Cancer remission patient Simone Martin, 40, raises £150 for Disability Peterborough through Lincolnshire-based face-painting business Lincs66

A woman who is in cancer remission has raised money for a disability charity through her face-painting business.

Simone Martin, owner of Whaplode-based Lincs66 - Facepaint, Balloons and Glitter, has donated £150 to Disability Peterborough after pledging 10% of her earnings from her set-up in Peterborough’s Queensgate Shopping Centre during the February half-term.

The 40-year-old was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer in March 2022 and is currently in remission.

Working alongside her 15-year-old son Charlie-Alan, Simone has had the full support of her family members, who learnt face-painting to help with the business that provides services to Holbeach and Spalding as well as locations in Norfolk and Cambridgeshire.

Charlie-Alan is a ‘Teen Twister’ and makes all kinds of creations working his own business within Lincs66.

Sister Crystal Rudd said: “Battling cancer through 2022 and 2023 she worked hard, had chemo and on the worst days she still worked because she had no choice.”

Lincs66 partnered with Queensgate Shopping Centre, who chose the charity for this year.

“This partnership allows me to provide face painting services during their half-term events without incurring the high pitch fees that many fairs currently charge entertainers,” Simone said.

“As a result, we can help their team assist individuals who face challenges in visiting Peterborough Queensgate due to mobility issues.”

Recently, Simone demonstrated her talents by creating a dress completely made of balloons for the Marie Curie gala event in Boston, where the business sponsored a table.

“Supporting charities through our work is a passion of ours,” Simone added.

“We envision a mutually beneficial partnership where the charity assists in promoting small businesses, and in return, we contribute a portion of our profits.

“We have successfully implemented this model with several local charities, including Little Miracle South Holland and Cancer Research UK's Race for Life.

“Furthermore, we collaborate with Unity and Up the Garden Bath inside Queensgate to offer free workshops to the public, teaching them how to create their own balloon animals.”

Crystal added that she is very proud of her big sister as well as her nephew and all the family members who have helped out.