BARNARD Castle was in the pink to raise funds and awareness for Cancer Research UK.
More than 70 businesses, organisations and homes decorated their windows in a huge show of community support.
The Turn Barney Pink campaign, which ran last week, was organised by the Teesdale branch of Cancer Research UK and was the first event of its kind in town.
Pam Ashmore, from the branch, said: “It’s amazing how much support there is – some people have gone to town with their displays and everyone has made an effort.
“Everyone has done something different – the building society put up pink piggy banks, the dentist put up pink lips and Penny’s put up pink teapots.
“Hopefully this can become a yearly event and go on strength to strength.
“It’s as much about raising awareness as money and it’s been great that the GP surgery has got on board with leaflets, especially as there is high footfall as they are doing flu jabs.”
The original idea was suggested by Janet Leafe, the
region’s fundraising co-ordinator, after she saw another town in Britain “turn pink”.
Volunteers have gone round shops encouraging them to take part with most joining in some way.
Businesses were asked for a donation of £5 and some shops put up collection boxes or information displays about cancer. GSK plant in Harmire Road was lit up pink overnight, while staff elsewhere wore pink tops or organised events to raise cash.
Pink bunting was put around the memorial garden and Morrisons had collection tins outside the tills.
The cricket club’s darts team dressed up in pink with contributions to a swear box going to the charity.
Pink bows were even fitted to Barnard Castle signs at the entrance to town.
Money raised will go directly to support scientists working in the North East to find new and better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.
Teesdale Mercury editor Trevor Brookes was asked to judge the winning shops, which received a trophy and a certificate.
The winner went to Teesdale Event and Site Services, which covered its window on The Bank in inspirational messages, as well as bunting and other items including pink loo role and poo emojis.
Emma Sutherst and Lynn Rochester, from the business, said they “just went with what we do” – providing portable toilets. They said the business was over the moon to win with the display which took nearly a day to finish.
Second place went to Barnard Castle Surgery, which put up bunting, an information display and homemade pink bras in the entrance and in the foyer. Staff also sold sweets to raise cash.
Practice manager Margaret Taube-Brown said: “We had 300 people in for their jabs last Saturday and 650 the following Saturday, so it was a good way of spreading the word.”
Third was Barnard Castle Post Office which decorated the inside of the shop, the window and the doorway with messages of support, balloons and ribbons.
Staff member Claire Jackson Ward said: “It’s been really positive for the town – it’s nice to see everybody get behind this.”
Riley’s barbers and Boyes store came joint fourth. Abbeyfield care home was highly commended.
Mr Brookes said: “I was staggered by the number of people who entered and it was incredibly tricky to choose the winners. The standard was exceptional.
“Cancer took the life of my own father – it touches the lives of everyone – so it was a genuine privilege to be involved in a small way for such an amazing course.”
Meanwhile, town residents Lisa and Archie Bell and Rebecca Kesterton and Annie Dent are taking part in the 100-mile in October challenge to raise funds for Teesdale Cancer Research UK. To sponsor them or donate to the town’s Cancer Research group, contact Pam Ashmore on 01833 638652 or any committee member.
