A FORMER Love Island star who lost her grandmother to a brain tumour within less than a month of diagnosis is urging people to support a charity raffle.
Kady McDermott, who took part in the second series of the hit ITV show in 2016, is backing a prize draw for a £475k seaside home in West Wittering.
Tickets to win the three-bedroom bungalow are up for grabs for the price of a cup of coffee and it is hoped £50,000 can be raised for two charities, including Brain Tumour Research, through the raffle.
Kady lost her grandmother Maureen King to the disease in 2009.
She said: “Nan was the rock of our family. My dad wasn’t around when I was growing up so it was like I had two mums.
“As soon as we got the diagnosis she went downhill and died within four weeks.
“Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet just one per cent of the national spend on cancer research has historically been allocated to this devastating disease.
“Brain Tumour Research has faced a loss of income due to the cancellation and postponement of many fundraising events during the pandemic, but the need for research remains as important as ever.
“I am delighted to offer my support to this amazing cause.”
The raffle for Sea Mist Bungalow, owned by former Olympic snowboarder Jan Michaelis and his wife Alina, will raise money for Brain Tumour Research as well as Surfers Against Sewage.
Jan said: “With Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, charities are in desperate need for help, so we thought we could raise some vital cash for two charities that are close to our hearts. We’re giving ten per cent of net ticket sales to charity.
“We have friends that have battled with a brain tumour, yet research into this is greatly under-funded. We have also experienced pollution in the ocean first-hand, which is why we selected Surfers Against Sewage.
“After such a difficult year for so many people, we loved the idea of creating a fun raffle that will see someone unexpectedly win a beautiful, mortgage-free house by the beach. It’s an idyllic life.”
The bright and modern home is within walking distance of the beach in West Wittering and has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, an open-plan kitchen-diner and lounge and a large rear garden.
The property also comes with a secluded wooden cabin, which has an additional bedroom, an en suite bathroom and kitchenette, with double French doors leading out onto a large sun deck.
For the property to be given away with all transfer costs covered, including stamp duty worth £15,000, 240,000 tickets have to be sold.
If not enough tickets are sold, a cash prize worth at least £60,000 is guaranteed for the winner.
The competition closes on February 6. To enter, visit: www.winmybeachhome.co.uk.
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