TEENAGERS Jade Kaya and Emily Butler put themselves in the firing line to raise funds for the Cancer Centre Campaign.

The youngsters were blasted with paint as they took part in the Run or Dye colour 5k run at London's Excel.

But they couldn't be happier.

The best friends took on the challenge to raise money for the campaign, which is supported by the Gazette, as a way of saying thank you for the kindness and support Jade's father, Sonny, received during his treatment for cancer.

Mr Kaya, 51, from Dunmow, who is a director of his own import and export company, was diagnosed with tonsil cancer last December and underwent six weeks of gruelling chemo and radiotherapy at Essex County Hospital.

Wife Rachel said: "He was a fit and active guy. He doesn't drink or smoke, he is just someone you would never have thought would be affected.

"His treatment was quite radical but the staff, the doctors, the consultant were absolutely amazing.

"We were blown away by how much care he received throughout his treatment and afterwards and Jade came up with the idea of taking part in Run or Dye to raise awareness and money."

Mrs Kaya said the treatment had taken its toll on her husband.

"Because of where the cancer was, he was fitted with a peg which he had to be fed through, also for fluids, not just over the treatment period but until he could swallow again.

"The effects of the treatment really took it out of Sonny.

"He was admitted to hospital on a couple of occasions, he lost a lot of weight and struggled with how ill he felt."

She added: "As a family we have been fortunate enough not to have ever experienced any time in hospitals.

"We were blown away with the efficiency and the care and dignity Sonny received."

Mr Kaya still has check ups every three months but so far his progress is good.

Jade has raised more than £2,000 from sponsorship with money still coming in.

To support the girls' fundraising efforts, go to www.justgiving.com/Jade-Kaya-Emily-Butler/ or text JKEB99 TO 70070 for text donations.

 

Gazette:

DONATIONS are needed to help raise £4.5million for a new cancer centre which will bring all cancer services and a range of therapies and support groups on to one site.

To give money, text GAZE11 £10 to 70070 to donate to the Cancer Centre Campaign (or chose a different amount).

Cheques can be made payable to CoHoC Cancer Centre Campaign and sent to: Colchester Hospitals Charity, Villa 10, Turner Road, Colchester, CO4 5JL.

Donations can also be made online by going to www.CohoC.org.uk This will take you to a secure online payment processing site – Justgiving.com - where you can make a donation or set up a fundraising page for your own event.

* Are you raising money for the appeal? Contact CoHoC fundraising manager Caroline Bates by emailing caroline.bates@colchesterhospital.nhs.uk.