MORE than 100 volunteers have a million reasons to celebrate after reaching a major cancer research fundraising milestone.
After four decades of hard work, the Teesdale branch of Cancer Research UK has raised more than £1million to fund work into new drugs and treatments for the life-threatening disease.
In celebration, the charity held a party at Barnard Castle Cricket Club to thank those who have sacrificed their time to help and organise fundraising activities.
Head of fundraising Janet Leafe said: “Obviously for the Teesdale group to hit such a milestone is an amazing achievement.
“We want to achieve three out of four people surviving cancer. Over half now survive. We are at the tipping point but we can only do it with the support of groups like the one in Teesdale.”
All cash raised in Teesdale goes directly to Newcastle University’s Cancer Drug Discovery Unit.
Head of the unit Prof Stephen Wedge, as well the former lead researcher, Prof Herbie Newell, attended the celebration to thank the volunteers for their support over the years.
Pam Ashmore, of the Teesdale branch, said: “Prof Newell retired a few years ago but he always said he would come back when we reached a million.”
Founder members of the Teesdale group Maureen Bainbridge and Brenda Thwaites received certificates for their dedication during the event. Both have been members of the branch since 1974.
In recent times the dale group has also started to give cash to the Childhood Cancer Research Centre, in Newcastle.
Ms Leafe said both units are dedicated to finding new and kinder cancer therapies.
The Teesdale branch’s next fundraising event is an afternoon tea at The Hub, on Shaw Bank, on Sunday, July 15.
Tickets cost £10. To book a place contact Mrs Ashmore on 07716 293618 or 01833 638652.
