Sutton Bridge fundraiser receives second Making A Difference Locally award

A teaching assistant has received an award for the second year running to recognise her efforts to raise funds and awareness of a cancer charity.

Kate Bennett, from Sutton Bridge, has been fundraising for Prostate Cancer UK since 2022 when her ‘world fell apart’ after her dad and uncle were both diagnosed with cancer.

She has been presented with the Making A Difference Locally Award for the second year after raising nearly £3,000.

She has set up collection points at One Stop, Nene Pharmacy and Nisa Local as part of the Making A Difference Locally scheme.

Kate said: “My uncle, who was the fittest, healthiest man I knew, was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

“My dad decided to get himself checked out and tested positive for prostate cancer.

“All over again, our world fell apart.”

Alongside the fundraising, Kate, 39, who works at Westmere Community Primary School in Sutton Bridge, aims to raise awareness and encourage men to get tested.

A prostate-specific antigen test is a blood test that measures the amount of PSA (prostate-specific antigen) in the blood.

She said: “As soon as I heard this news, I knew I wanted to do something to help.

“This led me to finding out about Prostate Cancer UK, and they are amazing.

“However, like most charities, they rely on our help and donations to support them.”

The busy mum is supported in her fundraising by two children and her husband, Andrew.

To date Kate has raised £2,933 and says the help from the stores that are used as collection points has been invaluable.

She said: “This wouldn't be possible without the help from Veena and Jay Odedra, the owners of Nisa Local.

“The three stores have donation collection pots.

“Money given to the charity provides lifesaving treatment needed by those affected.”

It has been a testing time for the family, and although Kate’s dad is cancer-free, her uncle is still receiving treatment.

She added: “Still to this day, I continue to promote Prostate Cancer UK and raise awareness of this awful disease.

“I continue to hand out brochures and sell merchandise for the charity.

“I also have the charity pots in the local businesses and would like to take this opportunity to thank them.”

Visit Kate’s Just Giving page for further information and to make a donation.