Big Apple night’s massive slice of cash

Presentation of £7000 to Christies from Family of Chris Frankland L to R Jacky Plant, Kayie Frankland, Angela Frankland, Andrea Wiliams

A NEW York night to celebrate the life of Chris Frankland netted a huge £7,301 for the Christie Hospital.

Chris lost his life to cancer in April — only eight weeks after he was diagnosed with the disease. He was 26.

His devastated family struggled to make sense of what had happened to the fit young amateur footballer, who had looked the picture of health and had many dreams left to fulfil.

To help them cope with their loss, they set about raising money in his honour, roped in family and friends, and called themselves The General’s Team, after Chris’s nickname.

Chris was diagnosed with cancer of the unknown primary, which means it had spread before doctors could find its source.

His family want to raise awareness of the cancer, as well as contributing to the work of the Christie Hospital, where Chris was cared for, and set themselves an ambitious target of £15,000.

One of Chris’s biggest dreams was to live and work in the Big Apple, as a graphic designer, and it was that which inspired his family to hold a New York tribute night at Clough Manor, Denshaw, to celebrate what would have been his 27th birthday.

Coupled with the money raised by The General’s Team in other fundraising events, they have reached almost £11,000, and are determined to carry on until they reach their target.

Chris’s sister, Katie Frankland, said of the tribute night: “It was a total success and exceeded my expectations.

“Everyone turned up looking glamorous and ready to get involved.

“It was an emotional night for most, but one of the best nights of the year for sure. The only thing that could have made it better was if Chris was there to enjoy it with us. My thanks go out to all who attended and contributed. I would like to say a particular huge thank you to my friends Katie Meekings and Andy Winter, and my cousin Andrea Williams who were key to making it all happen.”

If the team raise £15,000, Chris will have his name added to the Christie Hospital’s tree of hope.

People can pay £10 to hang a leaf on the tree for Chris, at http://hopefunds.christies.org/funds/chrisfrankland