PEOPLE in the dale are being challenged to photograph themselves in their favourite Christmas jumper for cancer research.
Cash raised by the Teesdale Branch of Cancer Research UK has more than halved this year as activities were cut back because of coronavirus restrictions. Despite this, volunteers were still able to present a £40,000 cheque to the charity. Pam Ashmore, of the Teesdale branch, said: “The money has been raised this year from the 2019 Christmas fair, bingo nights, volunteers doing the 5k challenge and face masks made by our volunteers.”
She added that the mask making activity was started through committee members and friends making scrub bags for Richardson, Darlington, James Cook and Northallerton hospitals.
Ms Ashmore said £1,800 was raised through the sale of face masks. She added: “It has been a very difficult fundraising year for all charities and Cancer Research UK not only lost revenue from events but they also had to stop cancer research trials.
“We hope in 2021 we will be able to continue to support cancer research with more events.”
This week the branch opened a pop-up shop in the Hayloft, in Barnard Castle, where members are selling Christmas cards, dairies, calendars, books and gifts as well as items such as masks, cushions, aprons, table mats and jewellery made by volunteers. The shop will remain in open until Saturday, December 12. They are also planning a Christmas jumper day for December 18.
Ms Ashmore said: “We are encouraging people to wear their Christmas jumper, and post a photo on Facebook and donate to Cancer Research UK.
“This can be done by our Facebook page or by dropping your donation in the collection boxes at Hair Studio or Jennifer’s Takeaway.”
Last week the branch handed over the £40,000 they raised during the past year to Cancer Research UK.
Local fundraising manager for Cancer Research UK Jan Leafe said: “Now more than ever Cancer Research UK relies on donations from the public and as ever the Teesdale committee and the Teesdale community have stepped up to the mark.
“Covid-19 has left Cancer Research UK facing one of the biggest challenges in its history with announced cuts of £44million this year. This is a devastating blow to cancer research, especially since Cancer Research UK funds about half of all publicly-funded research.
“Cancer services including screening and future trials of new drugs have also been affected so it is vital that the public continues to fundraise so that together we will still beat cancer. We are so grateful to this community for their continued support in what is such a difficult time for a lot of people.”
For more information about Christmas jumper day or to donate, visit fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/christmas-jumper-day-for-teesdale-cruk.
