My name is Kimberley Hattersley-Barton, I'm 26 years old and I am a survivor of 4 cancer diagnosis's. My goal, is to raise funds to enable my 3 chosen charities to continue to provide support and opportunities to those who are facing extremely life-threatening challenges. Macmillan Cancer Support, Beads of Courage UK & Starlight Children's Foundation have all supported me through the most difficult life experiences; and now I want to give back and support them through raising money at my gala night to help more people like me.

I am producing a non-profit showcase called 'Life With The Ribbon: Charity Gala' to raise money for charities mentioned above that do incredible work and give light to those fighting and living beyond a cancer diagnosis. I have set up this fundraising page to run alongside my event, and for those who cannot attend but still wish to support it.

My full story starts at only 13 months old... I was diagnosed with a rare childhood cancer called Rhabdomyosarcoma. The treatment of multiple surgeries, chemo and radiotherapy has left me with many lifelong late effects; including kidney, ovarian and heart failure. Unfortunately, at the age of 18, I was diagnosed and treated for a tongue cancer - Squamous cell carcinoma. I was at nearly 4 years remission when I was re-diagnosed again during the peak of the COVID pandemic in 2020. I remained in remission until last summer 2022, when it was confirmed I had a 4th cancer diagnosis of Papillary Thyroid cancer, and in the December I had a complete thyroid removal as well as a third neck dissection surgery.

Throughout all of this, my chosen charities have supported me in many ways during and after treatment. They do incredible work for all children and young adults whilst facing cancer battles at any stage. They are key in supporting patients’ wellbeing, decrease illness related distress and increase positive coping strategies to support individuals and their families. They all also provide a sense of relief during and post diagnosis in each of their own unique ways. Personally, these charities enabled me to cope, process and move forwards after my own diagnosis’s; something that was essential with what I have experienced.

Through producing this event, I will be arranging a one-off showcase that features a line-up West End and performing industry professionals. Theatre and dance has always been something in my life that has brought me great joy and an escape during the difficult times, and that I now wish to combine to create an evening that will be both uplifting and a celebration.
All event/raffle tickets, as well as any donations made via this page will be split and sent directly to my 3 chosen charities! Please help me to achieve my goal of raising as much money as possible; donations of any size are greatly appreciated!
For event tickets, information and to keep updated via my social media pages, please follow the links below:

Tickets: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/lifewiththeribbon/life-with-the-ribbon-charity-gala/2024-04-13/18:00/t-xmrndqm
Instagram; @kimberleys_lifewiththeribbon https://www.instagram.com/kimberleys_lifewiththeribbon/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimberleyslifewiththeribbon