A FUND-RAISING campaign inspired by a mother-of-three who died from breast cancer is to be officially launched this week.
The idea for Annabel's Angels – a not-for-profit community group to support people living with cancer – came about after the death of Annabel Hancox, 40, in December last year.
When her husband, Simon, went through her mobile phone to let people know she had died, he found she had been using it to help others deal with their own illness.
This included sharing her own experiences in online self-help forums run by Macmillan Cancer Support.
Simon, 40, decided to continue her work by setting up Annabel's Angels to raise money for cancer support equipment at the Royal Derby Hospital's combined day unit, which cared for her.
The group will also develop an "interactive support service" for patients and families affected by cancer and undertake research to try to reduce the isolation experienced by patients and carers.
The group will be launched on Saturday.
Simon said: "I'm constantly humbled by the support we've had. We have been inundated with lots of offers of help.
"Annabel would be a bit embarrassed by all this fuss but, at the same time, she'd be incredibly proud of the reach and impact this is having on others living with, and affected by, cancer.
"It's all the more fitting we're launching the group in May – the month of Annabel's birthday and the month we got married."
Mayor of Derby Councillor Lisa Higginbottom will attend the launch at the Saks Hair and Beauty Salon, in Derby's Market Place, at 3pm.
The salon has chosen Annabel's Angels as its good cause for the year. Staff will dress in the charity's T-shirts and encourage customers to buy cupcakes and wristbands to raise money.
Simon said the group was now ready to launch due to support received from the public and businesses.
These include a designer from New Zealand who helped with the group's logo and an online jewellery maker who has designed its wristband.
Businesses that have approached the group to sell the bracelets for £1 include the Ferrers Arms pub, in Sinfin; Pride Veterinary Centre, in Pride Park; Asda, in Sinfin, and Betty's Farm shop, in Willington.
Teaching assistant Annabel, of London Road, Alvaston, was diagnosed with cancer in April last year – just days before her 40th birthday and 15th wedding anniversary. She left behind her daughter Alina, 24, and sons Will, eight, and Sam, four.
Groups calling themselves Annabel's Angels sprung up across the country less than two months after her death – all raising money in her name for Cancer Research UK. These supporters will be taking part in Race for Life events across the UK this year.
Simon said: "Annabel never ever complained about her illness, she just got on with things.
"And her spirit clearly lives on in me, her children and many other people in Derby and beyond."
For more information about Annabel's Angels, visit www.facebook.com/AnnabelsAngels or, to donate to the charity, visit www.justgiving.com/Anna belsAngels1
