A MUM who swapped a dream holiday for a fundraising birthday bash after being diagnosed with cancer has raised over £5,000.

Teacher Liz MacKenzie had arranged the trip to Vietnam to mark her 50th birthday but was forced to call it off because she is battling breast cancer.

Instead the generous Inverkip woman stayed here and held a hugely successful celebration in her home — raising the fantastic figure for two good causes.

The mum-of-two required a mastectomy and days afterwards underwent surgery to remove a tumour from her thyroid, which turned out to be benign.

Liz, who co-owns Bathroom Elegance with her husband Alister, is currently undergoing further treatment but still managed to stage and enjoy the big charity bash — with all the money raised going to Ardgowan Hospice and Breast Cancer Care.

More than 100 guests went along and enjoyed cocktails and live music courtesy of The Wherries in a marquee in the couple’s garden.

The mother-of-two said: “The generosity has been overwhelming.

“I cannot put it into words.

“The party was an absolutely phenomenal success — it rained but that didn’t dampen our spirits.

“The Wherries were amazing and the atmosphere in the marquee was electric.

“The harder it rained, the more determined it made everyone to enjoy themselves.

“I’m still coming down from the high of the night.

“I’m receiving my chemotheraphy now but looking back and being able to reflect on the night is a huge boost. It was fantastic.” The cash raised at the charity party included money collected by Liz’s friend Bruce Watson, who is working in Chad and had his head shaved for the cause.

Money is still pouring in and Santander bank branches in Greenock, run by Liz Rankin, and Largs, run by Fiona Bradley, have agreed to match-fund what is raised.

Liz said: “It’s been a success for the charities and all the people they help.”