Barnard Castle gets ready to turn pink

Barnard Castle will be turning pink once again this year.

Teesdale Cancer Research UK, which is celebrating its 52nd birthday, is organising Turning Barney Pink next month.

The event gets underway on Friday, October 3 and runs through to Friday, October 17 and gives local businesses and residents to opportunity to unite in raising awareness of the life-saving research work the charity undertakes.

Last year’s Turning Barney Pink was a huge success, raising more than £5,000.

Pam Ashmore, secretary of Teesdale Cancer Research UK said: “One in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime, but all us can support research that will beat it.

“That’s why I’m urging businesses and residents in Barnard Castle to turn their windows pink and join in the fun.

“This year, as well as encouraging local businesses to get involved, we are also inviting residents to be part of the community event.

“Fundraising is not essential but any funds raised will go direct to the North East Cancer Research UK Centre.”

Spokesperson for the Teesdale branch, Jane Leafe, added: “We are incredibly grateful for the dedication of the committee.

“Events give the people a real sense of camaraderie in all pulling together for one reason – beating cancer.

“It would be great for the community to once again get behind this event.”

Associated events organised by the Teesdale branch of the charity include Pam’s Pink Day at Barnard Castle Cricket Club on Thursday, October 15.

Meanwhile, the charity has thanked Paul and Jen Kirby, who operate 54 Degrees North in Barnard Castle, for allowing them to open a pop-up shop in a premises they own on Galgate from July 31 to August 14 to raise funds.

Pam said: “We would like to thank Paul and Jen of 54 Degrees North for allowing us to use the shop.

“We also thank everyone for their donations and we raised £3,280, which is a fantastic amount of money.”

Anyone individual or organisation that would like to organise an event during the Turning Barney Pink fortnight, or any other time of year, in aid of Teesdale Cancer Research UK can contact Pam Ashmore on 07716 293618 or Kath Iceton on 07999 784062.