Celebrities including Ant and Dec and David Beckham send special message to Sunderland mum with incurable cancer

Celebrities including Ant and Dec and David Beckham sent a special video message to an inspirational Sunderland mum who is battling terminal cancer – but is still raising money for charity.

Ann-Marie Sproston, 44, received the devastating news that she had stage 4B ovarian cancer after being diagnosed with lymphedema in her leg in August 2018. The all-clear was given in early 2019.

However, in December 2019, Ann-Marie found a lump in her neck and sadly doctors told her the cancer had returned and this time there was no cure. Since her diagnosis, Ann-Marie has been committed to helping others by raising tens of thousands of pounds for charity.

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And Ann-Marie’s most recent fundraiser was a lavish evening event at the Ramside Hotel in County Durham on Saturday, where she raised almost £28,000 in just one night. It means the mum of two has raised a staggering £56,000 for charity alongside her loved ones over the past four years.

Ann-Marie Sproston raised nearly £28,000 during a black tie event at the Ramside Hotel
(Image: You Can Fly Photography)

The money raised will be shared between Macmillan Cancer Support, Maggies Center Newcastle, St Benedict’s Hospice and Ward 21 and the Chemotherapy Ward at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead. Charities are particularly close to Ann-Maries’ heart as she stayed on Ward 21.

But during the evening, Ann-Marie was surprised with a heartwarming video message from various famous faces congratulating her on all her amazing fundraising. Celebrities including David Beckham, Ant and Dec, Chris and Rosie Ramsey, Jordan Pickford, Amanda Staveley, Bob Moncur, Paul Collingwood and Corrie actress Dolly-Rose Campbell all sent congratulations.

Ann-Marie Sproston raised nearly £28,000 during a black tie event at the Ramside Hotel
(Image: You Can Fly Photography)

Ann-Marie said: “I couldn’t believe it. When my brother Dom stood up and said they got a video message, I was expecting to see family members because we have family in America and other family members who couldn’t come. But when I saw all these celebs, I was absolutely stunned. It was just amazing and I absolutely love Ant and Dec.”

The event was a hit for the 330 attendees who enjoyed a two course meal, entertainment from a six piece band and a raffle where people could win a range of incredible prizes.

Ann-Marie said: “There were many surprises that night so I organized singing waiters and my family had no idea! The raffle was amazing, we had some fantastic prizes. We ended up with 30 prizes and we even had a tattoo artist offer a full day at night and it was worth around £300.

Ann-Marie Sproston raised nearly £28,000 during a black tie event at the Ramside Hotel
(Image: You Can Fly Photography)

“I think all the Facebook messages and texts I got after that were really heartwarming. People said it was amazing from start to finish. Even people who were there came up to us and said they couldn’t believe how well organized the event was and how fantastic it went.

“I know how much it means to these charities, especially Ward 21 where I stayed. The money I raised previously has already been used to create a garden for people to enjoy, which is just amazing. It just makes a huge difference and I know they appreciate it so much.”

Ann-Marie was overwhelmed by the generosity of the people and thanked all donors. She said: “I’m the eldest of 10 and we all feel so loved and supported by everyone, not just me but my brothers and sisters and my husband and my two children because even though I’m the one making it going through, it’s so affecting the whole family. We can’t thank everyone enough. From day one I always wanted to raise more money and I did. Not only I, but also my family and friends helped with fundraising.”

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