Friends raise £200K for Cancer Research (From The Oxford Times)

Friends raise £200K for Cancer Research

5:00pm Friday 8th February 2013 in News

THEY have been raising cash for more than 35 years and have now clocked up £200,000.

Launton Friends of Cancer Research UK have followed hot on the heels of the Bicester group to reach the fundraising milestone.

Formed in 1976, it took the group 26 years to raise its first £100,000, but only 11 years to raise the next.

Chairman Pat Mitchell, 72, of West End, Launton, near Bicester, said the committee of 10, pictured, was made up of people who had either had cancer or whose lives had been touched by it.

She said: “We do find that we get support from the village and surrounding area.

“The committee, bless them, make things, donate things, buy things. But we do enjoy the coffee mornings and the camaraderie. We try new things, a soup day last year, the fashion show the year before. We do work hard.”

The group was set up in 1976 by Mrs Mitchell’s father, the late Squadron Leader Arthur Gold, after her mother Eira died of cancer. Since then Mr Gold, his second wife Elizabeth and now Mrs Mitchell have all taken a turn to lead the group.

Tracey Pounds, Cancer Research area volunteer manager, said: “Launton Friends never cease to amaze me, they are always willing to help and work tirelessly for our charity.”