THE Whitstone Cancer Research Committee celebrated 50 years of service on Saturday, June 1, with a ‘Garden Party’ having raised almost £80,000 over its lifetime.

The party was held at Trelawne, Whitstone, by kind permission of Mrs Maggie Cooper.

With past and present members and friends and family in attendance the afternoon celebrations were opened by Kim Hammerton from Cancer Research UK (CRUK).

Miss Phyllis Walter, one of the founder members, was presented with a flower corsage by Grace Stuckey and cut the 50 years celebratory cake, made by Jo Martin.

Kim presented certificates and badges to the committee who have dedicated 282 years of service between them, in particular on behalf of CRUK, Kim thanked Jeanne Barrett for her 45 years of loyal service to the charity, and equally loyal for Ruth Mill who has served for 39 years, many members have achieved more than 20 years and she said it had been great to welcome six new members in the last four years.

Kim said: “Every day I am astounded by the dedication and ambition of everybody I work with in helping us to beat cancer sooner. We are so grateful to the Whitstone Committee for their support and fundraising over the past 50 years.

“They have raised such a fantastic amount of money for our cause. Cancer Research UK receives no government funding for its ground breaking research, so our work simply wouldn’t be possible without their help and the help of everyone fundraising for CRUK around the country.

“Every step our 4,000 scientists, researchers and nurses make relies on donations and support from events like this.”

A certificate from Cancer Research UK was presented for £79,331 from the last 50 years of fundraising.

Thanks were also expressed to Roger Busostowe who played a collection of music spanning the last 50 years. Tamar Milling and Harpers were also thanked for the loan of tables, chairs and gazebos.

Afternoon tea prepared by the committee was enjoyed by all in the glorious June sunshine and a total of £950 was raised for Cancer Research UK. Since the event an anonymous donation has also been received taking the overall total to £1,000.

Kim added: “Thank you to everyone who came along to support the event.”