Founding members of the East End Cancer Relief Fund have handed over a final donation to Castle Hill Hospital for its new cancer ward, paving the way for a new generation of fundraisers.
On March 1, the fundraisers handed a donation of £3,500 to Clare Norris of the Queen’s Centre at Castle Hill. The money will go towards the opening of Ward 29.
The East End Cancer Relief Fund raises money solely for the Queen’s Centre for the care and comfort of the cancer patients. Originally the money went to the Princess Royal at Sutton towards equipment for the cancer patients, but when that was closed in 2008 everything was moved over to Castle Hill.
The fund was formed in the late 1970s by an enthusiastic group from the villages of east Holderness, including Chris Buckle, Eileen Brisby, Val Marshall, Pat Robinson and Mary Brisby, plus many more willing helpers.
Their first event was a successful barn dance and they went on to have more over the years, including fancy-dress dances at Sandy Beaches at Kilnsea, which were vital to their fundraising.
Other fundraising events included bogey pushes (Easington to Kilnsea), fashion shows, coffee mornings, pub quizzes, the Two Hoots car boots, auctions, book sales and Jar on Bar at the Crown and Anchor courtesy of Jean Bunker.
They also received support from auctions at Welwick, run by Eric Billany acting as the auctioneer. The Welwick 2 Wheelers (a shared event that still runs every year) also raised huge amounts for the fund and the heart unit at Castle Hill. It was instigated by Mick Wilkin and Don Brisby. Many donations also came from families who have lost loved ones.
A spokesperson for the East End Cancer Relief Fund said: “The team has dwindled over the past years, some of whom are sadly no longer with us, but Mary Brisby and Andy (Andrea) Clubley and the support of Mary’s late husband Geoff, Jean Bunker, Carol Biglin, Di Horncastle, and other very willing helpers, have kept the fund going.
“It has been a lot of fun along the way, and they have raised over £190,000 since the fund started.
“But the time has come to hand over the reins to a younger team. Maggie Biglin, Lisa Prior and Andrea Robinson are very keen to take it over, and have already organised fundraising events for the coming year.
“So, as the old guard give way to the new, young blood, we wish Maggie, Lisa and Andrea every success in the future and hope that they derive as much fun, pride and enjoyment as we did in the last century.
“Thanks for all your support over the years, Mary Brisby and Andy Clubley.”
