“INSPIRATIONAL” cancer charity supporters raised more than £90,000 in the last year to fund research into the deadly disease.
For the past 49 years the Teesdale branch of Cancer Research UK has been raising cash to help beat cancer. Organising coffee mornings, afternoon teas, sponsored walks and bingo evenings the group has raised more than £1m.
At their annual Christmas fair at Cotherstone Village Hall they handed over another huge cheque to the head of the charity’s drug discovery unit at Newcastle, Professor Steve Wedge.
He said the group’s continued commitment to fundraising was “inspirational”.
He added: “There are so many activities and events organised by the Teesdale branch of Cancer Research, it feels like it is a whole community that is doing it.
“Cancer Research UK’s major drive is trying to work out how to prevent cancer and to identify cancer earlier. All of that is made possible by charitable donations and it is groups like this that make it possible. We will put the money to good use.”
Kath Iceton, chairwoman of the fundraising group, thanked everyone in Teesdale for helping to raise the money.
She added: “Next year the committee celebrates 50 years and, in that time, we have raised £1.2m. The committee still has two founding members but we are looking for new members.”
Treasurer Sue Warnes explained the group had benefitted from £11,198 in legacies in memory of loved ones. Bingo evenings, held every three weeks pulled in £6,040. The Turn Barney Pink week raised £4,212, including £900 from William Smith Group whose staff did a sponsored walk.
Gift aid, coffee mornings, individual challenges along with donations sent direct to Cancer Research UK went towards the annual total.
Ms Warnes added: “The Butler and Gee ball coincided with the end of Turn Barney Pink week and that raised £12,588, which has been doubled to £25,175 thanks to a double impact fund created by Leeds resident Carol Carthy.
“Next year because it is our golden anniversary, we will be celebrating 50 years of raising funds to beat cancer and we are always on the lookout for more volunteers as we would like to get £100,000 – but £90,000 is fantastic.”
To get involved with Teesdale Cancer Research UK, call Pam Ashmore on 07716 293618.
