Woman celebrates divorce with party to raise money for cancer charity

By Ed Cullinane via SWNS

A woman says she is celebrating splitting from her husband with a party to raise money for a cancer charity - after losing family to the disease.

Catherine Owens, 48, originally planned to mark the separation from her partner with her hen do friends in her home.

But news about the event spread quickly, with up to 150 people now slated to attend - forcing her to book out a social club.

Nine acts, including singing and stand up comedy, will also be performing with the aim of raising money for charity.

Mom-of-two Catherine, from Swansea, Wales had been with her husband for 16 years in total - married for four - before they split in September.

And she says they are now heading for divorce - and she plans to use the divorce party for a good cause.

She decided to work with Brain Tumour Research after losing both of her grandfathers to brain tumors.

The event was organized with the help of close friends, Eileen James, 64, and Patricia Churchill.

Both have also lost someone to a brain tumor, while her other friend Jayne Diamond, 64, works as a support worker for patients with brain injuries.

Catherine, who also lost her mom and uncle to cancer, said she thought the event was "the perfect opportunity" to raise some money.

She said of the breakup: "It's been a long time coming. Back in September we finally split up for good after four years.

"We were going to get together as a party, get the disco lights out and have a separation party.

"There was quite a bit of interest, and then I saw Brain Tumour Research's Wear A Hat Day.

"We've got millions of hats, we all wear them to festivals and events over the years. So I thought how wonderful it'd be to do a fundraiser for wear a hat day too."

Now in its 13th year, Wear A Hat Day has raised more than £2million ($2.6 million) for Brain Tumour Research to help fund the fight against the disease.

Catherine, who is medically retired, added: "I do pinch myself because I can’t believe I’ve been able to pull this event together. Everything feels as if it is meant to be.

"The support from my friends has been brilliant and we are all glad to be able to do something for the cause."

The event is being held at the Samlet Social Club in Llansamlet, Swansea.

Alternatively, you can donate to Brain Tumour Research here.