A GROUP of Teesdale charity heroes have a million reasons to smile after raising a whopping £1million towards beating cancer.
The Teesdale Branch of Cancer Research UK has just passed the milestone, leading to the national charity heaping praise on its efforts since it was formed in 1974.
In those years, the rate of people surviving cancer has leapt from one in four to two in four. But Teesdale’s fundraisers aren’t about to rest on their laurels. They’re looking at the next million and helping Cancer Research UK achieve its aim of three people in four surviving cancer by 2034.
A party is planned at Barnard Castle Cricket Club on June 4 to celebrate and reflect on the achievement, thank everyone who has helped and raise awareness that there’s still much to be done.
Brenda Thwaites, one of the founder members, said: “We’ve hit the million mark which is amazing. When we reached it I felt like I could cry – and I have done.”
Pam Ashmore, who has been involved for 28 years, added: “It’s a great amount especially because it’s a rural area. Everyone is touched by cancer and that makes us keep going.”
Janet Leafe, fundraising manager for Cancer Research UK, said: “In the last 40 years – the period when Teesdale’s branch has been raising money – survival rates for cancer have been doubled. That’s really significant because Teesdale has played a major part in the progress that scientists have made.
“The Teesdale branch is one of only a few in the north that has reached this milestone. It’s amazing.”
Money raised by the group is ringfenced for research in the North East. It helps pay for vital work done by Newcastle Drug Discovery Centre and the Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre, which opened in the city two years ago. For every £1 raised, 80p goes towards finding a cure – the rest goes to create more fundraising opportunities.
Along with Ms Thwaites, Maureen Bainbridge, the branch’s chairwoman, is the other founder member still involved in the Teesdale Branch of Cancer Research UK. Ms Thwaites said being involved is fun but hard work. Each year, the group does better than the last, said Ms Thwaites, who added that £70,000 was donated last year.
The celebration event is taking place on Monday, June 4, between 4.30pm and 7pm with speeches at 6pm.
Memorabili, including old photos and news clippings, will be on display. There will be wine and cake at the event, which is being made possible by Barnard Castle Cricket Club’s offer of using its room for free.
Scientists working to beat cancer will also attend, including Prof Herbie Newell who has retired but pledged to visit the group when it passed the £1million mark.
“It’s to say thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years,” said Ms Ashmore. Invites are being sent out in the post but others who have also helped the group are encouraged to attend.
“We can’t send them to everyone so if anyone who has supported Cancer Research in Teesdale would like to come along and join the club, please get in contact. We’d love to say thank you,” Ms Ashmore said.
If you would like to attend, contact Pam Ashmore on 07716 293618 or 01833 638652 by no later than May 18.
