Newquay’s surfing community is coming out in force this coming Sunday to fundraise to send a well-known and much-loved–woman to her Canadian home so she can undergo the vital treatment she needs for a fast acting cancer which she only discovered she had a number of weeks ago. Theresa Thomson and her family had only just moved from Newquay to Orkney, to be near her husband’s family, when she was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma Cancer and it is her wish that she can be treated, and recover, from the disease with her Canadian mother, sister and family close-by.

Canadian citizen Theresa moved to Cornwall only seven years ago however she swiftly became popular amongst the surf scene and married surf instructor Chris Thomson, the founder and director of Newquay-based Errant Surf Company and Surf School. The couple got engaged on Pentire Headland, married in Truro with a memorable wedding reception at the Kahuna on Tolcarne Beach and gave birth to their son Dylan, and later to twins Summer and Joel, at Treliske Hospital. During her time in the town, Theresa worked at The Central pub, at Pizza Express, at Excess Energy Communications and for Errant, helped with the creation of the Watergate Bay Surf Club and was a recognisable, regular supporter of the local surf contests and events.

Although Theresa is still officially a Canadian citizen, sadly the law in the country states that a returning national cannot automatically have access to Medical Care and they must wait up to three months before this right can be re-instated. The severity of her cancer means she cannot wait that long so the family will have to help her pay thousands of Canadian dollars for the expensive, but absolutely necessary, treatment privately. Theresa’s family have appealed this decision but were unfortunately turned down so they have opted to fundraise to help boost their personal donations. They have set-up the ‘Bring Theresa Home’ fund and Facebook page and in Canada are running an auction, bake-off, zumbathons and comedy night to help raise the much needed cash.

Local surfer, mother and friend to the Thomsons, Emma Adams is organising this coming Sunday’s ‘Bring Theresa Home’ event at Fistral Beach. Emma explains, “Although Theresa and Chris have just moved from the town, they are both so well-known and so well-loved, that everyone is super keen to help in any way they can. Lots of local people and companies have already stepped in to offer ideas, donations and support and it’s all gathering storm. Sunday is set to be lots of fun, with Theresa’s sparkling personality running through the whole thing.”

Emma continues, “We’ll be kicking off at 4pm at the Fistral Beach Bar, one of Theresa’s favourite local spots. We’ll have laughter yoga on Fistral Beach from 4pm, a ‘right rocking raffle’ at 6pm and an ‘awesome auction’ at 7pm. In the meantime there will be a cake sale, family activities and facepainting on the beach, Skinners ales on tap behind the bar with a percentage of the profit from every sale going to the cause and Josh Hughes AKA Jose Hugo and Tim Nice taking to the decks to keep the night going. As we know, Theresa is a great party girl and loves nothing better than getting all her friends together so we can’t think of a more fitting way to raise the much needed funds to make sure she gets the treatment she deserves.”

Everyone is welcome to attend and also to donate prizes or cakes for the sale. Items which have already been pledged include clothing, minibreaks and hotel nights in Cornwall, surf magazine subscriptions, activity breaks, photo sessions, beauty treatments, meal vouchers, surf lessons, surf products and artwork from local specialists. People can also log onto www.gofundme.com and search for the ‘Bring Theresa Home’ page where funds can be given.

In a recent Facebook message, on her fifth wedding anniversary, Theresa said, “A BIG thank you to EVERYONE who is helping with fundraising and donating for my medical! It is truly unbelievable and so touching the amount of support and love we have from everyone.”

Theresa’s husband Chris says, “I would like to thank everyone who has helped us out so far, from looking after the kids, to messages of support. I am amazed at how much this all really helps to keep Theresa moving forwards and spirits high. If you told me a few weeks ago I would have to be helping raise money for Theresa to be treated for cancer I would never have believed it, but having everyone step in and help in so many ways, is just so appreciated and makes this all possible.”

Anyone who would like to get involved in Sunday’s ‘Bring Theresa Home’ event should contact Emma Adams on 07970 384134 or on emmaskinner21@hotmail.com.