Veteran comedian, Ken Dodd, will take to the stage to support a Huddersfield churchgoer’s Auction of Hope campaign.
For Jill Moorhouse, who worships at Kirkheaton Parish Church, has terminal ovarian cancer and wants to raise money for the United Churches Healing Ministry Organisation “for giving her the strength to go on.”
She wants to raise as much money as possible to allow the counselling service, with a base in the nearby village of Milnsbridge, to help more people like herself talk about their worries and learn vital coping strategies.
And she is thrilled that Ken Dodd will do his bit to launch the auction, which will be held at 3pm on November 15th at the United Churches Healing Ministry building on New Street when dozens of luxury items will be on offer to the highest bidder.
Jill, 48, said: “It was awesome to hear that he is going to come and it means a lot. It should be a great event and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Jill has been visiting the centre’s trained counsellors for over a year, after doctors told her in 2012 that she only had in between 18 months and three years to live.
The money raised will be used by the organisation – which also has sites at Huddersfield New College and The Crossroads Centre, Meltham - to help create a safe space for its most vulnerable community members and convert a balcony area into a conference room to support larger groups of training sessions.
Jill said: “They have helped me put things into perspective and given me the strength and stability that taught me how to overcome certain barriers in my day-to-day life.
“Mental health issues are rising across the country due to all sorts of issues so it’s really important that we help make their project a reality.
“No one should have to face their problems alone and they have given me support comfort and encouragement, for which I’m very thankful.”
Managing director of UCHM and accredited counsellor, Helga Taylor, said: “ What Jill is doing is absolutely amazing. We find it very difficult to find grants and the money raised will help us greatly and allow us to expand our service.”
Entry to the auction will cost £1 and will include a free raffle ticket.
Anyone who would like to make a donation to be auctioned off at the event should email Jill at uchmfundraising@gmail.com or call UCHM 01484 461098
Pictured here is Jill (on the left )with UCHM Managing Director Helga Taylor.