Samantha Johnstone, 21, who has a type of bone cancer known as Ewing's sarcoma, organised a quiz night for her friends and family.

Over 100 people attended the evening at Tornaveen Hall on Saturday, January 17.

The money will go to the Anchor Unit Teenage Service Fund and the Bone Cancer Research Trust.

Samantha said she was overwhelmed by the generosity shown by those who attended.

"It is great to raise so much money and we are really grateful to everybody who helped make the evening a success," the former Aboyne Academy pupil said.

"We would like to thank everybody who donated prizes for the raffle, everybody who came along, as well as those who helped organise the event. It was a really great night."

Samantha was first diagnosed with cancer in March 2004.

After having what appeared to be a successful treatment, she was rediagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma cancer in January last year.

She finished her treatment in September, however the family were dealt a further blow over Christmas when the cancer appeared again.

Mother Jackie said: "Samantha is getting more treatment now. She has had radiotherapy and she will start getting chemotherapy in a couple of weeks.

"We are really grateful for the support that all of our family and friends have given us over the past few years."
Samantha said the two charities offer great support for those diagnosed with cancer.

She said: "The Bone Cancer Research Trust is devoted to researching the causes and treatment of bone cancers, particularly osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma.

"The Anchor Unit Teenage Service Fund supports young people diagnosed with cancer and their families. There is a group of current and previous patients and their parents who meet up twice a year to catch up on how everyone is getting on. This is a great opportunity for patients and parents to share their experiences with others who are or have been in the same position. The fund can also be used to provide wigs for patients and medical professionals have also been funded to attend special research days.

"One of the largest projects that came out of the fund was to refurbish two single bedrooms at the unit with nice bright curtains, computer game systems and walk-in showers to make the room appear more like a normal bedroom rather than a hospital room."

Samantha's friend Kelly Cumming, who had her right leg amputated above the knee after finding a cancerous lump in her shin when she was 16, also gave a talk at the event about the Anchor Unit.

Samantha added: "Kelly has been a great support for me and I am very grateful for all of her help."