A mum whose cancer treatment was funded by charity shows organised by Peter Kay has sadly died aged just 37.
Polly Haydock had been undergoing treatment in Germany, which was in part paid for by charity shows Peter Kay volunteered to put on – and which raised an incredible £223,000.
She had been told last year that her colorectal cancer was terminal and given just six months to live. But Polly was determined to fight on and raise enough money to try the revolutionary immunotherapy treatment in Germany.
Inspired by her story, the Car Share comic offered to put on the charity shows at Blackpool Opera House to raise enough money to get Polly treatment.
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Polly’s husband Dan said a friend of the family contacted Peter – whose Bolton home is only five miles from where they live in Atherton – asking for his help.
“She just posted a letter through his door to try and get him to come to a fund raising event at a local pub,” said Dan.
“Peter rang her and said ‘I have got a better idea, I’ll put these two nights on’.”
After the two nights, Polly wrote on her appeal website: “Absolutely overwhelming amount raised at The Blackpool Opera House by The Legend that is Peter Kay!”
And Dan revealed that as well as hosting the charity nights and meeting the family, Peter had kept in touch.
“Besides the money, Peter rang a few times to speak to Polly and give us support,” he said.
But sadly the mum-of-three died at her home in Atherton last Tuesday.
Polly is survived by her husband Dan, 40, and their three children Darcy, 18, Emma, 10, and Alex, eight.
She had spent the last four weeks in Wigan and Leigh Hospice, before returning home for her final week.
Friends broke the tragic news on the fundraising page, saying: “It is a sad time for us. Polly our inspiration died on 8th August. Polly’s Angels will continue in her memory. Thank you for your support.”
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Speaking to the local paper, husband Dan said: “It would have been so difficult to get through without everybody’s support.
“All the family are very thankful to everybody.”