Farmers unite for Maisie

Malton School pupil Maisie Bulmer, 17, was the inspiration for a charity ball at York Racecourse on Saturday March 14.

Last March she was diagnosed with B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma after discovering a walnut-sized lump in her neck.

Maisie, who lives on the family#s farm at Salton, North Yorkshire, finished chemotherapy in October but found out on Christmas Eve that it had returned. She started a new round of treatment at Leeds General Infirmary in January, but the latest session was delayed to make sure she would be well enough to attend Maisie’s Charity Ball.

The event, which was attended by 560 people, was organised by her sister Rosie, 22, and her two friends, Georgina Baker and Louise Knight.

As well as raising funds for The Teenage Cancer Trust, Candlelighters and Click Sargent For Children With Cancer, the family wanted to raise awareness about blood donation as Maisie’s treatment has involved blood platelet transfusions.

Among the donations was £4,000 raised by Kirkbymoorside Young Farmers’ Club. All the Bulmer children - Rosie, George, 20, Henry, 18, and Maisie - are members of the club and have followed their father Mark, a judge with the Suffolk Sheep Society, with a keen interest in stockmanship; showing their sheep and cattle at the agricultural shows. Philip Place, from Malton Livestock Auctioneers, sold off lots on the night, with donations including a week at a ski resort.

“It is only from experiencing cancer that I understand what these charities do,” said Maisie. “I want to thank all the people who have helped us with prizes and buying tickets for the ball; I’m also extremely lucky to have such a supportive family and friends.”

The ball raised £27,000 and Rosie hopes to reach £30.000. Anybody wanting to donate can contact her on 0796 8109007 or e-mail at rosieb1@live.co.uk