Harwich family hosts fundraisers series to support hospice

Katie Suley sadly lost a battle with signet ring cell cancer this February, leaving a hole in the lives of many people. 

The 30-year-old mother was diagnosed in 2021 and spent her final days at the St Helena Hospice. 

Her family and sister Giorgia have now decided to embark on a series of fundraisers to support the facility, which cared greatly for Katie before her untimely passing. 

Now her nan has been admitted to the hospice as well, making the family even more determined to raise funds for the institution. 

Giorgia said: “Our goal is to raise £3,200 for the hospice in Katie’s memory.  

“We are trying to raise as much awareness and money as possible for this incredible organisation, which really has helped us all.” 

A special fundraiser event, where Giorgia and a few of her family’s friends will shave their heads at the Royal Oak in Dovercourt, will take place on May 10 with singer Danny Paterson performing. 

Additionally, Giorgia and nine of her colleagues are taking on the Nuclear Races, a 7k race through a muddy assault course, on May 11. 

Giorgia added: “I'm looking forward to it, even though I’m a bit nervous.

"I've tried to do a lot for my mental health lately and these events help me channelling the grief that I’ve been feeling.” 

A special auction event with raffle prizes up for grabs will be held in Katie’s memory at The Royal Oak on April 12, starting at 7pm. 

“We will be auctioning off some of the lads that work at Marvans Vegetation Management, and our brother Scott, to help out for a couple of hours," she added.

"They can help with any household chores, gardening and more, but there will be some other volunteers to be bid on.” 

Tickets for the event can be bought by contacting Giorgia or The Royal Oak owner Andrea King via Facebook. 

Anyone interested in supporting the family in its fundraising mission can donate to its Just Giving page.