Derbyshire 'party animal' gives up booze in memory of friends who lost lives to cancer

A self-confessed party lover who lost two close friends to cancer is raising money for the Derbyshire end-of-life care hospice that took care of them.
Samantha DaviesSamantha Davies
Samantha Davies

Sammy Davies has vowed to go alcohol-free for 100 days to support Treetops Hospice Care, which is continuing to support the young families of Emma Allen and Julia Mason following their untimely death.

Emma, 37, died in July. She was diagnosed with stage-four cancer and leaves behind husband Matt and a young son, Finley.

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Julia, who lived in Etwall, was just 36-years-old when she died of cancer in December 2019, leaving behind husband Mark and daughters Ellie and Grace.

Sammy, 48, said: “Emma and Julia were both popular, bubbly and beautiful girls who I miss dearly.

“Julia was completely bonkers – and I mean that in an affectionate way.

"She organised her own funeral before her death and there was a DJ who played at the wake afterwards. She was also very funny, a real character.

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“Emma had a beautiful smile and a kind heart. Both girls adored their families and were supported throughout by Treetops Hospice Care.

“The last 12 months, losing two of my close friends to this dreadful disease, have been tough but I feel that doing the 100-days sober challenge has given me peace.”

For Sammy, a self-confessed party animal who fondly recalls her days clubbing in Ibiza, giving up alcohol has been tricky. She has already raised more than £1,700.

She said: "Sadly, I can’t change what has happened, but doing this for Treetops makes me feel close to Emma and Julia.”

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