Cancer will affect one in three – a frightening statistic. For those that live here in Spain, being away from a family support network can add even more stress to an already difficult and worrying situation. But it is thanks to organisations such as MABS, a local cancer support group that many get through that somewhat dark period. Last year a brand new support centre opened in La Cala, Benidorm and since then Branch Director Sue Reula and her legion of volunteers have done an incredible job. One half of the centre is a charity shop – donations are always gratefully accepted while the other half is used as the support centre and for equipment hire. A team of professional nursing and therapy staff is on hand to assist and help cancer sufferers – and also carry out home visits.
This year they purchased a brand new van, used to deliver equipment such as beds and wheelchairs to aid patient care, as well as collecting and delivering bulky furniture donations for the charity shop – which is open weekdays from10:00am until 2:00pm. On the last Wednesday of every month they also hold a coffee morning – the next one is on April 29th. Although the volunteers all give their time for free it still costs a lot of money to run – bills and taxes like for us all, have to be paid regardless and the van doesn´t run on fresh air. There is no charge for patients but donations are always appreciated, however sadly they are nowhere near enough.
So Sue decided to organize a Spring Ball to raise some much needed funds to help towards the running costs of the centre. The Ball takes place on Saturday April 25th at the Marina Hotel in Benidorm. It will be a grand affair starting with a welcome cocktail followed by a four course meal with wine throughout and some fantastic entertainment. Two fantastic groups – Il Divo and Timeless have both volunteered their time for free, what a fantastic bunch of guys. Tickets are only 37.50 euros – which is the equivalent of 28 GBP, an absolute bargain and can be purchased at the MABS centre or by calling 664 266 991 or 628 783 398.
No event is complete without a raffle – and volunteer Sheila Fearon has surpassed everyone’s expectations with the haul of prizes that she has managed to amass. Local businesses have been extremely generous and total 30 – the top prize is a hot air balloon ride courtesy of Aeroglobo worth 150 euros!
The next prize is an Energy Sistem HD Tablet followed by a Smartphone. Other prizes include hampers, Meals, beauty vouchers, Golfing green fees at Villaitana, Entrance tickets for Terra Mitica, Terra Natura, Mundomar, Aqualandia, Benidorm Palace, boat trip , Jeep Safari for 2 plus lots of others. Tickets are ONLY 2 euros a strip- again available at the MABS Shop or I also have a book with me at all times so feel free to stop me!
However, some of the prizes seemed too good to give away for only 2 euros so instead it has been decided that they should be auctioned off. A signed Barcelona football team pendant; Blouse & memorabilia worn by Coronation Street character Michelle Conner, authenticated by ITV plus signed Benidorm cast photos and goodies.In order to reach as many people as possible bids are being accepted now as not everyone can come to the event.
There are also a number of signed and authenticated framed photographs of some sporting legends – Sir Bobby Robson, Teddy Sheringham, Gordon Banks, Alan Shearer, Jo Calsaghe, Jimmy Greaves and Paul Gascoigne. These can all be seen on a specially created Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mabscharityauctionbenidorm. Bids can be placed online or by calling Sue Reula on 664 266 991 before April 25. Please share to any friends who are fans of any of these sporting personalities – remember, its all for a fantastic and very worthy charity which who knows, maybe one day you will need too.
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