Burnley businesses raise more than £20k for mum with terminal cancer

Through a combination of business fundraising, donations and a family-run raffle, firms in Burnley have raised the cash to help the family of Danielle Harker, who has incurable bowel cancer.

The money is to be donated to Pendleside Hospice and Crohn's and Colitis UK, with a view for some of the funds to go to Danielle’s children, Shae, three, and Arlo, two.

Dubbed ‘Mission Danielle’, organisations rallied round to provide memory making experiences and huge raffle prize donations, in a bid to raise funds for worthy causes close to Danielle and her family's hearts, as well as to provide them with lasting memories.

Crown Paints have donated Disney Encanto bags to the children, alongside a plane experience from Burnley based firm Quicker Skips.

Other raffle prizes and donations include an alpaca experience courtesy of Orenon Tree, a family pass from Air Nation, Everyman Cinema, Clitheroe, and a Bosie and Braw family painting.

Danielle was diagnosed with bowel cancer last August, when she was just 33, and has been documenting her battle on social media, as she vows to continue to do all she can in order to spend as much time with her children and husband, Anthony, as possible.

A Gofundme page, set up by Danielle’s mother, Suzi Folley on March 14 was initially shared among friends and family on Facebook and very quickly started to gather momentum when people and local companies learned of Danielle’s circumstances.

In just over a week, 432 donors throughout Burnley have helped to raise a total of £19,000.

Ms Folley said: “We’re all completely overwhelmed by the response and donations we’ve received and this has most certainly helped to raise all our spirits, particularly Danielle’s, throughout what is an incredibly emotional, challenging time for us all.

“Over the past fortnight, Danielle has had an extremely difficult time whilst receiving chemotherapy and was admitted to Blackburn hospital after a blood clot and fluid in her lungs were discovered which also led to a few different types of infections too. It really has been a mentally and physically challenging time for her.

“We have been keeping Danielle updated with the donations whilst she’s undergoing treatment that’s really helped lift her spirits and helped make the toughest of days feel a little easier to bare for us all.

“We cannot thank everyone enough.”

Danielle’s auntie and mother-in-law, Jayne Bayliff and Julie Richardson, extended their thanks and appreciation to local businesses for their overwhelming generosity and support towards the fundraisers they have been carrying out for Danielle’s chosen charities.

Jayne, Danielle’s auntie, said: “In times like this, we all feel very limited in terms of what we can do for Danielle, aside from providing her with the emotional support she and the family needs, which is why we’ve ploughed all our efforts towards helping raise vital funds for charities that mean so much to Danielle.

“Business owners of all different sizes have gone above and beyond to donate prizes to various fundraisers we've been involved with, which up to now, has helped raise up to £4,000 and counting.

"It’s been very heartwarming to see and, as Suzi mentioned, helps make the toughest of days a little brighter for us.

“Julie and I would like to say a special thank you to Althams Travel, Barnfield Homes, Bouquet by Jess, Skin Harmony by Michaela, FM Fragrance with Jasmine, Air Unlimited, Quicker Skips, Cuppa Cakes, Fudgetastic treats, Enzos, Daisy Chan, Tropics Skincare by Tracy Wilkinson and Wax Melts by Rixy and Ruby.

“Without them, this wouldn’t have been possible and we are so grateful for their heartfelt support."

Next month, a fun day at St Andrews of Abinger Street, Burnley, will be taking place and close friends, Tom and his daughter Sophia, will be taking on 100 climbs up Pendle Hill in a bid to raise additional funds throughout Bowel Cancer Awareness Month.

Tom's wife and best friend to Danielle said: “Tom and my daughter Sophia are completing a charity event in April which is Bowel Cancer Awareness month.

"They aim to complete 100 climbs up Pendle Hill throughout the month and raise as much money as they can.

"Danielle is my shining star. Herself, Shae, Arlo and Anthony are our second family and we will do everything we can to help them make the precious memories they deserve."

If you would like to support Danielle’s ongoing legacy, along with her family, please make donations directly to the Gofundme page by clicking here.