CAKES and donations are being sought by a vintage fabrics seller who is hoping to raise money to help fund a course of pioneering cancer treatment for her close friend and old neighbour Tessa Elam.

The 72-year-old former nurse from Stroud, who has been diagnosed with a rare, aggressive form of liver cancer, travelled to San Diego on August 20 so she could visit a specialist clinic in Tijuana, close to the Mexican/US border.

Last week, the SNJ launched an appeal to help raise the £60,000 needed to pay for the groundbreaking treatment, which is taking place inside Mexico as it is not on offer in either the US or the UK.

Now Maud Lomberg, who used to live next door to Tessa in Minchinhampton, is hosting a stall at the Shambles Market this Saturday, September 6, to help raise funds for the life-saving therapy.

Maud, the founder of Beyond France, a Cirencester-based business which sells homespun fabrics and vintage linen, will donate all of the proceeds from her stall, where she will be selling the linens along with handmade Swedish rag rugs.

She is also appealing to members of the public and other vintage good's lovers to donate items and cakes for the stall so she can raise as much money as possible.

“Tessa and I were neighbours in Minchinhampton from 77. She worked with my business and we have done various textile shows together.

“She was a great car-booter and a lover of old things like vintage baskets so if anyone wants to donate any items like that for the stall I would be very grateful.

“We want to get the word out because it is so important she receives this treatment.”

To donate vintage goods or a cake for the stall contact Maud on 07710148915 or email maud@beyondfrance.co.uk.

If you would like to make a financial donation to help Tessa on her road to recovery go to www.gofundme.com/help-Tessa-beat-cancer.

Donations can also be dropped off at the Stroud News & Journal office where they will be passed on to the family. Any cheques should be made payable to Clare Playne.