'I want to make a difference because of Jan' (From Watford Observer)

Chris Lumm plans fundraising events in memory of Jan Livings

3:30pm Tuesday 30th October 2012 in News By Amie Mulderrig, Features Writer

A man from Bushey is preparing to host a number of fundraising events in memory of his girlfriend’s mother, who suddenly died from cancer.

Jan Livings, who had been diagnosed with osteoporosis, went into Watford General Hospital having broken her arm in three places.

After receiving treatment during a three-week hospital stay, she was discharged, but with the life-shattering news that she had myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cells.

The plasma cells are found in bone marrow and are responsible for protecting the body against infection. Complications from myeloma include severe bone pain, bone fractures, infections, kidney failure and fatigue.

Despite fighting tirelessly to beat her illness, undergoing various bouts of treatment, Mrs Livings passed away in March, leaving behind husband Paul, daughter Vicky and sons Bruce, Daniel and Max.

Now Vicky’s boyfriend Chris Lumm is on a massive fundraising drive to raise cash for charity Myeloma UK, a cause that deals exclusively with myeloma and its related disorders.

He said: "I only had a short while to share some good times and laughter with Jan.

"To this day, I will never understand the bravery of that woman. I used to drive her to the occasional hospital appointment and she would turn around to me and say at least all these different treatments the doctors try on me will help someone else in the long run.

"But that’s how Jan saw life - always looking out for everyone else and not worrying about herself.

"She was a remarkable woman. Brave isn’t a big enough word for her in my eyes.

"She has seen her family grow up with her eldest son getting married, her two younger boys starting families and her daughter transforming into a young lady, with a great career and family ahead of her.

"I want people to see why I am trying to make a difference to someone’s life - it’s all because of Jan.

"So if that means running marathons and putting on fundraising evenings to raise cash to ensure someone suffering with myeloma smiles a bit longer, then I have done my bit, just like Jan did."

Already the Herkomer Road resident has undertaken a half marathon alongside good friend James Byron, raising £950 for the charity.

He now plans to host a fundraising evening at The Horse and Chains in Bushey on December 2, as well as a ball at The Watford Hilton Hotel on Saturday, February 9.

At the Horse and Chains, visitors can expect a DJ, buffet and raffle with prizes including spa days and restaurant meals for two.

The February ball will offer a three course finger buffet, live band, champagne reception and disco, as well as an auction.

Tickets for the ball event cost £20 per person, and all money raised will go Myeloma UK as well as The British Heart Foundation.

To sponsor Chris Lumm visit: http://www.justgiving.com/CHRIS-LUMM
For tickets email CHRIS.LUMM@YAHOO.COM