Bakers rise to the challenge for brain tumour charity

Staff took part in the ‘Great Salix Homes Bake Off’ to raise money for The Brain Tumour Charity after our income manager Sharon Simmonds was diagnosed with a brain tumour three years ago.

Sharon, 48, from Bury, organised the cake baking fundraiser and a raffle as she wanted to give back to the charity which helped save her life.

She said: In February 2011, I collapsed and was found to have a large brain tumour. It was life threatening – the largest tumour they had seen at Hope Hospital and my family were all told to say their goodbyes to me.Thankfully through the fantastic expertise of the surgeons at Hope Hospital, they operated on me and managed to successfully remove all of the tumour. I am so grateful to the hospital and for the fantastic support I got from my family, friends and colleagues at Salix Homes – everyone was truly amazing.

I am so thankful to be alive and really believe that we should all live life to the full because you never know what’s round the corner.

The ‘bake off’ and raffle raised £303.89 after staff put their baking skills to the test and rustled up some culinary masterpieces, with our asset management surveyor Andrew Gerrish being crowned the winner for his chocolate cupcakes.

Sharon, who still has to undergo regular scans to ensure the tumour hasn’t returned, added: I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone at Salix Homes who took part. I have been truly overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity and enthusiasm for getting involved. Hopefully, the money raised will go some way to ensuring that lives can continue to be saved.

The Brain Tumour Charity carries out research into tumours and treatments and provides support for patients and their families. For further information go to www.thebraintumourcharity.org