THE Bude support group for the charity Animal Free Research UK received an exciting visit recently.

Danielle Goodwin, fundraising development officer for the charity, made the long trip by public transport to the town to meet with group members to take publicity photographs and undertake video interviews to be used by the charity to promote its volunteer programme.

Danielle said: “I travelled the 14-hour return trip from our head office in Hitchin to tell the Bude group in person how grateful we are to all of them for their hard work fundraising and volunteering for Animal Free Research UK.

“The Bude group work so hard to raise funds and awareness about non animal medical research in the local community. The group organises a range of events from social nights, stalls at local events, supermarket collections and have the added bonus of receiving great support from several local businesses and other community groups.

“This year they even have a float at the Bude Carnival dedicated to Animal Free Research UK. I am so pleased that on my visit I was able to present the Bude group with an Outstanding Fundraising Award to thank and recognise the group’s amazing contribution to fundraising and volunteering.”

Lin and Rudi Peeperkorn kindly opened Morwenna Cafe especially for this occasion and supplied some delicious cake which was enjoyed by all.

Steph Jones-Giles, who co-ordinates the group, told the Post she was delighted with the visit and the whole group was touched to receive the award, which was completely unexpected.

Steph said: “The Bude support group are such a dynamic and passionate group of people who really care about this issue. In the first two years of forming we raised over £17,000 for research into heart disease, brain tumours and leukaemia. This year we are raising funds specifically for breast cancer research.

“The charity is positive and solution focused and quietly ‘gets on’ with funding innovative non-animal research. We will see an end to the use of animals in laboratories and each and every one of the Bude community who support us when they see us, help bring that day closer.”

If you would like to join the group, contact Steph on 07971 454214.