Chesterfield woman’s fundraising in memory of boyfriend

Shelley Hopkinson’s partner James Booth was very active before illness struck, enjoying football, biking and walking his dog.

The 26-year-old warehouse worker at Utopia in Holmewood was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma and fought the cancer for over two years before passing away last July.

Shelley, who had been with James for five years, said: “He was so brave and made everyone proud with how well he coped, never letting it get in the way of what he wanted to do, caring more about everyone around him than himself.”

James, who lived with his parents in Ashgate, was treated for his illness at Weston Park Hospital. Shelley said: “The care he received was outstanding and faultless, which is why I now fundraise for them in James’ memory.

“I want to repay all their hard work and kindness, all while making James as proud of me as I was of him.”

Shelley’s fundraisers, who include members of James’ family, friends and work colleagues, have raised almost £4,000 in under a year for the research and treatment of cancer at Weston Park.

They will boost funds by holding their first fun day on Sunday, August 24, at 12 noon, at New Tupton Miners Welfare. Attractions include bouncy castle, hook a duck, children’s tombola, raffle, face painting, cake and car boot stalls.

The fundraisers’ first event in aid of Weston Park Hospital was a car boot sale at the Proact Stadium. They have since done three more car boots and a 10k run.

Shelley, who works as a sales assistant at Bodycare in Chesterfield, and her fellow fundraisers will participate in Weston Park’s Torchlit night walk in Ecclesall Woods, Sheffield, on October 4, The group will also take part in a 10k run again next year.

Shelley, 26, of Penmore Gardens, Hasland, said: “We don’t really have a target to raise for the charity as I don’t see an end to the amount of fundraising we can do, as you never know when you or someone else you know may need the help and care of Weston Park.”