7:00am Wednesday 11th April 2012
A man battling cancer is organising a ball to raise funds for two charities which have helped him during the last decade.
Luke Gilbert was diagnosed with non Hodgkins anaplastic large cell lymphoma at Airedale Hospital in 2003 and is still receiving treatment as he continues his fight against the illness.
Now the 24-year-old wants to help the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust and the Teenage Cancer Trust with his black tie ball in Ilkley in May.
Both charities are set up to improve the lives of young people with cancer and have supported Mr Gilbert during his battles.
“I’m trying to raise money for charities that have done something for me,” he said.
“Although the hospitals I’ve been to have been great for the treatment, for me the mental side was what I struggled with.
“You aren’t better until you sort your brain out, and these charities have helped me do that.”
“Now I see myself as someone who is over cancer, even though I’m terminal and on palliative care.
“The mental support these charities give is so important. Even if the ball just raises awareness rather than money it’s something, although ideally we do need to get bums on seats.”
Teenage Cancer Trust is the only UK charity dedicated to improving the quality of life and chances of survival for the six young people aged between 13 and 24 diagnosed with cancer every day.
The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust is a nationwide charity that aims to help young people recovering from cancer and serious illness rebuild the confidence lost through long periods of hospitalisation and takes young people aged between eight and 24 on four-day sailing trips, providing an opportunity to test themselves in a safe and supportive environment.
Mr Gilbert first sailed with the trust in 2010 and returned last year to do volunteer training and compete in the Round the Island Race, the annual yachting contest around the Isle of Wight.
The ball takes place on Saturday, May 12, at Craiglands Hotel in Ilkley Dress code is black tie with a splash of blue, and tickets for the event are £40, which includes a three-course meal, an auction, raffle and entertainment.
Prizes up for grabs on the night include six professional basketball tickets, a cap signed by F1 drivers Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button, Mark Webber, Michael Schumacher, and many more.
For tickets, call Luke Gilbert on 07590 464636 or Laura Gilbert on 07557 683203 or e-mail gilberts_sister@hotmail.co.uk.
For details on the two cancer charities for which the event is raising cash, visit ellenmacarthurcancertrust.org and teenagecancertrust.org.
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