Sleepwalk challenge for woman who's beaten the odds despite rare form of cancer

A mother-of-three who has a rare form of cancer will take part in a Forget-me-not Sleepwalk in Newark Market Place.

Georgina Tagg, 47, of Cherry Holt, was diagnosed with pseudomyxoma peritonei in 2012 and initially was given until June 2013 to live.

Her prognosis, however, has become more positive after an operation at a specialist treatment centre run by the Basingstoke and North Hampshire NHS Foundation Trust.

She still has cancer and has been told it is incurable but 95% of her tumour has been removed.

“Because of the size of the tumour my abdomen was extremely swollen and my mobility was impaired, but now I can walk again and my quality of life has improved enormously,” she said.

The sleepwalk, a week on Saturday, is an annual fundraising event organised by Beaumond House Community Hospice.

Georgina has been going to the hospice weekly for 18 months and said she loved the experience.

“It’s a fabulous place and I have made lots of friends,” she said.

“The staff are amazing and care so much about the patients. Regardless of whether I have had a good or bad week I know when I get there I will be in good company.”

The fundraising and marketing manager at the hospice, Cathy Lowe, said she was delighted Georgina was taking part in the Sleepwalk and is appealing for more to join her.

“Last year more than 300 walkers took part and this year we are aiming for a record attendance,” she said.

“We welcome entries from individuals and teams ­— all we ask is that they raise as much money as possible.”

This year’s event is sponsored by Andrew and Co Solicitors, which has offices in Newark and Lincoln. Staff will be among those taking part.

Partner Mr Philip Armitage said: “The hospice offers a much-needed service to the people of Newark and surrounding villages which is why Andrew and Co is so keen to support the work that it does.”

Registration costs £5 and walkers are encouraged to wear their favourite nightwear.

There will be entertainment and stalls in the Market Place from 6pm. The mile-long walk starts at 7.30pm and finishes with a bedtime story and drink in the Town Hall.

More information is available at the Beaumond House website or by calling 01636 610556.