Cancer Research Wales’ Brecon and Sennybridge committee has raised a whopping £185,000 for Wales’ leading cancer research charity since 2008.
This staggering amount has been raised thanks to the hard work and determination of the women within the group and all the funds have gone towards supporting Cardiff, Swansea and Bangor universities as they contribute to Cancer Research Wales’ vital research, early diagnosis and prevention.
Eira Jones, Chairman of the Brecon and Sennybridge branch, said:
“We are extremely proud of all our supporters, who have shown an incredible determination and dedication to Cancer Research Wales over the last ten years. It is always great to see people come together and organise fundraising events. Having raised such a significant amount over the last decade truly shows that the hard work has paid off”.
Lorna Keylock, the branch’s longest serving member and her husband Brian ‘Butch’ have been incredible supporters of the charity and have raised over £50,000 between them.
Their fundraising initiatives include clay pigeon shoots and selling raffle tickets for signed rugby shirts from their Tardis. For over 20 years they have raffled signed rugby t-shirts at every Six Nations game raising thousands of pounds.
In October 2016 their fundraising initiatives for Cancer Research Wales were rewarded by the Prime Minister, Theresa May, when she presented them with the Points of Light Award, which recognises outstanding volunteers who truly contribute and make a change to their communities.
Bryn Roberts, Charity Director of Cancer Research Wales, said:
“‘Cancer Research Wales is so grateful for the financial contribution of the Brecon and Sennybridge committee. The significant amount that they have raised will all be used for world-class research right here in Wales.
“We are working on the development of blood tests to identify cancer cells earlier and the use of treatments that utilise the body’s own immune system to fight and eradicate cancer. This is only possible with the help of people like our friends in Brecon and Sennybridge.”
Throughout the year the branch organises annual fundraising events, including a Flag Day in Brecon in July, where supporters are selling Cancer Research Wales flags to raise funds and highlight the charity’s commitment to beating cancer. Last year alone the community raised an incredible £800 during their Flag Day.
They also hold musical evenings in a variety of venues, including the Theatr Brycheiniog in Brecon and have given a highly-praised outdoor performance of Oscar Wilde’s ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’.
Supporters from the area are always looking for new fundraising opportunities and have hosted antique days, plays at Trebinshwn and some even opened their gardens to raise funds.
Every autumn the annual quiz night in Llangorse Community Hall attracts over 100 people and raises significant funds with the ladies preparing a home-made supper. The community has been actively involved with Sennybridge Farmers donating sheep to be auctioned every year to raise funds for the charity.
Last year the branch organised its first afternoon tea at Glan Wysg in Sennybridge, where local MP Chris Davies and many local businesses got involved, getting into the community spirit and raising £1,300 in the process.
The branch is already planning its next fundraising events with many lined up for the summer. As well as representing Cancer Research Wales at the National Eisteddfod in Cardiff Bay, which runs for a week from August 3rd; new committee member Sue Prosser will host a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party on August 26th at the Castle Hotel in Brecon.
