MELKSHAM Cancer Research group is celebrating its first anniversary after a hugely successful year – raising over £20,000 for the national charity.
It has been an exceptional first year for the Melksham group whose volunteers have worked hard on a range of local events including a silent tyre bid, summer raffle, quiz nights, a curry night, a party night and local store collections.
At a recent Cancer Research UK social evening, groups from Wiltshire, Berkshire and Gloucestershire met to discuss ideas and share their experiences in fundraising.
The Melksham group was invited to give a presentation on their successful first year. Marie Bucknell-Smith the chair of the Melksham group was informed that they have raised the highest amount of money for Cancer Research UK in their first year as a new group.
Simon O’Leary the head of volunteer fundraising at Cancer Research UK said, “Thanks goes to the Melksham group for all their energy, commitment and creativity in raising a phenomenal total. They should all be very proud. Thanks also to the Melksham community for their support.
“Survival rates from cancer have doubled in the last 40 years as a result of the type of research that volunteers like the Melksham group help to fund.”
Marie Bucknell-Smith said, “It was a great surprise and we are so pleased that the town of Melksham has been so greatly acknowledged within Cancer Research UK.
“It has been an amazing year and we are all so proud of what we’ve achieved and thank these local businesses for their support: Cooper Tires, Melksham Tyre Supplies, Avon Printing, Jayson Kent, Beechfield House, Melksham Recycling Centre, Shaw Country Hotel, Baron Martin, Elleness, The Bell Seend, Melksham Tandoori, Spencer Social Club, M&G Photography, Candy Jax, Quinway, Flowers in Focus, Leekes, Sainsburys, Waitrose, Christie Miller, Euronics and especially the Melksham News and all the kind people of Melksham. We would not have made this possible without your generous support and we thank you so much for helping us in our quest to save further lives.”
Maria Gomez, local fundraising manager of Cancer Research UK also heaped praise on the efforts of those in Melksham. She said. “Well what can I say! The Melksham fundraising group has had an astounding year this year. Cancer Research UK would like to thank every member of the team for their hard work and dedication to our cause and also to the local community of Melksham for their ongoing support.
“Fundraising isn’t without its highs and lows, but the group has taken the positives from events that didn’t go quite as planned and have used these learnings for their plans for this year. I know that some of the successful events will be repeated – so watch this space for event dates! Thank you once again, with your support we really will bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.”
The Melksham fundraising team celebrated their anniversary with a meal at The Fortune Bar and Chinese Restaurant in Chippenham where each group member was awarded with a badge of service and a certificate of appreciation for their dedicated support to Cancer Research UK.
