‘Everyone came together’ - Devon women raise £27,000 for bone cancer in memory of their sisters

Two South Devon women have turned tragedy into triumph and raised thousands of pounds for charity in memory of their two young sisters.

Donya Briggs and Kelly Drummond came together to organise a special fund-raising ball before Christmas.

Now they are telling their stories — not only to raise awareness of bone cancer which claimed the lives of their sisters but to also ‘keep their names and stories alive’.

Donya and Kelly, who are both from Newton Abbot, hosted the elegant Black and White Ball in memory of their sisters, Kate Drummond and Kaley.

Kaley Fitzsimmons, Donya’s sister and originally from Torquay, passed away 10 years ago from osteosarcoma and Kate, Kelly’s sister and also from Newton Abbot, lost her battle in 2022 to Ewing sarcoma.

The Black and White ball took place at the luxurious ANRÁN venue in Ashburton, with 180 people attending, and an incredible £23,288 being raised for the Bone Cancer Research Trust. Guests enjoyed entertainment including a string quartet, festive food and a silent auction.

Kelly and Donya say they wanted to raise money for the charity to give patients hope and so no family endures what theirs sadly did.

Donya said: “Kelly and I connected after I read a local article about Kate. Kate’s story echoed Kaley’s in so many heartbreaking ways that it felt impossible to ignore. I was compelled to reach out to Kelly. 

“We were just two sisters who understood each other in ways that nobody ever wants to. It was from that moment; we began talking about creating something special to honour and remember our sisters.”

The sisters, who have now raised more than £27,000, said: “Organising this charity ball was an honour and a deeply personal milestone for both of us. 

“We created the event in memory of our sisters, who each lost their battle with bone cancer. For us, it was not only about raising vital funds and awareness, but also about keeping their names and stories alive. 

“Although we were brought together through grief, this event has shown us that something profoundly beautiful can grow from something so deeply tragic.

“We were overwhelmed by the generosity and kindness that surrounded the evening - not only from our 180 guests who bought tickets and supported us, but also from our incredible suppliers, many of whom donated their time or services or offered significant discounts.

“The way everyone came together, going above and beyond, made the night truly unforgettable. 

“We hope our sisters’ stories encourage others to listen to their bodies, advocate for their health, and perhaps even feel inspired to support or create meaningful initiatives of their own in the future.”

Zoe Davison, head of research, information and support at the Bone Cancer Research Trust, attended on the night and said: “It was truly wonderful to be at the Black and White ball. 

“Kelly and Donya have put so much heart and passion into raising awareness of their sisters’ stories and the devastating impact that bone cancer has. 

“With the phenomenal amount raised, we can continue to fund vital research that will help improve treatments and outcomes for bone cancer patients.”

Kaley’s story, told by Donya

Following the birth of her daughter, Gracie, Kaley felt a “pop” in her pelvic bone and constant throbbing pain down her right leg. 

Doctors presumed she had a sports injury but after many painful physiotherapy sessions, Kaley demanded an MRI scan. A mass was detected in January 2015 and a biopsy then confirmed osteosarcoma in her pelvic bone in February.

Kaley struggled with chemotherapy and had to have an amputation of her right leg, hip and 2/3 of her pelvis in May that year.

Unfortunately, by mid-June the cancer had spread to her lungs, and it was so aggressive that she didn’t have long left.

On July 15, 2015, aged 33, Kaley passed away in the arms of her Mum and Dad, and with her sisters Donya and Terell by her side.

Kaley was a healthy fitness instructor, with a zest for life and loved to dance. Her chapter in motherhood had only just begun. Kaley’s strength and bravery throughout was nothing but heroic. Donya

Kate’s story, told by Kelly

Kate was just 24 years old when she first began experiencing severe pain in her back and hip in January 2021.

After a while, with her pain progressing, doctors suggested it was sciatica. She was given painkillers, which got stronger as the pain intensified and she was later referred to specialist physiotherapy. 

She waited for answers while the progressive pain made everyday life — sleeping, walking, even focusing — almost impossible.

Months later, Kate had gone through many misdiagnoses and even had a private MRI scan. The scan found a large tumour in her pelvis, with nodules in her legs, ribs and at the base of her skull. She was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma in August 2021

She fought with every ounce of strength and by Christmas 2021 things were looking brighter. Unfortunately, by January 2022, the cancer had returned. On March 17, 2022, at just 25 years old, Kate passed away.

Kate was more than her cancer. She was funny, kind and full of life. She deserved so many more years than she got. After completing a year of fundraising in 2022 and raising £66,000, I have a personal goal to help bring that total to £100,000 for bone cancer research. I know I can’t bring my sister back, but I can try to spare other families from the trauma that ours went through. She was my best friend, and honouring her in this way means everything. Kelly

Special thanks have gone out to suppliers and supporters who made the Black and White Ball possible including Venue: ANRAN; Catering: Titley Green; Band: Creation Musical Services; String Quartet: Exe Valley String Quartet; Photographer: Danielle Veitch; Videographer: Yetifilm; Cocktail mixology: Bespoke Bar Bros