While undergoing extensive treatment for breast cancer, Lorna Ponti learned from her surgeon of the local need for new equipment for the Ashford & St Peter’s Breast Care Unit. With her recovery underway, Lorna asked friends to help her raise funds toward the purchase of the required equipment. Thus the Lunch4Life Committee was formed, and their first luncheon and auction was held at the beautiful Wentworth Club in February 2007.
Lorna Ponti |
After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005, I called on the support of my husband, son, family and friends to help me through a difficult time in my life on the road to recovery. I really wanted to establish some way to raise funds not only to help others combat the disease, but also to provide greater awareness of cancer in all its forms to both the young and old. I therefore decided to set up Lunch4Life with the help and much valued assistance of some of my very close near and dear friends who make up the committee. Initially, Lunch4Life's primary focus was to generate funds for the improvement of breast cancer facilities in our local hospitals, in the hope that the money we raised could provide better treatment and care for those diagnosed. We endeavour to carry on fundraising for this worthy cause. | ||||||||
Mary Mitchell |
I am a mother of three young men, and work at an international school. A perpetual volunteer, I met Lorna when we worked together on the parents’ committee at our sons’ school. Wanting to do something to help those who had helped her during her illness, we started simply – or so we thought – by organising a fundraising lunch. We couldn’t have predicted the outpouring of support we received from so many people. Theodore Roosevelt said, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” The continuing generosity of our supporters, year after year, allows us do what we do, and is the cornerstone of Lunch4Life. |
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Ann Tanner |
Despite losing my brother, who was a doctor, thirty years ago from Hodgkin’s disease, I was still very nervous to go and have regular checkups, in case it was my turn. Watching and listening to Lorna has changed the way I think, and now I go fearlessly for annual digital mammograms. Her great strength has made me see that cancer must be spoken about and there are cures out there for it, if caught in time. I feel Lorna’s “Lunch 4 Life” gives all of us present, a feeling of sisterly support to deal with this awful disease. |
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Jacci Cleghorn |
As a working Mother of two sons, I want nothing more than to see them grow up and have their own families and careers. Having had cancer twice, lost my Mother and three dear friends to the disease and all in our early 40’s, this cause is extremely close to my heart. However, I am still here and count my blessings every day for the fantastic medical support I received throughout my treatments. The more awareness we can give women to this silent but deadly disease the better. The chances of a cure are always getting closer, but this takes funding. Speed is of the essence in this unpredictable cancer which all too often takes women by surprise. Having regular checks is my mantra as the earlier the diagnosis, the better the chances of survival. | ||||||||
Zara Redhead |
Married with one son, director of a demolition and plant hire company. I love languages, holidays, animals, keeping fit and dining out. I am passionate about Lunch 4 Life as I have several friends with cancer, some of whom I have lost. It is fund raising and the charities like this that makes us realise how important it is to be aware. There before the grace of God go I. It can happen to anyone of us. | ||||||||
Flora Coutts |
I was diagnosed with colon cancer, totally out of the blue, at 28 and then again two years later but have now thankfully been in remission for 5 years and have just had baby Arthur - a little brother for Isabella who is a very busy toddler. Before becoming a mum I worked for a leading headhunting firm in the City recruiting lawyers. I am a patient volunteer for Cancer Research and Bowel Cancer UK and am actively involved in raising awareness for both charities. Having recently moved into the area I'm really keen to contribute to something more local and am very much looking forward to joining Lunch4Life which is doing such fantastic work. | ||||||||
Gerry Higgins |
I am a mother of three beautiful children and I lost my gorgeous mother when she was 40 after a three year fight with cancer. My husband and myself have always supported Lorna with Lunch4Life over the years. My husband lost his mother two years ago age 61 after her battle with cancer. I am surrounded by so many dear friends who have had cancer and now enjoying life . We can only hope that the research into the treatment for cancer is becoming more and more successful. I was very touched to be asked to join the committee for Lunch4Life and I will do the best I can to raise funds to fight the war in the Big “C”. | ||||||||
Aileen Kean |
'Over the last few years, I've observed and admired the excellent achievements of the Lunch4Life initiative. I'm lucky enough to have been able to attend all of the annual functions, where I have seen/appreciated the efforts of the supporters of Lorna's wonderful charity. Charity is giving; and so many people have given very generously. Having seen how breast cancer impacted, and still impacts my friend Lorna, her charity is close to my heart. It's an honour to be invited to help the committee, and to play a very small part in giving' | ||||||||
Debi Peppin |
I lost my dearest Dad to cancer over 20 years ago and I have lost friends young and old to this dreadful disease; but with every new piece of equipment purchased and research untaken we are given greater hope and a better chance of survival. |
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