MELKSHAM Cancer Research charity’s local branch is celebrating a successful 2013, having only started in February this year.
The branch was established by Marie Bucknell-Smith and five other volunteers who had the target of raising £5,000 in their first year. However, that target has already been smashed just 10 months since they started, as the current total stands at over £21,500.
The group organise and host events throughout the year and work tirelessly to ensure as much money as possible is raised for the charity. As well as the work put in by the volunteers, the Melksham community have also responded by donating money following personal challenges or events. This includes the Dirty Boots Festival held in Broughton Gifford in August which was organised by Rachel Hogg and raised over £10,000 for the Melksham Cancer Research branch.
Talking about the success of 2013, Marie Bucknell-Smith said, “What we have raised is way beyond what we hoped and it’s an amazing achievement which none of us would’ve ever envisaged.
“The group has performed beyond the expectations of Cancer Research UK and everyone, with their continued dedication, commitment and effort to help all cancer sufferers. I am so proud of each member of the group for their ‘can do’ attitude, compassionate and caring natures and giving up their valued time in between working full time to support this very worthy charity.
“The highlight has been raising a lot of money and helping further research and giving cancer sufferers a chance of survival, and meeting a group of people who are as motivated as I am in fund raising and who have now become firm friends. At the same time, getting to know so many lovely people in Melksham who have supported us and without them, we would not have been able to achieve what we had set out to do – and also meeting Peter Andre for his words of encouragement aimed at the group’s motivation.
“Planning has already begun for our 2014 fund raising events and we are on a mission to raise the bar! I am also hoping to complete my book and raise further funds for Cancer Research UK.”
Area volunteer manager for Cancer Research, Maria Gomez, also shared her delight at Melksham’s successful year. She said, “The Melksham fundraising group is rapidly approaching their first birthday and the last 12 months have really been exceptional. In February, the group of strangers were brought together with the aim of raising in the region of £5,000 which at the time seemed ambitious. The super six volunteers quickly turned themselves into a very professional slick fundraising operation.
“During some weeks, individuals within the group have given well over 40 hours of their personal time to the cause, which is just amazing. On behalf of Cancer Research UK I would like to thank each and every member for making this year such a success.
“I would also like to thank the people of Melksham for their part in this success as well. At Cancer Research UK we believe that ‘United we are stronger than cancer’. The people of Melksham have shown just how true this statement is. We can’t beat cancer alone, each and every one of us has our part to play.”
Melksham Cancer Research is looking for volunteers to join their team. If you are interested or would like to find out more contact Marie on melkshamcruk@sky.com
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