NEWLYN mum Jenny Gill, who was diagnosed with Signet Cell Cancer and given less than a year to live, is determined to leave a legacy to ensure her rare and aggressive cancer is better understood and detected.
62-year-old Jenny received the news that she had stomach cancer in March 2024, and has been nothing short of inspirational since.
Signet Cell Cancer, which is also known as Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma (SRCC), is a rare, aggressive cancer that can develop in many organs. It gets its name because, under a microscope, the cells look like signet rings. It’s a stomach cancer that is not easily detected, as early symptoms can be the same as stomach ulcers and other digestive problems.
Despite a prognosis of less than a year, Jenny has been determined to fight and make the most of her time she has left. So more than a year on, with the help of chemotherapy, the love of friends and family and the need of what she calls 'the fire in her belly', Jenny has been enjoying all life has to offer and wants to complete a particular mission.
.jpeg?width=209&height=140&crop=209:145,smart&quality=75)
She wants to raise awareness of this cancer, that often goes undiagnosed and undetected and to support the organisations working tirelessly with people who are diagnosed.
To inject this work with hope, joy and fun, she gathered a group of friend together and floated the idea of a massive Charity Auction to raise funds for St Julia's Hospice and the RCHT Research Team at Treliske, where the money would go specifically to research on stomach cancer.
On Saturday, April 26, Jenny and her friends are hosting an auction ‘with a twist’ at Marazion Community Centre. Local businesses and organisations have donated dozens of lots; from a weekend on the Isles of Scilly to tickets to TV shows, works of art, beauty treatments and meals out.
Rebecca Allen, who’s on the organising team, said: “Jenny is truly inspirational. She has made the most of every moment since her diagnosis. Focusing on building memories and experiences with her family, each holiday, event or moment has given her energy and determination. When she called us all together and said this was her latest mission to keep the ‘fire in her belly’ going... we were all honoured to get involved and get stuck in.”
The theme for the bash is ‘Dress to Impress’ - with a call to not buy anything new if possible and to go for pre-loved, handed-down and vintage finds wherever possible. Polgoon will be providing fizz, and PZ Fire & Smoke will be cooking up food to fuel the bidding which Jen hopes will raise up to ten thousand pounds.
A donation page set up for those who can’t make the auction has already raised almost a thousand pounds. For those who can’t make the night, there will also be a live broadcast and telephone bidding.
Pete Williams, who’s also part of the organising team, said: “Local businesses have really stepped up with some incredible donations and Auction night in Marazion promises to be one to remember. We’ve been touched by the heartfelt support for Jenny and her fundraising mission. A true testament to how loved she is in the local community.”
It’s hoped the event won’t just raise money for St Julia’s Hospice and the RCHT Research Team, but also raise awareness of Signet Cell Stomach Cancer. By raising more awareness, Jen hopes that more people can get earlier diagnosis and better outcomes:
Organiser Rachel Yates said: “Choosing to take her experience and use it to help others, is typically Jenny’s style. One in two people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lives, so being aware of early signs can be lifesaving.
“We hope that she doesn’t just raise money for St Julia’s and research to understand Signet Cell Stomach Cancer better. But that she also fulfils her desire to raise awareness, so more people can survive cancer diagnosis.”
To book tickets to Jenny’s Auction, visit: www.eventbrite.com/o/jennys-fund-109019706111