The wife of Bradford City Football Club's resident doctor is to host a glittering star-studded ball at Valley Parade to raise money for cancer research.

Pamela Cavaliere, 42, who is married to Bradford GP Vince Cavaliere, is herself battling cancer and, with the help of soap star friends Leah Bracknell and Deena Payne, she is hoping to raise thousands for Yorkshire Cancer Research and The Leeds Upper GI (Gastro-Intestinal) Cancer Fund.

Pamela, a former air hostess, enjoyed a glamorous lifestyle and a happy home life with her husband and two children Felix, 13, and Lydia, ten, until tests revealed she had oesophagus cancer.

Problems first came to light when she was lunching with a friend at Leeds' Harvey Nichols and a forkful of fish got stuck in her throat. A fellow diner came to the rescue but the incident prompted her husband to take her for an endoscopy in 2004. The news was devastating her gullet was completely blocked by a tumour.

"We were both stunned into silence," she said. "A scan confirmed the tumour was advanced, in my upper oesophagus, and had spread into my lymph glands."

She began chemotherapy and radiotherapy, finishing in 2005 and two months after the treatment a scan showed doctors could no longer see any cancer.

"I told everyone my news and they were obviously thrilled but I didn't feel like celebrating," she said. "I felt like it had gone away too easy."

Sadly her instinct proved right and in June Pamela was eating a meal and the food again stuck in her throat. Tests confirmed the tumour had re-grown.

The only option was to operate and in August, 2005, she underwent an operation in which her oesophagus and part of her stomach were removed. The rest of it was then connected to her neck.

"I made excellent recovery after my operation but unfortunately it has been confirmed that I am again fighting cancer," she said.

"I am now back at Cookridge receiving chemotherapy in the hope of maintaining my cancer.

"I used to do everything for the children, lay out their clothes, empty their school bags but now they've become more independent, they've had to as I am too ill after chemo to do much.

"They've also started doing more around the house."

She is now arranging a ball on Saturday, September 16, to raise funds for Yorkshire Cancer Research and the Leeds Upper GI (gastro-intestinal) Cancer Fund.

"There will be lots of soap and soccer stars there, Chris Chittell (Eric Pollard) is doing the auction and it's given me something to aim for," she said.

  • Anyone wishing to donate to Pam's charity should send cheques to the Leeds Upper GI Cancer Fun, Mr Sue-Lings secretary, Department of Surgery, LGI, Great George Street, Leeds, LS1 3EX. For more information visit www.celebratelifewithus.co.uk.
Facts and figures
  • Around 7,000 people each year are diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus.
  • Most cases occur in people over 50 years and mainly men.
  • In the last 20 years the number of cases has risen each year and it is now the fastest growing cancer in Europe.
  • It is more common in the Far East and Central Asia which suggests that diet or the environment may effect its development.
  • Dr Vince Cavaliere, a GP at The Ridge Medical Practice, said: "No one is immune. Although you look well and feel well, the symptoms such as Pamela's may be sinister and need investigation."
  • He said the ball for which all 600 tickets have been sold has been a great focus for Pam.