MELKSHAM’S Royal United Hospital fundraising group is recruiting volunteers to help it reach a £50,000 fundraising goal.
The group, which covers Melksham, Calne and Chippenham, is having a special information event at Sheldon School in Chippenham next Thursday, 26th January.
The group raises money with events like coffee mornings, wine tasting evenings, garden parties, bucket collections, quizzes and craft sales, and also attend local events including Melksham Food and River Festival and Melksham Town Christmas Lights Switch On.
Chair of the group, Melksham woman Bev Viveash, became involved with the group through her daughter Nic.
Whilst Nic was having treatment for cancer at the RUH they both became involved in the campaign and raised £1,700 from a garden party shortly before Nic died.
Bev says, “The team and the care Nic received in the cancer unit were fantastic, but the facilities desperately need updating. These include space for patients to be told the devastating news that they have cancer, space for their family and private areas for when it’s needed.”
The group has raised £32,000 towards The Forever Friends Appeal’s RUH Cancer Care Campaign and is now a community partner of the centre, entitling it to a naming opportunity within the new building.
The group is the oldest of The Forever Friends Appeal’s committed community groups, and had its initial launch in November 2012.
The members are all volunteers who have been affected by cancer in some way, and want to do something positive to help those around them dealing with a similar situation. As the group continues to raise more and more money, it is in need of further support and fundraising ideas to help them reach their new target of £50,000.
To find out more about joining the group, call community fundraiser Claudia Hickin on 01225 824013.
Claudia added, “The group has amazed me with their commitment to raising funds for the new cancer centre and the money that they have raised so far is inspiring.
“They put the ‘fun’ into fundraising and always do their best to raise as much money as they can for a campaign that is so close to their hearts.
“I cannot wait to see what they achieve this year, especially with the presence of new members! I encourage anyone who is interested to get in touch or come along to the meeting on the 26th of January.
“Not only will you be helping a very worthwhile local cause, but you will meet people with similar interests, and have lots of fun along the way.”
