Family Fun Day raises awareness of local cancer support

LOCAL cancer charity, Lisa’s Army, held a family fun day at Frome Rugby Club on Saturday 3rd September, welcoming people to raise money and awareness for the charity. The proceeds from the day were also split with another Frome-based charity, We Hear You (WHY), which helps people with cancer and life-threatening illnesses, and their families.

The day involved various activities including bouncy castles, a football fun factory, live music, stalls from local people selling jewellery and hand-made gifts, a raffle, tombola, second hand uniform stall, sumo suits and an inflatable slide.

Lisa’s Army was set up by Frome mum, Lisa Wells, who was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer in 2017.  Lisa began a campaign to raise awareness of bowel cancer and raise money for cancer charities. Her family and friends joined her campaign, becoming Lisa’s Army. National magazine, HELLO!, crowned Lisa as their ‘Star Mum’ in 2018. Lisa died on 17th August 2019. Lisa’s wish was to create lasting memories for families of people with terminal cancer and her army of family and friends are continuing her legacy.

Deanna Wells, Lisa’s mother, and the charity’s life president said, “Things have gone well. We’re getting our name back out there because due to lockdown and Covid, we haven’t seen anyone, so it’s nice to get back out there and meet people and hopefully meet people that we can help who may be struggling with cancer.”

“My daughter Lisa said, ‘Memories are everything and when you have someone who is fighting cancer, being able to look back on things you have been able to do with your family and with your friends is the most important thing, and we find as a family that it is the memories that keep you going.’”

“We are hoping this is going to be an annual event that we hope to build bigger and bigger. Doing it with WHY works well and we are hoping that we can help each other.”

Lisa’s Army UK is a registered charity and was Lisa’s vision, helping terminal cancer patients to create ever lasting memories.

Deanna said, “You don’t realise the amount of local people who have got cancer, have got family who have got cancer and do not know where to go for help.

“We can help people if they want a wig or hair and makeup, it’s not just helping with memory days.

“If people want to get involved just email us, approach us, ring or text message, all information is on the website. Please don’t feel awkward about getting in touch. We want to hear from anyone.”

For further details or to contact the team email, info@lisasarmy.co.uk/