Bumper cheque forCancer Research

Mervyn Ferris, Chairman of the Committee, said the traditional supporters meeting was 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, Ivor and Debbie, the team of collectors and all those present who have supported this years fundraising.

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 £350,000 over the past 12 years.

Since the Fundraising Group formed: 1957 Total funds raised up to end of January 2014 is £468,465 and we look forward to breaking through the half a million barrier in 2014.

“The fundraising has developed from the annual parade of bands, now in its 58th year, to engage the whole community over this period.

“We enjoy the support of the two local Old Vehicle Clubs who have now become an integral part of our annual band parade on 1st Sat in August raising £13700 last year and the annual fund run has now become a great success with £1450 raised last May.

“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. A growing trend has been for people to request donations in lieu of birthday gifts to CRUK with £625 received in 2013.

“We are also grateful to Mrs Iris Stewart and family who arranges a Big Breakfast each year and we encourage all to support this year’s event on 15th March.

“The annual collection outside our local Tesco in October was also a tremendous success, with 2510 being collected and we have also benefited from collection boxes at various shop locations around the town.

“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.”

Mr Mark Mc Mahon Community Fundraiser for Cancer Research UK paid tribute to the Ballymoney Cancer Research Committee for organising the event and for their tremendous support for Cancer Research having inspired the Local Community to raise in excess of £350,000 in the past 12 years

Mark made a special presentation of a Long Service Medal to Mr Eileen Keers for over 40 years collecting for Cancer Research UK.

A number of certificates of recognition were presented to the following – Jonny Hanna raising £1,180 during the Belfast Marathon; Iris Stewart raising £2510 by organising ‘The Big Breakfast’ 2013 and Postmen of Ballymoney raising £3221 in 2012.

Certificates were presented to The Ballymoney Pre 1950 Old Vehicle Club and the Ballymoney Old Vehicle Club in recognition of their support for the Annual Parade

This year’s Community Spirit Award was presented to Iris Stewart and family for organising the Annual Big Breakfast over a period of years.

l Iris Stewart will be holding her annual Big Breakfast fundraiser for Cancer Research at her home in Lavin this Saturday (March 15th) from 9am - 1pm.

Come along and support her fundraising eforts.