£500,000 milestone for cancer group

Cancer Research UK area manager Edith Laidlaw (second right) receives the cheque from fund-raisers (from the left) Joan Hobson, treasurer Iris Last, Jenny Brierley, Margaret Green and secretary Carole Owen

A GROUP which raised £200 in its first year has now handed over a total of £500,000 to charity.

The Chadderton and Oldham Committee of Cancer Research UK chalked up its milestone when it presented a cheque for £25,000.

The nine-strong group was founded in 1969 and still has two of its original members: Joan Hobson and Alan Breton.

Members take it in turns to host meetings and treasurer Iris Last said: “We have got other people who help us, husbands especially, who get roped in!

“The first year that the committee was formed we actually made £200. We thought it was absolutely wonderful to do that in a year.”

The £25,000 has been raised in the past 12 months from a variety of events ranging from a casino night to the annual garage sale hosted by Iris and her husband.

It was presented to Edith Laidlaw from Cancer Research UK at North Chadderton Social and Bowling Club.

Mrs Last added: “We do enjoy it. When we presented the £25,000 we felt as if we had achieved something and of course we are helping people to find a cure for cancer.”

Lizzie Jones, Cancer Research UK’s area volunteer manager for Oldham, said: “I would like to thank the committee for the fantastic amount they have raised and the massive contribution they have made to our vital work for more than 40 years.

“Cancer Research UK has made enormous progress in the fight against cancer and continues to do so.

“However, we have only been able to do this thanks to the dedication and commitment of our volunteers and supporters without whom we would not be able to fund our vital research.”

People who would like to get involved can contact Mrs Last on 0161-624 5584.