Former Corrie star shows support for determined Linthorpe mum as she battles cancer

A former Corrie star showed his support for a determined mum who is battling cancer.

Paula Wood, 49, beat breast cancer in 2012 but last year was diagnosed with terminal cancer in her bones.

The mum-of-two from Linthorpe, was told she may only have months to live in April - but after a marathon fundraising effort, Paula continues to stay positive.

More than £9,500 has been raised for the Paula’s Wish charity, set up by friends, family and Paula’s colleagues at Hillview nursing home in Eston at a series of fundraising events.

Bruce Jones, best known for his role as cab driver Les Battersby in Coronation Street, was a surprise guest at the latest event held at the Teesside Bridge Club in North Ormesby.

Paula (centre) returned to the Riverside to thank Yvonne Ferguson (left) Activities Manager of Generation Red Faction Zone for the club's help fundraising. Pictured with Alan Martin (right) who has been fundraising for Paula's Wish

Organiser and fundraiser Alan Martin, completed a eight-and-a-half hour round trip to collect Bruce from North Wales.

Speaking after the event the former soap star said: “It was good to come to Teesside. I’m glad Alan came to pick me up. He came all the way to North Wales and brought me back on the Saturday.

“It was a brilliant night. The comedian was great.

“Paula is only 49. It was all for a good cause.”

Alan said: “Bruce is a good friend of mine so it fantastic to hear he could make the gig. Paula had no idea he was coming, her face was a picture when he walked in. It made the journey to pick him up worthwhile.

“He brought signed books and made a personal £500 donation to the charity which is just incredible.”

Bruce Jones who plays Les Battersby on Coronation Street who visited Paula at a fundraising event at Teesside Bridge Club

Alan added that the fundraising group became a way for Paula to maintain a positive mental attitude towards her illness.

He said: “Paula is bound to have her up and down days, and she does extremely well to stay so positive.

“All of the funds we raise goes towards making Paula’s life as easy as possible. Medication alone costs around £250 a week, and so we are forever grateful for donations.

Earlier this month, Paula visited Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium with her husband Simon Lazar and Alan, to be presented with a signed football from Boro goalkeeper Dimi Konstantopolous, who has supported the charity since last year.

The Boro ball signed by the club.

Paula said: “I’m feeling a lot better. You take things day by day, but since I started with alternative therapy I can get around and I am not as tired as I was.

“I have just had my scan results back from the hospital, and my cancer has not spread which is really good news.

“I am trying to stay as positive as I can.”

Paula returned on Monday to present a photograph of herself and Yvonne Ferguson, the Activities Manager of Generation Red Faction Zone, to the club to say thank you for their fundraising efforts.