A MUM from Andover has put out a rallying cry to people in the town to pitch in and help her raise as much money as possible for two cancer charities after her daughter's life was turned upside down by the disease. 

Diane White, from Seville Crescent, says she is determined to pay back the good causes that have helped her family through tough times. 

Her 20-year-old daughter, Kelly Blundy, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2015, and a few weeks ago she was diagnosed again with it for the second time. 

However, things are tougher this time round, as Kelly now has a four-month-old son called Tommy Ray. 

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As well as Kelly's illness, Diane has also been diagnosed with cancer, and her partner Chris has just been placed into remission from throat cancer. She also lost her mother Maureen White to the disease in 2019. 

Despite the run of bad luck, Diane said she was amazed by how strong her daughter has been. 

She said: "She's absolutely amazing. She has taken the bull by the horns and is dealing with it by just getting on with life. She's an amazing young girl." 

Diane says she is determined to raise money for charity - and she has already made good progress with her mission raising more than £1,400 at a charity auction. 

She said: "People slate Andover and say what a rubbish town it is, but it’s amazing what people have donated and to see the community pulling together." 

The auction, plus an online donation page and raffle, was held at the Foresters Arms in Andover in aid of charities Young Lives vs Cancer and the Teenage Cancer Trust. 

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Diane, 53, said: "It was absolutely amazing. I just can't put into words how generous everyone has been. Everybody is feeling the pinch, so for people to donate that sort of money is amazing." 

The fundraiser, on July 30, was such a success that Diane is now busy planning the next one, and says she has been buoyed by the support of friends, such as sisters Jackie and Susan French, and businesses like Feathers, Fangs and Furries. 

She will be holding a fundraising day at The Royal British Legion in Western Road on September 3, from 9am until 5m, with birds of prey, a bouncy castle, disco and DJ, plus more. 

She is calling for more people to get involved and particularly wants to hear from people who can put on stalls or face painters who can pitch in. To get involved email dianewhite1169@outlook.com