THE Bude and Stratton Cancer Research UK committee celebrated another incredible year of fundraising at their annual luncheon recently.

They were joined by some of their amazing supporters at the Bude and North Cornwall Golf Club to enjoy a lovely roast lunch and present a cheque for £23,000 to Rachel Turner, local fundraising manager for the charity.

The event also featured a very successful raffle and sold many Christmas cards for the charity; the committee raised a brilliant £330 on the day.

Committee chairman, Ray Shaddick, thanked all the committee for their incredible hard work, and thanked all the generous supporters in the community, especially the Bradworthy Young Farmers’ Club. Ray then welcomed Rachel to the event, and she gave a short update on the work Cancer Research UK does in the South West.

In the South West, Cancer Research UK has a team of health professionals supporting GP practices in the region in the earlier diagnosis of cancer. The programme is in partnership with the NHS to provide face-to-face tailored support to GP practices and health professionals, to help improve cancer prevention, early diagnosis and cancer outcomes across the UK.

Cancer Research UK also supports many clinical trials, which can be accessed by patients in the South West, including Derriford Hospital in Plymouth and the Royal Cornwall Hospital, Treliske. There are also trials that can be accessed by patients at North Devon District Hospital, Barnstaple, and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital in Exeter.

Rachel Turner said: “We’d like to give huge thanks to our Bude and Stratton committee; they work tirelessly to raise funds and they are filled with such drive, energy and passion for the cause. It is such a pleasure and honour to work alongside them.”

Cancer Research UK receives no government funding for its research, but with help from the people of Cornwall, the charity is fighting the disease on all fronts.

Cancer survival rates have doubled since the 1970s, and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress. But to help even more people survive, Cancer Research UK needs everyone in Cornwall to act.

The committee has extended thanks to the Bude and North Cornwall Golf Club for their hospitality at their annual luncheon.

To help support the Cancer Research UK Bude and Stratton committee, contact Ray Shaddick on 01288 354 400.