Family fundraise over £4k in memory of loving mum

Since losing his wife in March 2016 James Curtis has been busy fundraising in her memory with his two children.

Leanne Curtis was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013 while pregnant with her second son Freddie. Leanne was able to safely deliver Freddie and continue with her chemotherapy.

Sadly Leanne lost her battle against cancer in March 2016 and donations from her funeral started the family fundraising for the Pink Rose Fund, raising £2,000 at the funeral alone.

The Pink Rose Fund is the charitable fund for the Pink Rose Suite at Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby. Under the banner of the Health Tree Foundation the fund supports excellent care for all patients of the trust-wide breast service.

James, his daughter Georgia, five, and son Freddie, two, continued to raise funds. Georgia dancing solo at a national dance competition in front of 1,000 people in her mums memory raising over £500 in one day.

Grimsby Borough Football Club have decided their third kit will be pink to raise money and awareness for the Pink Rose Fund at The Health Tree Foundation. Team Manager, Dan Barrett is James’ brother.

Dan said: “The idea came about when we were told that we were going to have a third kit, and we came up with the idea of a pink kit to honour Leanne. We thought it was quite fitting really.”

The kit is sponsored by the Cherry Blossom Hair boutique in Cleethorpes owned by Gemma Flint who is a close friend of the family.

Gemma said: “The Pink Rose Suite touches so many people on so many levels, we are really happy to be supporting the team and the fundraising.”

James said: “Leanne was very young with such a big smile and great outlook on life.

“She was an inspiration to many and she has left two wonderful children who admired her dearly.
“Leanne was a fighter who had a never give up spirit. She always said that her determination is what got her through many challenges in life.

“I have learned from Leanne that you have to fight for what you want in life and never give up until you cannot fight anymore.

“She’s very dearly missed by many especially me, Georgia and Freddie.”

Breast Support Nurse at the Pink Rose Suite, Annie Thorne, said: “James has done absolutely brilliantly in the circumstances. The money raised will be used for patient care and to remind us of Leanne.”