a day ago
Colchester pub to host 90s & 00s themed charity auction in support of man with cancer
A HUGE fundraising drive to help a Colchester man battling a rare stage 4 cancer has hit its halfway point.
Stuart 'Stu' Smith, 40, an accountant, was first diagnosed with melanoma in 2019 after discovering a lump in his neck.
Since then, he and his wife Lauren, from Stanway, have been through a devastating journey of surgeries, failed treatments, and relentless setbacks.
After exhausting all available options in the UK, Stu and his wife Lauren are trying to raise £167,000 for a potentially life-saving treatment in Israel.
Alongside the couple, countless supporters have been hosting events and activities in a community effort to reach the target - including viral campaign, #DoItForStu.
So far more than £85,000 of the target has been raised.
Support - Stuart Smith is battling stage four cancer (Image: Submitted)Last weekend, the campaign held a drag karaoke and bingo night at the Curve bar, with more than 125 people attending and £5,000 raised.
Tonight the Lexden Crown, in Lexden Road, will sponsor #DoItForStu, donating its entire restaurant and bar area to a fundraising event.
The evening begins at 7pm and will offer a '90s and '00s themed event, featuring a charity auction with a number of luxury prizes up for grabs.
Stu's close friends, Daniel Beacham and Ashlea Cuthbertson will host the event.
The pair said: "We are now at a crucial point in Stu's journey.
Drag night - Colchester drag queen and singer, Melode Muse supported Stu at last week's drag event (Image: #DoItForStu) "We have come a long way since we first came together to support our friend.
"We are halfway to reaching the fundraising goal, but time is not on his side and we need your help to push forward again.
"We would love for you to join us at this event - where every ticket, every bid, and every donation brings us closer to saving Stu's life.
"Your support means more than you can imagine - please be part of this journey, and let's make a difference together.
"Every moment counts, every contribution matters - let's show Stu he's not alone in this fight."
Friends - Daniel Beacham and Ashlea Cuthbertson will host the auction night (Image: #DoItForStu) In the charity auction, attendees will have the opportunity to bid on a private box at Colchester United - worth £950 - for up to ten people, as well as a signed Arsenal top.
Campaigners at #DoItForStu are encouraging members of Colchester's community to host their own fundraising events, like bake sales, in support of Stu.
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