VAL Bugden-Cawsey’s campaign to raise funds for local malignant melanoma research continues to go from strength to strength — her JustGiving page was one of the most successful last month, and out of 47,579 fundraisers, Val was in the top 3%.

Since being diagnosed with a rare form of malignant mela­noma, Val, a Launceston Town Councillor, former president of St Stephens by Launceston Women’s Institute and well-known circuit speaker, has been focusing her energy on helping others who may find themselves in the same position in the future.

Six years ago, Val had a lump removed from her right shoulder, which turned out to be malignant melanoma. After further surgery at the time and five years attending the hospital regularly, Val went into remission in June 2017.

However, having not felt well for some time, Val discovered another lump in her left groin in December. The lump was removed but following a CT scan and histology results, Val, her husband Terry and their family and friends, have been coming to terms with the news that she has advanced malignant melanoma for which, sadly, there is no cure.

Val was offered Pembrolizumab, a trial drug, but she made the decision to decline the treatment as it offers no cure and a 20% chance of a longer time, but with chronic side effects.

Instead Val has focused all her energy and effort into raising as much money as possible for a malignant melanoma research fund at Derriford Hospital, which was kick started with the ‘Val Walks Tall in the Face of Malignant Melanoma’ event in Launceston in July.

More than £16,000 has been raised so far, and there is a fundraising target of £50,000 — with local people encouraged to host their own events in aid of Val’s Malignant Melanoma Research Fund.

Helen and Iain Preator from Yeolmbridge were keen to help raise money.

Members of the Tamar Valley MG Owners’ Club (TVMGOC) for a year and a half, they enlisted the club’s help to organise a rally starting at the Tamar Bridge and finishing at Helen and Iain’s home via the ‘Old Bridges Run’ on Sunday.

There, the MGs parked up while the drivers and other supporters could enjoy cream teas, and admire the cars on display. Gazebos, set up with wild flowers on the table, and the barn provided shelter with a ‘country chic’ theme, and all the MGs had a ‘Val Walks Tall’ Union Jack-style plate on the front, in true Val style.

Helen is friends with Val through having worked with Val’s husband, Terry, at St Joseph’s School, then being a member of St Stephens by Launceston WI. WI ladies made lots of cakes for Sunday’s event, including cupcakes with the MG logo.

Two of the cakes that were particularly beautifully made were auctioned off, adding £32 to the event’s fundraising total of £600.83. Every penny will go to Val’s Malignant Melanoma Research Fund.

Helen said of the event: “It went very well, about 72 people came despite the weather. It’s something we might do every year.

“I have known Val only for probably a couple of years. I knew her on the telephone to start with then got to know her through the WI and helping her with her canvassing for the Conservatives. She’s just such a lovely person. She’s one of those people you think you have known for years. She’s so welcoming and friendly. It’s been a short friendship, but quite a deep friendship.”

Howard Perks, events secretary for TVMGOC, said: “Whenever one of our members asks the club to help a cause close to their hearts we will always try to turn out and support them.

“So when Helen and Iain told us about their friend Val’s charity appeal, what better excuse to polish up the MGs and take them out for a spin through the lovely countryside on both sides of the Tamar, putting a few smiles on people’s faces and raising a bundle of cash along the way.”

All donations are very gratefully received. Donations can be made online at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/val-walks-tall or cheques made payable to Plymouth Hospitals Charity, with Val Bugden-Cawsey written on the reverse, can be sent to Rob Turton, Charitable Funds Accountant, Ground Floor, NU Building, Brest Road, Plymouth, PL6 5YE.

Donations marked Val Bugden-Cawsey can also be sent to G F Gubbin Funeral Directors, Penlaurel, Langdon, Launceston, PL15 8NL or 01566 785340, and Launceston Town Council can also accept donations.

Plymouth Hospital’s charity development manager, Corinne Bailey, said: “I think the fund should be called The Vivacious Val Fund because this amazing lady’s attitude to making a difference is irrepressible.

“We have received donations from all over the South West from Women’s Institutes, other civic groups and individuals. Val is not only fundraising for a research project here at Derriford Hospital, but one of the other outcomes of her fundraising campaign is more people are hearing about the risks of skin cancer.

“Val has said that if this campaign helps just one person avoid what she’s gone through that will be brilliant. I think the impact of this campaign will help many more.”