A woman who has had two near-death experiences is now living life to the full and holding a massive fundraiser to celebrate her 50th birthday.

Donna-Marie Foster, of Knighton Road, Romford, has had 12 operations. She nearly died after deep vein thrombosis caused a clot in her lungs and again when she bled internally after surgery.

Now the amateur philanthropist has invited acts from across the country to entertain a 600-strong at a variety extravaganza.

Artists due to take to the stage include Nairobi Thompson, a spoken word artist, as well as acts from Britain’s Got Talent and Got to Dance.

“I have chosen to raise money for the British Kidney Patient Association (BKPA) and Prostate Cancer UK,” explained mum-of-three Donna-Marie.

“They are both causes very close to my heart as my husband has had two kidney transplants and my father is a dialysis patient, while my father-in-law died from prostate cancer.”

Now a part time actress Donna-Marie, who is no stranger to fundraising, hopes to raise more than £3,000 from the event.

“This community fundraiser will be a celebration of talent and life,” she said.

“Life isn’t about yourself – it’s about the people around you and the community.”

Donna-Marie’s fundraiser will take place at 7pm on March 28 at Marshalls Park School in Romford.

Tickets start at £8 for early birds. For more information and booking visit bit.ly/mpsfundraiser2015