SCHOOL friends have joined forces in the battle against cancer.

Fundraiser Kim Oldham is planning to take part in the London Pink Ribbon Walk to finance research into a disease that threatened her health.

The 51-year-old, of Darlington, developed thyroid cancer and had to undergo surgery and radioiodine treatment that left her temporarily radioactive and in isolation for days.

Now her school friend Donna Slyfield has pledged to donate some proceeds from an arts event she is organising to showcase local talent.

Shout About Art is a pop-up exhibition due to be staged on Saturday, May 17 at Hurworth Grange, Hurworth, near Darlington.

The exhibition will provide the chance for artists and designers to demonstrate their creative skills alongside established artists in an affordable and nurturing setting.

Ms Slyfield said: “The event is a great opportunity for emerging talent and also a chance to raise much-needed funds for a worthy cause.

“Cancer is a disease that touches us all in some way and the more money that goes into research the better.”

Ms Oldham knows the impact of cancer only too well.

“I didn’t have any symptoms and there wasn’t an obvious lump but I’d met up with a friend and she noticed a shadow on my neck,” she said.

“I didn’t drink or smoke and have always been pretty fit and still got it. But cancer is survivable and I now grab every day.”

Shout About Art debuted last year and exhibitor prices are £70 for a large area and £50 for a small.

Entry is £2 on the door, children under 14 are free when accompanied by a paying adult.

For more information visit shoutaboutart.com