Kelly Palfrey – Lost to this world because of Cancer on the 30th March 2023

To be honest writing this is so painful, the grief is immense and I would give anything for Kelly to have beaten Cancer, but I want to share some of my daughter Kelly’s life story and seek your help in raising funds for FORCE, a local cancer charity based down here in Exeter.

Kelly was only 2 years old when she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia - Two years of gruelling treatment followed and then she was finally given the all clear

There was great excitement and total relief that she had survived. Sadly though, this proved not to be the end of Kellys battle with Cancer.

The Cranial Radiotherapy she had received as part of her treatment started to have repercussions. First there were many skin cancers on her head and neck, then brain tumours started to appear.

After the 3rd brain tumour was discovered, Kelly was told there was nothing more that could be done and sadly this beautiful, kind and fun loving girl passed away the day after her 35th birthday.

During this incredibly difficult time, Kelly was supported by the wonderful charity FORCE – The staff were invaluable in helping Kelly deal with the mental and physical challenges that living with cancer brings. Complimentary therapies helped her relax and counselling sessions were so beneficial for her emotional wellbeing.

As the end came closer, FORCE continued to reach out and support Kelly.

Kelly was able to achieve many things in her far too short life, she went through school, got her exams, she trained and qualified as a dental nurse, bought her own house, got married – I often think how strong she was not to simply let Cancer take over her life, so determined to do what she could before the Cancer finally took her life. I admit I doubt I would have been as strong.

Knowing what FORCE did for Kelly means I am determined to raise funds to support them and allow them to continue the fantastic work they do for local Cancer patients - I hope no one ever needs to use them but I know that Cancer is likely to affect us all, directly or indirectly.

Please do contribute/donate what you can - FORCE deserve your support (hopefully) more than you will ever know and I will appreciate every penny you donate.

Kelly is in a happier and safer place now where Cancer cannot touch her.

I have various fund raising plans in place, I am walking/camping the Two Moors way with a very good friend and colleague Peter Stockman, another of my extremely lovely colleagues Jon Cockbain is organising a Golf Day, my other colleagues are likely to join in on various parts of the Two Moors way yomp, plus a few other things, where good people simply want to help raise funds

My employer Lloyds Bank will also match give upto a certain amount