The fundraiser was led by Emily’s mum, Claire Thomson, a member of the pub’s social club. She was inspired to fundraise in honour of her late daughter. Emily sadly passed away in 2022 at the age of 33 after a lifetime of complex health challenges.
First diagnosed with a tumour at the age of three, Emily underwent numerous treatments and surgeries across several hospitals, including Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) and Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead.
Emily was also treated at William Harvey Hospital in Ashford throughout her health battles, with a large amount of her care provided by staff at the Cathedral Day Unit and by the Dermatology team at Kent and Canterbury Hospital. In the final stages of her illness, she tragically lost the use of both of her legs due to cancer.
Claire expressed deep gratitude for their support and compassion.
“Myself, Emily’s Dad, Derek, and our youngest daughter, Shannon, supported Emily every step of the way, and the care she received was outstanding – the teams are just amazing. Emily will always be a part of our lives and is spoken about daily. Life does not get easier, we just learn to deal with it.”
The £1,800 donation was raised through a Christmas 2024 raffle of a festive hamper at The Market Inn. Generous additional contributions were made from the pub’s landlords, its social club, customers, as well as Claire’s family.
Claire is no stranger to charitable efforts, having previously raised funds for organisations such as Macmillan Cancer Support, Kent Autistic Trust and St Nicholas School - a school for children with profound and multiple learning disabilities.
John Barnes, Head of Professional Property Services for Shepherd Neame, attended the presentation and said:
“This is an amazing testimony to the power of community, and the power of pubs to bring people together to raise money for such a great cause.”
Dee Neligan, Head of East Kent Hospitals Charity, added:
“We were so honoured to have been chosen by The Market Inn as their charity to support. Emily’s story is humbling, and we are so grateful for this wonderful fundraising. It will enable us to make a real difference to the experience of patients accessing treatment at the Cathedral Day Unit at Kent and Canterbury Hospital.”
This donation will directly support ongoing efforts to enhance care and comfort for patients undergoing cancer treatment at the unit. Funds have previously been allocated for items such as specialist cooling caps used during chemotherapy to reduce hair loss.
