Cancer expert 'humbled' by Teesdale group's £72,000 donation

THE tireless efforts of volunteers who raise tens of thousands of pounds every year to help find a cure for cancer have been described as “phenomenal” by one of those carrying out research into the disease.

Dr Claire Elstob, a post doctoral researcher within the adult leukaemia group at the Northern Institute for Cancer Research at Newcastle University, said she was humbled by the support received from the Teesdale branch of Cancer Research UK.

Dr Elstob and her husband Phil, head of commercial portfolio for Cancer Research UK, collected a cheque for £72,000 raised by the Teesdale branch in the past 12 months.

“The achievements of this group are phenomenal,” said Dr Elstob.

“For a researcher, it makes you quite humble when you come to these events to know there is so much support for the work you do.”

Mr Elstob said strides were being made in the fight against cancer.

“If you look at where we are in the North East, every day about 40 people are diagnosed with cancer and we are now at the stage where about half of those will survive their disease for at least ten years.

“We are really accelerating diagnosis and treatment.”

More than 60 fundraising events of all shapes and sizes were held throughout Teesdale and surrounding areas in the last year for Cancer Research UK. They ranged from selling cups of tea at a dog trials day which added a few pounds to the kitty to a ball at the King’s Head Hotel, in Richmond, which contributed £3,400.

In addition to the fundraising activities, legacies left to the charity from the families of those affected by the disease added up to £20,000.

Pam Ashmore, secretary of the Teesdale branch of Cancer Research UK, said it had been another successful year with people continuing to show strong support for the group.

In addition to regular events, such as the Christmas fair at Cotherstone Village Hall, and monthly bingo nights at Barnard Castle Cricket Club, some new activities had been organised.

“We had a fun race night which raised £1,700, while the Pink Day, which I have previously had at home was held at the cricket club and raised £2,500,” added Mrs Ashmore.

A sunflower competition added another £1,425 while various golf days and cricket matches added thousands more. The group was formed 42 years ago in Cotherstone and Mrs Ashmore said that it was on course to have raised £1million by the middle of next year.

She said more help would be welcome.

“We are always looking for new volunteers and helpers, even if they don'’ want to be on the committee.

“We do rely a lot on family and friends to help us raise this money.”