A MUM from Barrow who has raised more than £130,000 for charity after her son died from cancer eight years ago has praised a community for their generosity.
With the help of her family and friends, Jo-Ann Ellis has worked tirelessly raising funds for the Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group, in memory of her son Jake Ellis, who died from a rare form of cancer when he was just five years old.
The latest fundraiser saw Furness Building Society, in Duke Street, Barrow, put on a kids' tombola giving away summer goodies to the children of the town.
Staff at the branch donned red T-shirts emblazoned with the words "Team Jake," and managed to raise a total of £150 thanks to the generosity of Barrow folk.
Mrs Ellis, who attended with her daughter Poppy, five, and son Luke, 10, said: "It was lovely to pop along and it was so nice to see the kids winning some prizes. To see their faces light up when they realised they had a winning ticket was brilliant.
"Barrow as a town sometimes gets bad press but they always stick together as a community when it comes to charity.
"They help out as much as they can and I am grateful for the companies, groups and individuals that have helped us out over the last eight years."
Wendy Norman, branch service manager at the building society, said: "All the kids seem to have really enjoyed themselves and we are delighted to have been able to do this for Team Jake, who have been so amazing in their fundraising efforts."
Jake died in 2008 from rhabdomyosarcoma, a tumour which develops from muscle or fibrous tissues. Fewer than 60 children are diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma in the UK each year, with most of them being younger than 10 years old.
Jake's mum originally planned to make £100,000 for charity, but after smashing that target she has now set the bar even higher and plans to raise £200,000.
She added: "There isn't a cure yet for rhabdomyosarcoma and until there is I am going to continue to keep fighting and fundraising.
"The pain of losing Jake never stops and it would have been his 13th birthday on September 30. That falls on the same day that Macmillan host their annual coffee mornings so we are going to host a coffee and cake event at St Aidan's church and raise some money for Jake on what will be a poignant day.
"I am nervous about doing it on his birthday but the awareness and support we will raise will make it all worthwhile."
READ MORE: Love Barrow Courage Award finalist: Jo-ann Ellis
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