Ballymoney people raise £34k for Cancer Research

The magnificent sum was raised through donations from people throughout the borough over the past year and a whopping cheque was handed over on their behalf by the Ballymoney committee of the charity at its Annual Supporters Meeting.

As well as the presentation those present were given talks by representatives of the charity who outlined where the money would be spent as well as the advancements being made in terms of detection and treatment.

Each year in Northern Ireland around 6,500 are diagnosed with cancer and 3,500 die from the disease.

However - as the crowd at the special evening in the Royal British Legion heard - the future is now much brighter for cancer patients.

This is only possible due to advancements in treatment as a result of research funded by the generosity of donors - and north Antrim people come into their own when it comes to charity.

In his opening remarks Mervyn Ferris, Chairman of the Committee, said the traditional supporters meeting is an opportunity to thank everyone who has given their support throughout the year and to hear something of how their contributions are being used and the progress being made towards their vision of beating cancer.

"The Committee see their role as organising and encouraging local people to get involved in fund raising activities and through their efforts they are playing an important role in the fight to beat cancer," he said.

He then paid tribute to the hard work and support given by the core committee of Dorothy, June, Eddie and Ivor, and the team of collectors.

He said: "As a Committee we are overwhelmed by the financial support given to us by the people of the Borough who have contributed somewhere in the region of 185,000 over the past seven years.

"The fundraising has developed from the annual parade of bands, now in its 53rd year, to engage the whole community over this period.

"We enjoy the support of the local Old Vehicle Clubs who have now become an integral part of our parade and the annual fund run has now become a great success with 3028 raised last year.

"We are grateful to the Borough Council for the use of the Riverside Park as the venue for the event and to those businesses who sponsor water and fruit for the participants.

"Other events include the annual van pull by the local Post Office Staff and we have benefited from the fundraising activities of the Rugby Club and the towns two football clubs. A growing trend has been for people to request donations in lieu of birthday gifts to CRUK with one lady who celebrated her 90th included among those making generous donations this year.

"We are also grateful to Mrs Stewart who arranges a Big Breakfast each year and we encourage all to support this year's event on 13th March. The committee also staged a concert in Dunloy Church Hall which featured Garryduff Primary School and where we were supported by members of local churches.

"August has again been our busiest period with the doorstep collection culminating in our annual parade with over 12,300 raised in 2009. The annual collection outside or local Tesco in the week end prior to Christmas was also a tremendous success with just short of 3000 being collected.

"We are also extremely grateful to those who have made donations in lieu of flowers following the loss of a loved one over the past years, and for thinking about or charity during what is a very difficult time for the families concerned."

This year's guest speakers were Ruth Boyd, Senior Research Nurse for Cancer Research UK and Ballymoney woman Ethna McFerran, Research Nurse at the Ulster Hospital who both gave an informative PowerPoint presentation explaining their role in dealing with the patient and also on how contributions to Cancer Research UK are being used and the progress being made towards their vision of beating cancer.

The evening ended with a buffet supper and a cheque presentation to Cancer Research UK for 34,000.