Proud dad of a newly-wed couple has raised more than £5,000 for Clatterbridge Cancer Charity

The proud dad of a newly-wed couple has raised more than £5,000 for the Clatterbridge Cancer Charity after his daughter-in-law was diagnosed with cancer.

Ashley and Cris Slocombe from Chester were due to celebrate their marriage with a big celebration for friends and family in France this summer.
However, Ashley was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in May forcing them to rethink their plans.

Ashley started treatment at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre and inspired by her courage and the excellent treatment she is receiving, father-in-law David took on an epic cycling challenge.

The retired car salesman cycled from his home in Huddersfield to Hoole where the couple live, raising thousands from sponsors.

The couple also decided to go ahead and tie the knot in a small ceremony in Cheshire, followed by an intimate celebration in Ashley’s parents’ home with the French celebration on hold until next year.

Ashley, 40, said:

“In early May, our lives changed in an instant when I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. Very quickly, I was referred to The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, and from my very first appointment, the team there has been nothing short of exceptional.

“From my oncology consultants and specialist nurses to the chemotherapy team and everyone behind the scenes, we've been met with kindness, reassurance and professionalism every step of the way.

“They have an incredible ability to make what is undoubtedly one of the hardest experiences of your life feel just a little less overwhelming. Their warmth, compassion and, of course, the trademark Scouse sense of humour have helped carry us through some very difficult days.

“This year was also supposed to mark another huge milestone in our lives. After 17 years together - yes, patience is apparently one of my greatest virtues - Cris and I were due to get married. We had planned a small legal ceremony in June with our parents, followed by wedding celebration in France this August with all our family and friends.

“As my treatment plan became clear, we made the difficult decision to postpone our French celebration until 2027. While it was heartbreaking to put those plans on hold, we knew it was the right decision.

“What we didn't want to postpone was becoming husband and wife.”

On 28th June, surrounded by their closest family and friends, Ashley and Cris, 43, who runs Ushers Bakehouse in Hoole, got married.

She added:

“It wasn't the wedding we had originally imagined, but in many ways, it was even more special. It was a day filled with love, laughter and a reminder of what truly matters.

“As we continue our weekly visits to Clatterbridge for treatment, we are constantly reminded how fortunate we are to be cared for by such an extraordinary team. They don't just provide worldclass treatment; they provide hope, compassion and humanity when patients and families need it most.

“That's why fundraising for Clatterbridge Cancer Charity means so much to us.

“We are incredibly grateful to my new father-in-law, David, for taking on an amazing fundraising challenge. His determination reflects the gratitude our whole family feels towards everyone who has cared for us over the past few months.”

David, 72, added:

“Ashley is approaching this like all her endeavours, with boundless energy and optimism, and we are all looking forward to a successful completion.

“Typically, we can’t help her with this, but I’m not one to sit on the sidelines.”

The couple are now looking forward to Ashley completing her treatment and celebrating in style.

Ashley, an operations manager in corporate events, added:

“We can't wait to celebrate our Big Fat French Wedding 2.0 in 2027, but first, we're focused on getting through treatment, together."

Clatterbridge Cancer Charity Community Fundraiser Tanya Simpson said:

“I would like to say a huge thank you to David for taking on this challenge and raising such an impressive sum of money to help local people with cancer.

“It is thanks to people like him that the Charity is able to help the one in two people affected by cancer in our region. We would also like to say congratulations to Ashley and Cris and wish them all the very best for the future.”

If you’d like to sponsor David you can do that here:

https://donate.clatterbridgecharity.org/?campaign=halton&_gl=1*xu48vn*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTMxMTAxNDk2NC4xNzgxNTIyMjEx*_ga_5CDW5ZB2JW*czE3ODE1MjIyMTAkbzEkZzAkdDE3ODE1MjIyMTAkajYwJGwwJGgxNTg1NzY0MzQ0

Clatterbridge Cancer Charity is the only charity dedicated to fundraising to help patients at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre in Liverpool, Wirral and Aintree and their network of clinics in Cheshire and Merseyside.