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A cheque for £20,000 is presented to Cancer Research UK

The Loughborough and District Group recently held their 29th Annual Meeting, at which a cheque for £33,000 was presented to Parminder Summon of the National Charity.

Events during the year included: Two Buffet Dances (£970 and £845), Sponsored Walk (£317), Two Choirs' Concert (£323), B&Q Collection (£317), Charities Fair (£86), Cake Stall (£190), Christmas Catalogue (£1,184) and Hilda's Quiz (£444.60). One innovation was the Carols at Carillion Court in December, when the Loughborough Male Voice Choir agreed to sing for us raising £246. In addition to our own fundraising we were very fortunate to have outside support from various groups and individuals who had organised events for CRUK and passed the proceeds to us. These included the Wymeswold Carol Singers (£1,207), Frank Foulds' Irish Evening (£1,700), the Variety Concert at Stardust (£5,953) and Opera House (£1,000). Less than 0.5% of the groups turnover is taken as adminstrative costs, and that is mostly postage.

This brings the total donated by the group to over £370,000, for which we must thank the many people of Loughborough and its surrounding area for their donations and support. We should also say "Thank You" for the money donated following bereavement, or as a legacy. Although these donations originate from sad events they enable Cancer Research UK to continue their vital research, offering hope for the future.

In Leicestershire the twelve fundraising groups have raised £350,000 in the last year with the country as a whole raising £405 million. Of that money raised £300 million went to scientists working for the prevention and understanding of cancer. There had been a growth of 10% in money raised and this support came from people who had cancer themselves, who knew someone who had cancer or as an insurance for themselves. One in three people will get cancer and a survey had shown that cancer is still people's number one fear.

The money raised locally will go towards mobile cancer screening units, one of which will be at Fosse Park on 16/17 June and another in Nottingham (Asda). £2.1 million has gone to scientists at De Montfont University for research into therapeutic treatments in breast cancer. Other money has been given to Leicester University to study radiation treatments and to the UK Children's Study Group.

Our Group

This is the end of our first year (really fifteen months) in our informal format; Loughborough and District Friends of Cancer Research UK. The Friends will continue to provide fundraising and to assist with organising events. Our small friendly group has members from Loughborough and the surrounding villages and we welcome new faces to help either on a regular basis or occasionally. Our events range from concerts, coffee mornings, and cake stalls to dances, sponsored walks and flag days. Many hands make light work - so could you lend a hand? Why not become a "friend" and play your part in the battle against Cancer? If you would like to come to one of our events click on future attractions at the top of the page or contact us.