A PET Shop Boys tribute night has raised over £6,200 in memory of Skipton woman Christina Reynoldson, who died before she was able to go and see the original band live in New York.
Christina was born in Skipton to dad Italian Carmelo and mum Susan, where she grew up with brother Joseph and Sister Angelina.
She worked at Skipton Bakery and CIS insurance and remained in insurance and finance all her working life. She also helped out with Gleam Cleaning. She was married to Mark and they had two sons, George and Lewis and her friends described her as a loving mother, wife, sister and friend.
In July 2021 Christina was diagnosed with breast cancer but remained positive. Following her treatment she was told she had overcome it and was in remission, but only a few months later it returned and spread into her lungs and blood.
Christina was told she had around 13-16 months to live. She was due to go to New York in September this year to see the Pet Shop Boys with her best friends to celebrate getting the all clear from her breast cancer but due to her health declining was unable to go.
Instead, a group of friends at Skipton Rugby Club, where her youngest son, Lewis, played for the first team, decided to bring the band's music to Christina for an evening of fun and for charity with the Pet Shop Boys Tribute Band.
But fate would deal another blow and Christina died on August 25, just two weeks before the event took place. The event went ahead and all her friends and family came together. After all the counting up, they have announced the event raised a total of £6,200.87 in ticket sales, a raffle and live auction. Her family asked that £2115.87 be donated to HODU (Haematology and Oncology Day Unit) at Airedale General Hospital and for £4,085 to be donated to Manorlands Hospice.
Friend Lucy Jones, from Skipton Rugby Club said: "A huge thank you to all the local businesses that provided donations for the auction and raffle and to all those that came and bought tickets to celebrate Christina’s life and help raise money for such a worthy cause. A very special lady; you have gone far too soon."
Lucy added that Christina loved dancing, walking, gym and cycling. She supported the rugby club and also played in local darts and dominoes teams.
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