Stars come out for brave mum

Sporting celebs have answered a life-saving call to help raise thousands of pounds for a brave mum’s brain cancer battle.

Stephanie Gorton’s family and friends have rallied round to organise a star-studded event to raise the funds needed to pay for vital therapy. 

The 37-year old, of Simmondley, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in November, and has been undergoing intensive radiotherapy. Further treatment is needed, and medical professionals are backing a plan for her to undergo life-saving Dendritic Cell Therapy from a leading neurosurgeon in Germany. The treatment is unavailable in the UK and costs £44,000. 

Stephanie’s husband Jason explained “We were on holiday in November when Steph felt unwell. When we got back we received the devasting news that she had brain cancer. She finished radiotherapy in January and is now on a trial at The Christie, but we’ve done lots of research and the treatment in Germany is the best option. We’ve spoken to others around the world who have had success with it, but it’s approximately £44,000 and so we are doing all we can to raise the money needed.” 

The couple have two children, 14-year old Belle and five year old Gunner and Stephanie’s diagnosis came as a shock to all of them. 

But now a celebrity football match will take place at Glossop North End later this month, thanks to family friends Graham Armstrong and Joel Murray, in an effort to raise the funds Stephanie needs to travel for the treatment in Germany. 

Graham said: “We are putting on a football match with one side made up of Steph’s friends and the other led by Steve and Simon Heaton who are ex-Glossop players. They are being joined by celebrities including ex-Manchester United players David May and Clayton Blackmore, plus Ricky and Campbell Hatton.” 

He added: “Gareth Hardy, the owner of Go Hard Fitness and Boxing in Hadfield, is providing the football kit for the ‘Jason’s Army’ side. It’s light grey and lavender which represents brain tumour and cancer awareness, and he has created a special logo just for Steph with the words ‘Inspiring Hope’ which is what we also want to do for others.” 

As well as the celebrity football match, the day will be packed with things for the whole family to enjoy, including face-painting, glitter festival make-up, dancing and live music, plus a raffle and auction with some amazing prizes. 

Graham continued: “As well as the football match we have a dance show at half-time by the local Blaze Street Dance Academy, and then after the match there will be live music from The Fay Brothers who are acoustic harmonists. A big part of the day though will be the raffle and auction, and we have been amazed by the items and memorabilia donated. 

“Manchester United have given us a signed shirt, and we’ve had items and services offered by businesses across Glossop and Tameside, such as a building company doing free work, hairdressers, restaurants, beauticians, gardeners, dancing lessons, a children’s birthday party, Peter Kay tickets, even a full air conditioning installation! 

“There are too many to name, we’ve been absolutely blown away by everyone’s generosity!” 

He added: “A big thank you also to the team at Glossop North End for letting us use the club – Dave Atkinson, the Chairman, Chris Armstrong, the Treasurer, and Ann Marie Armstrong who is looking after the refreshments.” 

The event has taken lots of planning and organising, much having been undertaken by Phil Taylor, a close friend of Steph’s. Sadly, Phil passed away unexpectedly in February. His wife Jemma said he would want the event to go-ahead, with Graham and Joel saying the event will be a tribute to him. 

Joel said: ‘The whole friendship group has helped so much. I want to mention Sarah Boardman, Emily Swallow and Danielle Golder, but especially Jem Taylor, Phil’s wife. Phil did so much organising for this event and it feel unbelievable that he’s not here.” 

He added: “We’ve all seen how this diagnosis has knocked Jason and Steph. Jason is self-employed and it’s been very difficult for him financially to take time off to support Steph and the children, and to emotionally deal with things himself. 

“The stress and strain he is under is huge, and now they have this overwhelming medical bill to fund. 

“It’s been such a tough time, but this event will hopefully help relieve the financial stress so that as a family they can try to cope with the emotional difficulties. Every pound truly does count. 

“Steph is a beautiful person who will do anything for anyone, so we have to stand with her shoulder to shoulder and give her a chance to fight this.” 

The event is free and tickets are not required, simply turn up and give a donation at the door, no matter how small. There will be a burger van, a pie hut and the bar will be open. 

The event, entitled the ‘Glossop Legends Fundraiser’ takes place on Saturday April 26 running from 1pm-7pm. Match kick off time is 1:30pm. 

You can donate to help Steph by visiting: www.gofundme.com/f/steph-gorton

You can also scan the QR code below. 

The organisers of the event are not the only ones to be touched by Steph’s story, as support has come from far and wide, which Jason has been bowled over by, saying: “We’ve just had an amazing offer from Robert Laing at Glossop Caravans, they are going to provide a caravan during the school holidays so that we can have a break, and they will drive it to Abersoch and then pick it up afterwards. 

“Steph is currently very fatigued, but she does have some good days and we try to make the best of them.”