Sidmouth Tae Kwon-Do teacher battles cancer while trying to raise vital charity funds

By Beth Sharp

23rd Oct 2020 | Local News

An inspiring woman who has been battling breast cancer needs the support of Sidmouth's community to support her charity auction.

Beth Taylor, 53, who runs Tae Kwon-Do clubs in Sidmouth and Ottery with her husband Andy, has been going through chemotherapy and radiotherapy since May, following her operation in April.

Sadly, although Beth has had lots of support from family and friends, she has had to go through a lot of it on her own.

The mum-of-one said: "Because of lockdown, we call my appointments click and collect.

"Andy, or Mr T to our TKD students, drops me off and I text him when my treatments are finished and he collects me.

"When I had my operation in April he couldn't even go inside the hospital, he dropped me off at the door and picked me up there. It was hard for both of us."

Despite everything they were going through, Beth and her husband have been trying to raise money for FORCE Cancer Charity in Exeter, Breast Cancer Now and The Institute of Cancer

Research to help them give support to others going through the same.

The pair have been rallying support asking their students to do a month of the WEAR PINK campaign as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, going on throughout October.

They asked their students to design a T-shirt which they will be selling until their online charity action on Saturday, October 31.

The pair's Virgin Money Giving page has raised more than £430.84 and the item sales have raised £142.78.

The prizes available in Beth's auction include make-up bags, beauty/bath sets, a weekend bag, oven gloves, tea set, books, a puzzle book, pizza, hand blender and more.

The even have 2 motorcycle helmets and a bracelet.

Beth Said: "We started this because we know FORCE is very helpful to patients and their families because of lockdown a lot of charities haven't been able to do a lot of fundraising so all of them are struggling.

"After experiencing it myself, although I had great support from friends and family, I realised how vital having that support is, especially if families can't be with them or they are on their own, struggling as a family to deal with it.

"My daughter lives in Bristol and has struggled that she can't come home and give me a simple hug.

"I just wanted to do something to help others."

If you are a business or an individual that would like to donate to Beth's auction email [email protected].

Items will be posted on the Taylor TKD Wear Pink Campaign Facebook group.

To donate visit Beth Taylor's Virgin Money Giving page here.