Leigh: The Charity Artist raises thousands after cancer diagnosis

Back in 2013, Jen Wilson was devastated to learn that she had been diagnosed with stage four breast cancer, and admitted that the hardest thing was to break the news to her daughter who was about to go to University.

However, defying the doctor's assessment that gave her two years to live, Jen is still going strong 11 years later and is determined to not let her illness define her.

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Jen has been selling off her artwork at various stalls and fayres (Image: Jen Wilson) Although Jen admitted that her ongoing treatment still causes her a lot of pain, the things that help the 55-year-old manage this are the creative and charitable outlets in her life.

With the former special needs assistant admitting she can "get lost" in drawing, she has created countless artworks to help a cause close to her heart.

Selling personalised and animal-themed arts and crafts at various stalls and fayres, Jen has been raising money for 'Andrea's Legacy', a charity set up in honour of well-known Leyther Andrea Jefferies, who died from breast cancer in December 2021.

With the charity helping to neuter and rehome rescue animals, Jen's work as 'The Charity Artist' has raised almost £5,000 for the local charity.

An example of Jen's animal-themed artwork (Image: Jen Wilson) "It's one of the things that keeps me going and helps me get up in the morning", Jen said.

"Andrea was an amazing person who was a lifelong advocate for animal rights in the UK and abroad.

"Rehoming pets has become a huge issue after lockdown and my work with the charity helps to make a difference."

Jen has raised almost £5,000 through her artworks (Image: Jen Wilson) With Jen's friends describing her as a "special lady", the Leigh mum-of-one said that her diagnosis has allowed her to appreciate "what really matters in life".

"I think people sometimes miss the beauty in the world and take things for granted", Jen added.

"Don't get me wrong, I can have my bad days and my treatment is a double-edged sword because it keeps me alive but causes me a lot of pain.

"But this diagnosis has made me really appreciate what really matters in life. Life is for living and I don't see cancer as something that defines me."

Jen will next be selling her artwork at a family fundraiser at Kingsleigh Methodist Church in Leigh town centre on Saturday, November 9.

• More information can be found about Andrea's Legacy here.
• More information about 'The Charity Artist' can be found here.
• More information can be found about breast cancer and its symptoms can be found here.