Drumming Fit to Stand Up to Cancer

On 18th January 2020 over 40 people from Southwell, Newark and Rainworth will unite at the Joseph Whitaker School to participate in a four hour long sponsored Drumfitt Drumathon to raise thousands of pounds for the Teenage Cancer Trust and John Eastwood Hospice.

The event is in memory of a young woman from Rainworth who lost her long-fought battle with cancer last year aged just 27. Marie Louise Sparrow, a former pupil of the school, was just 14 when she was first diagnosed with cancer in her leg and chest and was devastatingly told she would not survive.

Despite the odds against her Marie won her battle and was in remission for eight years, during which time she qualified as a mental health nurse and started working for the NHS. Tragically though the cancer returned and three tumours were discovered in her lungs. Following surgery and treatment Marie was in remission once again for another 12 months only for cancer to return once more, this time in her hip, which required a hip replacement and further treatment.

Six months later cancer gave Marie its final cruel blow, this time developing in her pelvis. This time the treatment was too much for Marie and she could not finish chemotherapy.

Sadly Marie lost her battle on 20th April 2018, passing away at the John Eastwood Hospice in Sutton in Ashfield with her mum, sister and Tim, the man she married during her final weeks in the hospice, by her side.

Drunfitt founder Lisa Measures of Southwell explains: “When I became aware of Marie’s story I felt inspired to do something. Marie’s mum, sister and best friend all come to my classes and I wanted to give them a fantastic event to remember Marie and raise money for two amazing charities in her memory.”

The team of over 40 taking part are a mix of Drumfitt clients and Marie’s friends and family. Marie’s sister Lorraine explains: “When we heard about what Lisa wanted to do with the Drumathon we were completely overwhelmed, as a family we thank her, and everyone that has signed up to participate. It is going to be a crazy, fun filled, emotional and exhausting day for everyone involved and Marie will be looking down laughing at us I’m sure!”

Amy Coupe, Marie’s best friend since childhood, promised Marie that she would never be forgotten and said: “What better way to keep Marie’s memory alive, over 40 of us in one place drumming the heck out of cancer!”

If you would like to support the team all donations are gratefully received and can be made by visiting www.gofundme.com/f/drumfitt-drumathon. A raffle will also be held as part of the fundraising so any raffle prizes would be truly appreciated.

For more details contact Lisa via email: drumfitt@outlook.com or phone 07581244270 or visit www.drumfitt.co.uk