A grandmother from Sale hosted a buffet lunch at her home - as part of the Christie charity's new 'Ladies Lunch' month series - to say thank for the treatment she received at the leading cancer centre.

Christie patient Elizabeth Croston, 66, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma in April 2009 and underwent chemotherapy at The Christie.

The yoga teacher, who returned to teaching after she finished her treatment, hosted the buffet lunch for her students, neighbours and friends and raised money through donations on the day and a raffle. Prizes included hair and beauty treatments donated by the Beauty Bar and Greys hairdressers in Sale.

The grandmother of five said; "I had such great service from The Christie, the cancer was dealt with very quickly and although my treatment was very intensive I have come through it.

"At the time I was diagnosed I thought the worst, but staff at The Christie were so positive, so upbeat and this really helped me. I know not everyone has a successful outcome like mine which is why I want to raise money to help other cancer patients."

Elizabeth - who is known as Betty - said her daughter Gillian Hunt, who lives in West Sussex, also hosted a ladies lunch to raise money for the Christie charity.

The Christie charity's new 'Ladies Lunch' series is taking place throughout June as ladies host lunchtime events to raise money to help cancer patients. Miglio Designer Jewellery is kindly sponsoring the month-long fundraising initiative.

Community fundraising officer at the Christie charity, Toni Kennedy, said; "Elizabeth's story is an inspiration to all cancer patients which is why the Christie charity is inviting women across the North West to spread a little glitz and glamour and organise their own 'Ladies Lunch' this month.

"Our charity helps to fund vital research into cancer, specialist medical equipment, new building developments and innovative services for our patients undergoing treatment for cancer."

To register to take part in Ladies Lunch month and receive a free fundraising guide full of ideas, tips and advice visit www.christies.org/ladieslunch or call 0161 918 7398. Tickets, invites, posters and table place settings can also be downloaded from the website.

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