Leamington cancer survivor celebrates by raising £2,700 for charity

A blood cancer survivor from Leamington has raised £2,700 for charity by hosting a fashion and beauty event in the town.
Richard and Kathy Oldershaw.Richard and Kathy Oldershaw.
Richard and Kathy Oldershaw.

Richard Oldershaw, 69, and his wife Kathy organised the event at House of Fraser - which took place last week in aid of Bloodwise Blood Cancer Research - to celebrate five years of being clear of the disease.

The grandfather had not actually realised he was ill when he was diagnosed in 2010. He said: “I had a lump under my arm, so I went to the doctor and was referred to a specialist. Within a few days, I was given a biopsy and was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.”

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The scans showed that the cancer in Richard’s body had spread from his neck down to his legs. He was told he only had a 22 per cent chance of living for five years after his treatment.

Richard said: “I went through six months of chemotherapy, which was harder to deal with than the illness itself. But I got through it. After the six months, they said that was the end of the treatment.

“I have had really good family support. With my wife and two children there, I have been quite positive. We would celebrate each year as it came.

“It has now been five years since the treatment ended, so I am technically cured.”

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He added: “If I had not gone to see the doctor about that lump, I would have been dead within six months.

“It’s so important, if you get a lump or anything unusual, to get it seen to.”

Richard had worked for Barclays Bank for 32 years, so the bank agreed to boost his fundraising total from the fashion show from £1,700 to £2,700.

The event included a prosecco and canapes reception, beauty products demonstrations and a fashion show with ten models - including Richard’s 14-year-old granddaughter and one of her friends.

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More than 100 people attended and the event also included a raffle to win a holiday in Spain - a prize donated by friends.

Richard said: “We would very much like to thank all the House of Fraser staff for hosting such a brilliant evening - and of course all our friends who supported the event.”