Son praises Mansfield Woodhouse 'hero mum' for fighting back against cancer by helping others
and live on Freeview channel 276
Jon Batho wanted to highlight his “amazing mum” Christine Batho, who has raised the money, often whilst going through her own cancer treatments.
Christine, who has lived in Mansfield Woodhouse for 34 years, but is originally from Shirebrook, discovered she had breast cancer seven years ago, beating after five years, only to be told in 2019 she had developed another form of the illness.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe 64-year-old, who formerly worked for the Nottingham Community Council meals on wheels service, tragically lost her husband Keith, aged just 56 to breast cancer 24 years ago.
Christine said: “Cancer is horrible. I lost my husband Keith to breast cancer when not much was known about it back then in men. When I got it years later, it was devastating. Over the years I have had chemo, radiation and braichytherapy.
“You’ve just got to get on with it, live, there is no point sitting in a corner, you have to hope for the best, stay positive. I’ve finished treatment, but still under the hospital every six months.”
Over the years,Christine has organised garden parties, tombolas, raffles, afternoon teas, “wine and water” bottle stall, plant and cake stalls and a "name the teddy” event.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe money has helped Macmillan, Breast Cancer Care, Prostate Cancer UK, The Amazon Breast Cancer Support Group at Kings Mill Hospital and Maggie’s Centre, at Nottingham City Hospital.
She has also bought fans for chemotherapy wards and took part in the Race For Life.
Jon, 34, who lives in Mansfield, and is a Nottingham coffee shop manager, said "My mum has been amazing, and she’s helped other people, by raising money, even at times when she was ill herself. She was in the Race for Life when she was having chemo!”
Christine said Jon and his brother Sean, 36, and her friends were a “great support” helping her run her garden parties
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“I couldn’t do it without them, all my friends, local people and businesses who donate raffle prizes. Everyone supports me. I just want to give something back.”
Jon added “I'm just really proud of what my mum does. I’d like her to get some community recognition. She is my hero.”