TWO sisters are today raising money to thank the hospital which cared for their mother through a four-year cancer battle.

TWO sisters are today raising money to thank the hospital which cared for their mother through a four-year cancer battle.

Helen Osborn and Alison Scanes are organising a memorial charity ball to raise awareness and money for the Ipswich Hospital Somersham Ward Cancer Unit Support Group.

Their mother Margaret, who died of cancer in 2004, was cared for at the cancer ward and the family want to help the support group which improves patients' comfort.

Mrs Osborn, of Eccles Road, said: “When we were told she was going to a cancer ward we imagined it as an awful place, but it was the nicest ward I've ever seen.

“I think everyone agrees the staff on Somersham Ward are amazing, and they really do make the whole process easier for you.

“The ball is really to thank them, to raise awareness and to remember mum, who was inspirational.”

Margaret Scanes, who died when she was 58, was married to husband Michael and lived in Buddleia Close.

She fell ill in 2000 and was diagnosed with incurable ovarian cancer in 2001. The cancer spread to her bowels and she died in 2004 after four courses of chemotherapy and several operations.

She had been employed by the NHS since 1988, working as supplies manager for Bury St Edmunds' West Suffolk Hospital and the Suffolk Mental Health Partnership until her death.

While ill, she studied for a degree and graduated while she was undergoing chemotherapy.

With Mr Scanes, Margaret also got involved with cancer user groups, including the Ipswich Hospital Cancer Services User Group.

The couple worked with Macmillan Cancer Support and attended meetings of the All Party Parliamentary Cancer Group at the Houses of Parliament. Mr Scanes has remained involved since his wife's death.

The charity ball is being held at the Elizabeth Hotel, Copdock, on October 5, and will cater for between 200 and 300 people. It will include a three-course dinner, a band and dancing, auction and raffle.

For tickets, which are £35 each, e-mail hosborn344@hotmail.com or ascanes@ea-law.co.uk

N Has your family been helped by the Somersham Ward? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk