Staff and customers at Sainsbury’s in Cramlington have now raised more than £17,000 for its local charity partner, Jessica’s Sarcoma Awareness.
The charity was started by brave teenager Jessica Robson after she was diagnosed with an extremely rare of cancer.
When Jessica died aged just 18 two years ago, her parents Trevor and Julie and sister Nicole continued the work she started. More than £100,000 has now been collected to help young people suffering from cancer.
Sainsbury’s choose Jessica’s Sarcoma Awareness as its charity of the year and, through various activities, has raised more than £16,000.
That was increased by another £900.00 as Jessica’s family and friends joined Sainsbury’s staff and customers in a final fund-raising evening.
Karen Graham of Sainsbury’s said: “I don’t think any of us would ever brave the North Sea at Blyth on a freezing Sunday afternoon for any other charity.”
Julie Robson said: “We are so proud and grateful to all the staff at Sainsbury’s for their efforts and huge help. Not only did they raise a fantastic amount of money but also raised awareness of our charity that Jessica started and we will strive to continue.”
She added: “This amount of money will help the children and teenagers fight cancer to spend some quality time together with their families. It is so important to provide respite breaks when families are going through such a rough time and create memories that last forever.”
The Robsons have already announced plans to build a lodge – using money raised by the charity and some of the proceeds of the sale of their house – to offer respite care.
During her treatment Jessica spent time with her family in a caravan in Cresswell. “It really helped to be together, away from the hustle and bustle but not too far from hospital,” said Trevor.