FRIENDS and family of Ann Greene, of Skipton, gathered to celebrate her life at a wake with a difference.

Some 200 people enjoyed an evening of music and laugher at Ann’s ‘Awake’ party, held at Naylor’s Brewery in Cross Hills - because she will not be around for her own funeral.

And to add to the many thousands of pounds Ann has already raised for Cancer Support Yorkshire, in Skipton, the event has so far raised a further more than £2,000 for Cancer Support, and also for Manorlands Hospice, Oxenhope.

Ann, originally from Sutton-in-Craven, who was first diagnosed with cancer in 2015, learnt at Christmas the cancer had returned, exactly two years after her original diagnosis.

And, with no more treatment available to her, she thought she would have a party - and do some fundraising for the two charities which have helped both her and her family.

“Because I won’t be at my own funeral I wanted to enjoy the party with family and friends,” she said.

“Just when I thought the future looked bright, cancer reared it’s ugly head again at Christmas. Although there is no treatment I can have - I have already had my full whack of radiotherapy - Manorlands has have sorted a pain management programme for me which means I’m now enjoying being back in the comfort of my own home. It’s great to be back home and to be up and about again,” she said.

One of Ann’s many friends, Sue Tennant, said Ann has always been an avid fundraiser, so she used her Awake to raise even more.

“There was a Just Giving page, a raffle and tombola on the evening and a massive total of £2,034 was raised. Local businesses were extremely generous in donating prizes for the raffle and a separate draw was made for a fabulous prize of accommodation for up to eight people in a chalet in the French Alps - donated by Kumari and Jonny Kay who used to live in Kildwick.”

The party also included an open mic session, run by Connor Walmsley, and a selection of photographs were taken by Ben Stratford-Hines.

After the party, Ann thanked all those who had come along. “So many of you came and supported the night, I was completely overwhelmed, especially by surprise appearances, together with star performer Connor Walmsley. Several of her friends posted messaged on social media.

Angela Bage said it had been a ‘fab night’, she posted; “Ann not only did you raise lots of money for a good cause, you got lots of great people together that have not seen each other in years. There was lots of love around us all last night. Thank you so much for sharing your time and love with us all.

Tim Clarke posted: “ Great time with Ann Greene plus plus plus at Naylors’ in Cross Hills. A truly remarkable lady, who continues despite her own pain, to raise funds into cancer research. Lovely to catch up with so many people during the short time we could be there.”

And Janet James added: “What a turn out Ann, no idea why you didn’t think it be so busy. You’re an inspiration to us all and we wanted to celebrate your life with you.”

Businesses who supported Ann’s Awake included: Ski Villa Roger, Debneys, Forget Me Not, New Laithe Butchers, Alexanders, Bizzie Lizzies, Eastburn Fisheries, Choice Baskets, The Yorkshire Cake Fairy, Tropic, Body Shop, Crumbs, Colin Appleyard, Oakleys, and many, many more. To help Ann raise money for Cancer Support Yorkshire and Manorlands Hospice, donations can be made on her JustGiving page.

T