TWO couples from Indian Queens have together clocked up more than 130 years of dedication to Cancer Research UK – and raised nearly £250,000 in the process.
The Indian Queens Cancer Research Committee volunteers have spent decades raising the cash for the charity and have now received certificates of appreciation for their long service.
Committee chairman and secretary, Spencer and Joan Kessell, have each dedicated 40 years having begun volunteering for the charity in 1973 while Barbara and Ivor Ball have notched up 25 years each since 1988.
Throughout that time the couples have helped raise almost a quarter of a million pounds for the charity.
Spencer and Joan Kessell said: "We feel this charity is such a worthy one to give our support to as we have lost loved ones to this dreadful disease.
"Our hope is that with our help and that of many others we could at some stage perhaps witness a breakthrough in the cure for the many people in the future who would one day be affected."
Cancer Research UK is the world's leading charity for research into the causes, prevention and treatment of cancer. The charity supports research in all aspects of the disease through the work of more than 4,000 scientists, doctors and nurses across the UK. Together they have contributed to 19 of the top 20 drugs used to treat cancer patients worldwide today.
Penny Woodman, the charity's area volunteer manager for the South West, said: "I would like to thank Joan, Spencer, Barbara and Ivor for the massive contribution they have made to our vital work.
"Cancer Research UK has made enormous progress in the fight against cancer and continues to do so. However, we have only been able to do this thanks to the dedication and commitment of our volunteers and supporters without whom we would not be able to fund our vital research."
For further information about Cancer Research UK's work or to find out how to support the charity, please call 08701 60 20 40 or visit www.cancerresearchuk.org.uk
