Community rallies around beloved Haydock nan after diagnosis

A long-standing chef at Broad Oak care home and former stewardess of Haydock Conservative Club, Yvonne Bridge is known and adored by many across the community.

A mum-of-three and nan-of-two, the 64-year-old has dedicated her life to her family and her work, but was forced to take a step back following a stage four lung cancer diagnosis in June.

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Family, friends, and local businesses came together to support the event (Image: Abigail Whitfield) Taken aback by the sudden diagnosis, and the impact that this has had on her routine, Yvonne and her family wanted to organise an event to raise money for Macmillan cancer charity and coincide with its national 'Coffee Morning' campaign.

As Yvonne was concerned about how her cancer treatment may impact her health, the mum-of-three wanted to host the event as quickly as possible, and her daughter Leah organised the 'Coffee and Catch Up' over a two-week period.

Despite the quick turnaround, friends, family, and local businesses flooded to support the event on Saturday, August 31, which involved raffle prizes, cake sales, and tombola and raised more than £2,000 for Macmillan.

A collection of businesses donated prizes to be raffled off (Image: Abigail Whitfield) Abigail, Secretary to the Club Management Committee at Haydock Conservative Club, said: "There was a really great atmosphere at the event and it makes me a bit emotional because we were flooded with people who wanted to support Yvonne.

"Yvonne is a hardworking, resilient, empathetic, and loved woman who will do anything for anybody, and she will always muck in for people.

"She was always first in and last out at work and she was a really valued member of all places where she worked.

"She's one of life's diamonds and a friend for life, and that's why we really wanted to bring people together to show our support and raise money for Macmillan."

Yvonne was flooded with support at the event (Image: Abigail Whitfield)To support Yvonne's cancer journey, you can donate to the Macmillan fundraiser here.