West Sussex fundraiser for dying mum's Disneyland dream takes off

West Sussex schools, businesses and friends are rallying together to raise money for a mum-of-two with terminal cancer.
Lindsey Gates, 40, with her husband Jason Gates, 44, and two children, Brook Gates, six, and Charlie Gates, 14Lindsey Gates, 40, with her husband Jason Gates, 44, and two children, Brook Gates, six, and Charlie Gates, 14
Lindsey Gates, 40, with her husband Jason Gates, 44, and two children, Brook Gates, six, and Charlie Gates, 14

Lindsey Gates from Emsworth was given months to live after she was diagnosed with four inoperable brain tumours in April.

Now her friends want to send the family to Disneyland for the holiday of a lifetime.

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Fundraiser Rikki Wilson said: “We’ve all got years to make our memories, but they haven’t so let’s try to give them the best holiday they could ever imagine.”

Lindsey Gates, 40, with her husband Jason Gates, 44, and two children, Brook Gates, six, and Charlie Gates, 14Lindsey Gates, 40, with her husband Jason Gates, 44, and two children, Brook Gates, six, and Charlie Gates, 14
Lindsey Gates, 40, with her husband Jason Gates, 44, and two children, Brook Gates, six, and Charlie Gates, 14

Lindsey had previously fought breast cancer for five years and was in remission, when a sudden seizure on April 17 saw her rushed to hospital. Doctors have said she has anywhere between three months and three years to live.

Now she wants to take her fiancé Jason and her children, 14-year-old Charley and six-year-old Brooke, to Disneyland in the time they have together.

Rikki said more than 20 groups have signed up to give raffle prizes, food and live music for an event at the Berkeley Arms, Bosham, on Saturday, May 14.

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She said: “A lot of them have been really good and really happy to help, it’s been lovely.

“They all know she’s local as well and the schools were very quick to help.”

In line with a Disney and childhood theme, the fundraiser will feature a host of characters for children to meet, including Elsa, Minions, Power Rangers and Minnie and Mickey Mouse.

A bouncy castle and facepainting are also planned for the day.

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Rikki said the mascots and band musicians had offered their support free, while businesses have donated more than 40 raffle prizes.

Little Stars Pre-school, Southbourne Infants School and Bourne Community College are also supporting Lindsey’s cause.

The fundraiser on May 14 will run from 2-6pm.

Children’s tickets cost £5 each and adults go free with collection buckets available at the event.

Donations can also be made at www.gofundme.com/2yw5f6m4.

Another event is planned for the evening of May 20 at The Cricketers, Westbourne.

Contact Rikki Wilson on 07732291515 for details.