A WOMAN has staged a virtual tennis tournament in memory of a friend who died of cancer.

Debbie Jones has so far raised more than £2,000 for the Maggie's Centre, built in the grounds of Clatterbridge Health Park, after her late friend Mary Power received help from them.

The centre is currently helping people living with cancer through the coronavirus emergency by phone, email or through their online community.

Supporters are going to all lengths to help ensure Maggie’s vital services can continue.

Debbie and Mary became friends through Mary’s husband Brian, as the trio all worked for The Wirral University Teaching Hospital. After Mary was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer back in 2016 her and husband Brian were advised to visit Maggie’s to get some much-needed support.

Brian said: "Maggie’s provided amazing support to not only Mary but to the entire family. We needed emotional support, but we also needed practical support too, such as benefits advice and information surrounding treatment.

"Maggie’s was such a dear place to Mary and every time we would come for treatment we would be sure to pop in to the centre, whether it be for a cuppa and a biccie or for Mary to attend one of the very many courses, such as the Look Good Feel Better session which Mary thoroughly enjoyed.

"It wasn’t hard to get a smile on Mary’s face but every time we left Maggie’s she would be smiling from ear to ear."

All at The Wirral University Teaching Hospital had heard such positive things about Maggie’s and after the passing of Mary they wanted to do something in her memory.

Debbie said: "Mary and I were such good friends and she spoke so, so highly of Maggie’s. At Mary’s funeral service Mary had requested that all funds raised went to Maggie’s and after raising over £800 we thought it would be a good idea to hold a charity fundraiser.

"As chair of Prenton Lawn Tennis Club, each year we organise a winter tournament, this year we decided to do it for charity, our chosen charity being one extremely close to Mary’s heart, Maggie’s Merseyside.

"We were charging a tournament entry fee and this fee went directly to Maggie’s through our Just Giving Page. After the tournament we had a big celebration planned with the hope of raising £500 for Maggie’s, but due to the current Covid-19 situation I had to cancel the event.

"After all the hard work, it was really upsetting. A couple of days before the event I decided that nothing was going to stop me in raising awareness for such a great cause and leaving a lasting legacy for my friend, so I decided to hold the event virtually.’

Debbie was on a mission to hit her target of £500 but managed to raise an incredible £2,094.89.

Kathy Wright, Maggie’s Merseyside Centre head, said: “We understand how disheartening it can be when a supporter has to postpone an event, especially during these unprecedented times when people need a lift. But thanks to supporters like Debbie, we’re here now providing invaluable support to those that need us most."

Maggie’s Merseyside relies almost entirely on voluntary donations to be able to offer this high quality, professional support. For vitually fundraising ideas visit https://www.maggies.org/get-involved/do-your-own-fundraising/virtual-fundraising/

You can donate via https://justgiving.com/campaign/maggiesmerseyside

To find out more about Maggie’s Merseyside please get in touch on 01513344301 Liverpool@maggiescentres.org

To make a donation to Debbie’s virtual fundraiser in memory of her friend you can donate via

http://www.justgiving.com/debra-jones13