A TORFAEN woman is fundraising for Cancer Research UK after the loss of two close family members, by donating £1 every time she loses a lb in weight to Peter Andre’s charity page.
The Mysterious Girl singer set up the Just Giving page in honour of his late brother, Andrew, who passed away from the disease last year – and Samantha Williams, from Cwmbran, received a surprise personal message from Peter last week, inviting her to be one of his champion fundraisers.
The 41-year-old resident of Coed Eva began donating after the death of her brother-in-law, Mark, and her cousin, Kevin, both of whom died in recent years, aged in their 40s.
She made around 15 donation to Peter’s page over a number of months, and then one day she received a special message from the man himself.
It said: “Dear Samantha, your outpouring of support has been such an honour, and has helped me through what’s been a really tough time for me and my family.
“As you are part of my foundation’s family, I want you to be the first to know about my exciting new challenge - ‘Pete’s Champions’.
“All you need to do is fundraise, in your own way, for Cancer Research UK. Some amazing gifts will be rewarded for all the top fundraisers, including a meet and greet with yours truly.”
Mrs Williams has since set herself a £300 target, and has raised close to £100 already.
She said: “I was so proud to be asked to help by Peter. But this is dedicated to Mark and Kevin. Losing them changed our lives in so many ways. Life will never be the same without them. I hope to do them proud.”
Mrs Williams, who recently celebrated her first wedding anniversary at an event in Essex hosted by Peter’s other brother, Chris, will be selling knitted baby clothes for the cause at a Christmas Fayre at Pilcs Social Club, New Inn, on November 19. The event starts around 4.30pm.
Her local pub, the Crows Nest, is also hosting three events over the coming months, including a ladies night, from which part of the proceeds will go towards her fundraising effort.
Mrs Williams added: “I am extremely grateful to everyone who helps and donates and brings me that step closer to my target.”
Mrs Williams’ Just Giving page is
http://www.justgiving.com/samantha-williams22
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