful, my contact details are:  
Tel 0114 267 9754 or 07802 405173
Email  josiesanderson@aol.com