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2008 July International "Al Fresco" Evening On Wednesday 23rd July, the Trowbridge branch of BCUSG staged their eighth fund raising event on the premises of "Red or White" in Castle Street. This is an evening when all the local ethnic communities, i.e. Canadian, German, Italian, Indian, Japan, Lebanese, Saudi Arabia, Scotland and Turkey, etc. were invited to show and display samples of their country’s traditional foods, wines and beverages. This enabled one to sample the cuisine of the different countries and to learn of their traditions. This year, we were blessed with a perfect summer evening with a capacity crowd enjoying sampling the food and beverages on display, accompanied by the back ground folk music of "Rag & Taggle" from Bradford on Avon. Wafaa Powell from Lebanon, together with some of her pupils provided us all with an intoxicating display of "Belly Dancing". Marco Polledri, the owner of Red or White also laid on a "Wine tasting" which again proved very successful. The evening closed with an auction of items and a fund raising raffle in aid of the Bath Cancer Unit, with the amazing total of £2,325 being donated for which the Unit will be extremely pleased to receive. On a sad note, it was also the last "Al Fresco" evening that the Trowbridge Branch will have staged under the auspices of it’s owner Marco Polledri. Ownership of the restaurant has now passed to Vito and Salvo Scaduto to whom we wish the best of luck in their venture and we hope to work with them in the future. It is lovely to share some Good news at the start of 2008!
And here is the story of The
Little Acorns.
A Cancer sufferer was brought to tears after her two little nieces from Westbury went on a fundraising mission for cancer research. Molly Feeney, seven, and her older sister Megan, nine, of Wyvern Walk, raised £8.32 after asking friends to take part in a competition to guess the name of their teddy bear.
That money, which will go to support the Cancer Unit at the Royal United Hospital in Bath, soon became £100 as more people heard of the generous efforts of the two girls, who just wanted to do their bit to help. Their aunt, Tracey Butcher, of Saxon Close, Westbury, discovered she had cancer two years ago which she received treatment for, but in August last year she discovered the illness had returned. Her nieces heard their aunt was ill again and wanted to do something to help. Mrs Butcher, 45, said: "They are my nieces and they knew I wasn't very well again and was in hospital. "It was amazing. They took it on themselves. They are little darlings. They had me in tears over it. I was so chuffed that I couldn't speak." After her nieces told her what they had done, Mrs Butcher got in touch with her friend and mentor Jean Jenkins of the Shining Light Awareness Centre at Grassacres Hall, Silbury Close, Westbury, which is a Day Centre offering advice and guidance. At a weekly meeting Mrs Jenkins relayed the story of the girls' generosity, which prompted a similar collection among members. TheCentre, which supports the Bath Cancer Unit, doubled the figure raised at the meeting and a total fundraising amount of £100 was donated this week. Mrs Jenkins said: "It was all coppers and five pence pieces from the girls. Tracey gave me the money and asked if I could give it to the BCU and hand it over on their behalf. "It just touches your heart doesn't it? The fact that they had the courage to go round to their friends asking for money to help; it's amazing." Reg Jefferies is a member of the Trowbridge branch of the Bath Cancer Unit Support Group and attends the Shining Light Awareness Centre, where he heard about the girls' efforts to raise funds. He said: "It's brilliant. The girls took it on their own back and collected an awful lot of money for children their age. When Jean recounted the story it was spontaneous and the group started collecting straight away. It was magic." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ With the result from the "Little Acorns" sowing the seeds, the Trowbridge Branch of the Bath Cancer Unit Support Group received the princely sum of £100. Our sincere thanks go to Tracey, Jean, the audience and of course, two very thoughtful, caring, little nieces, Molly and Megan. Get well Tracey. Click here to return to top of page BCUSG Annual Quiz No 6 Results & Statistics May I take this opportunity, on behalf of the Trowbridge Fund Raising Branch of the Bath Cancer Unit Support Group, to extend our sincere thanks to all who purchased a quiz, to all who assisted in it’s distribution and it’s sales and not least to Jane Brotherton for all her hard work and diligence. A total of 285 completed entries of the charity quiz was returned by the 31st January. Of these entries, four people had correctly answered 99%. Their four names were placed in a hat and the winners drawn at random. The prize winners are as follows:- 1st Prize, £50: Mrs D Derham from Steeple Ashton 2nd Prize, £25: Glyn Carpenter from Frome 3rd Prize, £10: Sylvia Scollen from Chippenham If you would like to check the correct answers list click here The fourth name drawn was Mary Absalom, who was unlucky in the draw this time but who happens to be last year’s winner, no doubt Mary will be in the frame next year. The good news is that between you all, quiz sales realised a magic sum in excess of £3,750 for the Bath Cancer Unit this year. Please also remember that for every pound raised for the Unit, just 5 pence is swallowed up in expenses and administration, the balance goes into the care of patients and that is because it’s committee and trustees are all volunteers. Thank you all again - Robin Dallimore - Quiz Co-ordinator Click here to return to top of page 2007 Sunday 22nd April Success once again for John Stickley in the London Marathon 70 year old John Stickley ran the London Marathon yet again on 22nd April and completed the challenge in 6hours 42minutes and 05 seconds!! To sponsor John for his successful fund raising effort for Bath Cancer Unit Support Group, please call him on 01225 754789 - thank you. Click here to return to top of page Bath Half Marathon Heros and Heroines. Sunday 25th March A number of runners in the Bath Half Marathon sought sponsorship which will be donated to the Bath Cancer Unit Support Group. Principal Investment Management Limited based in Sevenoaks, Kent and Bath fielded a team of 11 and are splitting the funds raised between BCUSG and the Hospice in the Weald which is a charity local to Sevenoaks. They raised over £7,0400 meaning that BCUSG received £3,500 - what a wonderful team effort for two related charities.
For further information about Principal and their team please visit their web site at www.principalinvestment.co.uk or call Alison Drury Sales & Marketing Secretary on 01732 740 700. Anthea King - daughter of Anne & Les Dymond - also completed the course in 2 hours and 22 minutes running for the benefit of BCUSG. To date she has raised over £500. She ran with her colleagues from www.playawayweekends.co.uk - the others supporting CLIC Sargeant.
If you would like to support Anthea please click on this link for a downloadable sponsor form. Les as Web Master for www.bcusg.org is very proud of her and grateful for her taking on this challenge for BCUSG. Click here to return to top of page Great Tin- Rattling at Coopers Superstore Westbury raises over £600 Coopers Superstore of Westbury once again kindly gave permission for BCUSG to hold a collection on their premises on Friday & Saturday 2nd & 3rd March. Thank you those who rattled and filled the tins with the great sum of £609 supporting the Bath Cancer Unit Support Group. Click here to return to top of page The Griffin
Pub in Frome continues its wonderful support of BCUSG
This magnificent sum was the product of the regulars at this popular inn in Frome from their Monday Quiz Nights and many other events. On receiving the cheque John Carter said " This is a truly remarkable achievement. In all the years I have been associated with the Support Group I have never known a pub to such sums in such a short time". Andy Savin added that "Nine times out of ten the winning teams donate their winnings to the charity as well. I do feel amazed and delighted at the generosity and caring attitude of our customers". Fundraiser and collector for BCUSG Martin Bax said that monies raised from various events at the pub "are examples from people who have members of their family suffering from cancer". The Griffin's co-owner Rick Lyall said "We are proud to be able to support this charity and we would like to thank all those who have donated money to raise funds". Click here to return to top of page
2006/2007 Annual Quiz Results and Statistics This years winner with 98% - Mary Absalom of Wroughton £50 The next two positions tied but the final placings were decided by a draw. 2nd place with 97% - Ray & Shirley Hawkins of Frome - £25 3rd place with 97% - Janet Smith of Frome - £10 Our special thanks go to our Independent Judge & Marker Jane Brotherton The best individual seller of quizzes – Marion Clark – 135 Her nearest rival – Phil Cope who sold – 85 Best pub return – The Bell at Lacock - £65. The quickest pub return – the Rose & Crown Hinton Charterhouse – 25 copies in 3 days 2nd Quickest – The White Hart – Atworth 25 copies in 5 days Entries again have come in from all over the uk and may we take this opportunity to convey our sincere gratitude to all who purchased a quiz, to all that completed and returned the quiz (almost 200 of you) and last but by no means least, all of our outlets, too numerous to mention individually. Thanks to the efforts of everyone at the Trowbridge Branch, in particular Robin Dallimore, the Compiler and Organiser, a record breaking total in excess of £3000 has been raised, the final total will be confirmed. NB. Please remember that for every pound donated to the unit, almost 96p goes to the unit and its patients. May we all at the Bath Cancer Unit Support Group take this opportunity to thank each and everyone one of you for your fund raising efforts and support in this past. Long may it continue. Click here to return to top of page 2006 Business people from across Bath and Wiltshire got in the swing for charity at a golf day at Cumberwell Park Golf Club near Bradford on Avon. The event run by Bath accountancy firm Pearson May raised £6,247 and attracted more than 200 local business people. These monies will be donated to Bath Cancer Unit Support Group, Dorothy House Hospice, Stepping Stones and West Wilts Portage . Mike Taylor - pictured below with BCUSG Vice Chairman Tino Polledri - said he was delighted at the record sum raised. He said "This was our tenth charity golf event and it has proved our most successful. My partners and I are most grateful that so many local people gave up their working day to take part and to contribute to our nominated local charities.
Is this a record?
Martin Bax always enjoys a trip to the Griffin Inn in Frome, not only for marvellous bear brewed on the premises under the name of Milk Street Brewery, but knowing the generosity of the clientele emptying the collection box will be most rewarding. The picture of Nick Bramwell and Martin when they last emptied the box raised the sum of £49 which was great. Imagine their surprise and delight when on opening the box recently revealed the staggering sum of £164.23. The box was stuffed with notes and coin of all varieties and as they sat there diligently counting the money, Martin's reward was a pint of Nick’s finest beer and the knowledge that the Bath Cancer Unit Support Group has such generous supporters at the Griffin Inn, in Milk Street Frome. Click here to return to top of page On Saturday 15th July a superb Barn Dance was held at West Ashton Trowbridge starring The Blazing Saddles & Fred Wedlock. This year the organisers Jean and Ian Robertson raised funds at their bi-annual event supporting three local causes, West Ashton Church, Larkrise Community Centre and the Bath Cancer Unit Support Group.
Click here to return to top of page On Saturday 15th July the popular annual "Community Spotlight on Trowbridge" event was held in Fore Street & Trowbridge Park. As always the Trowbridge Branch stall was to be found with bric a brac and plants at bargain prices.Click here to return to top of page On Friday 7th July the Bullus family from Frome were fund raising again this year having arranged a Pink Ball held at the Bath Racecourse.With a Champagne reception, three course meal, raffle and auction, a good night was enjoyed by all. Click here to return to top of page On Wednesday 5th July the Trowbridge Branch of BCUSG again staged their renowned "International Alfresco Evening" at "Red or White" Castle Street, Trowbridge.Here the local and various communities of Kenya, Poland, France, Italy, India etc dispensed hospitality cuisine, wines and beers from their regions. A lovely evening despite some rain - even David Beckham turned up to help raise money for BCUSG - in the shape of a life sized cut-out as England had been eliminated from the World Cup! Click here to return to top of page
On Thursday 15th June the Bath Spa University Choir & Orchestra donated the proceeds of their Annual Charity Concert to the Bath Cancer Unit Support Group. It was a truly unforgettably wonderful evening. Held at The Guildhall, Bath, the Bath Spa University Orchestra and Choir performed Mozart’s Coronation Mass K317 in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the composer’s birth. The concert also included concertos by BA Music students as soloists and a selection of student compositions. The conductor was Professor Roger Heaton and for many of the students taking part this was the culmination of their 3 years study at Bath Spa University. June On Saturday 3rd June the Trowbridge Branch of the Cancer Unit again held a very successful collection day in Trowbridge, courtesy of West Wiltshire District Council. Click here to return to top of page On Saturday, Sunday & Monday 27th, 28th 29th May the Bear Flat Artists in Bath assisted by the Bath FRB of BCUSG once again donated proceeds from their Artists Studio Weekend where they exhibited their beautiful artwork in many forms in their homes. On Saturday May 27th the Edington "May Ball" was celebrated once again. This event raised money for BCUSG and the Three Villages Appeal. This popular event in this lovely village was enjoyed by all who attended. Click here to return to top of page
On Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday 19th - 22nd May an epic fund raiser for BCUSG was achieved by Martin Harris of Radstock who be travelled to Lands End and back to his home town, by cycle!! Martin named his ride "The Long Way Back", a distance of 240 miles or so and included St. Ives, Bude and Bampton en-route. On Saturday 20th May the Trowbridge Branch were again found collecting on behalf of the Bath Cancer Unit, at the recently opened Asda Superstore, in Frome. Our sincere thanks go to the management, for giving BCUSG this opportunity to fund raise on their premises. Click here to return to top of page On Wednesday 10th May was the occasion of the BCUSG Annual General Meeting at which the Trustees were pleased to endorse the Reports and Accounts required under the governance of the Charity Commission. In summary 2005 was an excellent year in respect of BCUSG being in receipt of some £130,000 for the objectives of the charity. This evening was also a special event as those generous fund raisers who had donated more than £1,000 attended the meeting to be thanked and acknowledged by the Trustees. They also had the opportunity to see for themselves the way in which monies raised had been spent at the Cancer Unit. The following photos are of these great BCUSG Supporters receiving their £1,000 Certificates from Chris Knechtli - Director of the RUH Cancer Unit
On Saturday 6th May the Trowbridge Branch had a stall in Fore Street for the Lions May Fayre.For the "green finger" type there were definitely some bargains t here. Click here to return to top of page
On Sunday 23rd April John Stickley of Trowbri dge ran the London Marathon raising funds for the Bath Cancer Unit.
John is no stranger to the rigours of the race and because the day was actually his 69th birthday it was a double celebration with his family and friends. Click here to return to top of page Sunday 9th April The Trowbridge Lions Annual Run The Trowbridge Lions again nominated the Bath Cancer Unit as one of the beneficiaries of its 10k Annual Run. Starting from Studley Green School the course included two laps in Southwick Park, before returning to the school. Competitors for this certified multi-terrain course, were doing it for fun reasons (best fancy dress prize) or to see how the winter regime had shaped them up or as a preliminary to more serious stuff. In any event Lions generously donated considerable sums to local charities. Click here to return to top of page The Bath University Action Team 26 led by Cyrus Varzi made £290 for BCUSG by means of a Pop Quiz and a raffle (with help from Bath Rugby Club). They had a good time and were just very pleased about the amount they had raised. Wonderful Result of TLC Fund Raising by the Look Good Company
Tino Polledri Vice Chair of BCUSG and Chair of the Trowbridge Fund Raising Branch receives the magnificent sum of £3,002.05 from these wonderful ladies of The Look Good Company who raised the money with a lot of TLC for cancer patients attending the Cancer Unit in Bath.
Click here to return to top of page Collection at Coopers Supermarket Westbury raises over £500 The Trowbridge Branch, with thanks again to the management of Coopers Supermarket, Westbury, collected over £500 for the Bath Cancer Unit. Many thanks to those collecting on a chilly days on Friday and Saturday 10th and 11th March. Click here to return to top of page Fund Raising Dinner at The Polebarn Hotel Trowbridge
The Dinner and Fund Raising Night held on Friday 24th February for the Trowbridge Branch of BCUSG this year had an "English theme" and was once again held, courtesy of its owners Herbie & Jill Binder, at the Polebarn Hotel in Trowbridge.
The following article appeared in the Bath Chronicle to whom we are grateful for permission to publish it.
Click here to return to top of page Trowbridge Fundraising Quiz The
Trowbridge Fund Raising Branch of BCUSG are well pleased with themselves
and in particular of Committee member, Robin Dallimore whose idea it was
to have an Annual Quiz, four years ago. We had
one clear winner this year Mrs. Caroline Mitchell of Kettering, Northants
with a score of 99%, second place was taken with 98.5% by Mrs E.
Kemp of Redruth, Cornwall and third place by Leonie Saxby of
Trowbridge with 97.5%. Our sincere thanks go yet again to all our entrants and of course to our outlets for their assistance given in the sales of our Quiz, with each one of them now being issued with a list of answers to the 100 questions. If you have any queries or you think that you maybe able to assist Robin in anyway next year, he would be delighted to hear from you on 01225 763428. Thank you all again. Click here to return to top of page Many fund-raising events often take place where BCUSG are not even made aware until after a request is received for an officer of the charity to attend a cheque presentation. We are so grateful for these magnificent donations as a result of the event oragniser's hard work. As examples of this may we thank the following:-
Click here to return to top of page Saturday 22nd October 2005 Tino
Polledri, Vice-Chairman of BCUSG, welcomed Guest Speaker Bob Champion on a
night of celebration of the 21st Anniversary of the Bath Cancer Unit
Support Group. In the twenty-one years since its foundation BCUSG has received over £2.6 million pounds from generous donors and fund raisers all of which has been spent at the RUH Bath to improve treatment, comfort, facilities and privacy of cancer patients attending the hospital's Cancer Unit.
Picture by kind courtesy of There will be a fuller report with more photos published shortly. Click here to return to top of page October During the summer holidays 3 friends from Chippenham decided to hold a sale to raise money for Bath Cancer Unit Support Group. They had experienced the impact of cancer within their families and had been told of the care that had been received at Cancer Unit at the RUH Bath which provides treatment for cancer patients from not only Bath but also North & West Wiltshire and North and East Somerset. Emily and Laura Smith, age 12 and 10 and Alice Gibbs, age 12 organised the sale of toys, books and cakes and raised a grand total of £ 67.81. They presented the cheque to the Chairman of BCUSG, John Carter.
Click here to return to top of page 21st October Bath Fund Raising Branch rattle tins at Morrisons, Bath Katharine Tylko and Monica Andrews with their funds were delighted to have their request accepted by Morrisons Supermarket Bath to make a collection. The magnificent sum of over £500 was raised during the morning. Katharine have other fund raising plans please let them know through info@bcusg.org Click here to return to top of page Sunday 3rd April Trowbridge Lions 10k Run The Trowbridge Lions once again nominated the Bath Cancer Unit as the beneficiary of its 10k Annual Run in conjunction with Avon Valley Runners. The run was held at Southwick Park Trowbridge, a UK A/RRC certified multi-terrain course. Click here to return to top of page Sunday 20th March This was the day of the Bath Half Marathon and running to raise funds for the Bath Cancer Unit was Mathew James, of Little Cumberwell.
Mathew before the start Click here to return to top of page In February of this year, the Management team at The Polebarn Hotel Trowbridge in aid of the Bath Cancer Unit Support Group. (Bernie and his wife) yet again held a fund raising event in aid of the Bath Cancer Unit. With an "Irish" theme for the evening a great time was had by all, with the Unit funds being added to by the very useful sum of almost £340. In early March of this year, the Trowbridge Branch of B.C.U. had a collection at Coopers Superstore, Westbury, Wilts. Thanks to its management, staff and of course their customers, the coffers of the Unit Support Group was added to by the princely sum of £540. Our sincere thanks go to all concerned, not least our team of intrepid collectors who braved the elements. If you feel that you can assist our aims, being it holding a tin or manning our stall at some of the events that we attend, hours to fit in with your availability, then please call Ros on 01373 830149. Click here to return to top of page TROWBRIDGE QUIZ RAISES THE WONDERFUL SUM OF £1,500 Thank you one and all for the wonderful support that you have again given to the third fund raising quiz organised by Robin Dallimore of the Trowbridge Fund Raising Branch. It raised £1,500 for bcusg, all of which will be put to good use in the Oncology Ward and Reception. This year we received 84 completed entries of which we had three entrants scoring 100%. All three correctly answered the tie break questions with the winner coming from a draw conducted by Robin and our Quiz Question Master. Entrants came from as far a field as Kuwait, Scotland to the depths of Somerset and Wiltshire. The lucky winner coming from Corsley and the runners up coming from Melksham and Hilperton respectively. We would especially like to thank all of our outlets for the assistance given in the sales of our Quiz’s. Each one has been issued with a list of the answers to the 100 questions, as well as the tie breaks. Should you have any queries please call Robin on 01225 763428. One again our sincere thanks for your continued support. GREAT SUPPORT FOR TIN RATTLING AT BUDGENS Once again shoppers gave generously to the collections held at Budgen's Supermarkets before Christmas at both Bradford-on-Avon and Hilperton, Trowbridge before Christmas. BCUSG is very grateful to Budgen's for their kind permission to make these collections. Details of the amount raised will follow shortly. BRACHYTHERAPY PROJECT HANDOVER CELEBRATION Click here for Bath Chronicle Article TROWBRIDGE FRB ANNUAL DINNER Once again this Annual event in October was extremely well supported and raised a significant amount of money for BCUSG. Those attending the dinner which was held at Leigh Park Hotel, Bradford Leigh in October included Rob Deadman and a party of his friends and family who have done so much to raise money for BCUSG in memory of his wife Rachel. Click here to return to top of page QUIZ NIGHT RAISES £1,840 FOR BCUSG Third Quiz Night raises wonderful sum of £1,840 for BCUSG Jamie Brewer who was the mastermind behind the Quiz Night held at the Dursley Arms pub in Trowbridge on Friday 17th September works on the Trade Counter for Wilts Wholesale Electrical Co Ltd. This is the third that he has organised with the support of suppliers, customers, and staff of Wilts Wholesale Electrical. Jamie frequently gets involved in fund-raising of this kind which also included a raffle. Click here to return to top of page CLIMB IS A
THANK-YOU TO HOSPITAL Young Mothers in Combe Down raise £2,067.37 for BCUSG at a Barn Dance held in July at the local Junior School in memory of their friend Emma who died of cancer last year. Click here to return to top of page Wonderful News of a Great
Fund-Raising Event which raised over £7,000 in memory of a brave lady who died
aged 28 years old! Family Fun
Day at The Bear Raises over £850 Tony
Newman's Retirement Dinner &
Auction of Memorabilia
Great News
of Recent Fund Raising Events Click here to return to top of page May found the Trowbridge Branch, with their stall at the Trowbridge Lions May Fayre and thanks to public support the day raised another £440 for the Unit Support Group. Again in May the Trowbridge Branch were in Devizes Town Centre and thanks to its citizens and visitors, in excess of £640 was collected for BCUSG. April and May saw two of our supporters run in different marathons with great success. April was the Trowbridge Lions 10k Run and again they had nominated BCUSG to share with their own charity, the sponsorship raised. Thanks to them the Cancer Unit benefited by the sum of £500. In March of this year, the Trowbridge Branch of BCUSG had a collection at Coopers Superstore, Westbury, Wiltshire. Thanks to its management, staff and of course their customers, the coffers of the Unit Support Group was added to by the princely sum of £631.Also in March, the recently formed Bath Fund Raising Branch had a collection day at the Sainsbury’s Superstore, Green Park. Again our sincere thanks go to its management, staff and its customers for donating the magnificent sum of £1,045.THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT Click here to return to top of page ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Two of
our Supporters run Marathons for BCUSG World Record
Attempt - Mini Crush Click here to return to top of page Trowbridge
Lions 10K Annual Run First
Fund Raising Event by the newly formed Rugby Stars Join Nurses
to Officially Open Click here to return to top of page Mendip Shooting Grounds
Donate £5,400 to Pioneering Project for
Prostate Cancer Patients at RUH See also www.thisisbath.co.uk
for online news Click here to return to top of page ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Two
of our Supporters run Marathons for BCUSG
Jeremy Parsons - Neolithic Marathon 2nd May 2004 - raised over £300 for the Bath Cancer Unit Support Group As Jeremy said it was "A bit more than a pebble dash" as he went back to the Stone Age by running the Neolithic Marathon in aid of the Bath Cancer Unit Support Group. He ran the 26 miles from Avebury to Stonehenge on 2nd May, and his wife Pam walked the final 15 miles to make sure that he got there to the finish! The course followed foot paths and army trails over some of the most attractive ( and steep ) local countryside, taking competitors from one famous prehistoric site to the other. "It was a day to remember for Pam and me ," said Jeremy, "But it was also a day that helped people who are facing a far more difficult challenge, that of facing cancer. That’s why I asked people to sponsor us." Jeremy, who celebrated his 56th birthday four days after the race, works for BANES and trains with Bath Amphibians Triathlon Club. Pam prefers pleasant country walks between tea shops!
Click here to return to top of page Sue Macgregor - London Marathon 18th April 2004 Our very own Sue who is both a BCUSG Trustee and Superintendent Radiographer at the Cancer Unit ran an amazing race in this most prestigious event and raised the wonderful sum of £1,114 for BCUSG. Out of the many thousands who took part she finished a very creditable 614th out of all those women completing the course. Her time was an amazing 3 hours 34 minutes and 47 seconds! Sue who lives in Trowbridge runs with Avon Valley Runners.
Click here to return to top of page World
Record Attempt - Mini Crush A team of six Academics, on a MSc management course based at Bath University, led by Mat Barlow took up a scientific challenge – the aim to see just how many people they could fit into a BMW Mini Cooper to crack the world record.
The record stands at 21 people !! – the rules state that they must be 5 foot tall at least, that all the doors and windows must be shut and the car must be able to be started. The Mini was very kindly loaned by the Bath BMW franchise of Wellsway and the event was staged at Bath University in the outdoor amphitheatre earlier this month. It was a rain sodden day, which of course hampered the competitors and the organisers and no doubt also reduced the numbers of spectators, but great fun was had by all. Amidst scenes of great hilarity, pains of anguish, complaints of strange smells, conscription of passers by, verbal abuse and despite meticulous planning, the world record remained intact, the best attempt was a total of just 16, which was no mean feat (excuse the pun)!!
The purpose was three fold – to test their planning techniques, to break the world record and to raise funds for the Bath Cancer Unit Support Group. Their planning failed and they also failed to beat the world record but they did succeed in raising much needed funds for the Unit. As Mat the organiser said, it wasn’t that easy persuading mixed genders to give it a try and with the record standing and held by Germany, Mat swears they must have removed the seating to achieve that number. Our sincere thanks to the team and all who took part, good effort. A good time was had by all and BCUSG benefited by receiving the monies raised. Click here to return to top of page Trowbridge
Lions 10K Annual Run The Trowbridge Lions have for the second time held their annual fund raising run in Southwick Country Park. Normally held over a tarmac/hard surface the race was sponsored by Pork Farm Bowyers and held in conjunction with Avon Valley Runners, it attracted an International Field with more than 100 people taking part over this all terrain certified course. Most of the runners were sponsored for the race, which was held in blustery, dry conditions with the winner, a Dutchman on holiday in Wiltshire, setting one of the fastest times ever recorded in the history of the event. The Chairman of the Lions, Jim Kemp said that it was another "storming success" raising hundreds of pounds in the process. Some of the proceeds being donated to the Lions Club and again to the Bath Cancer Unit Support Group, some of whose members assisted in the marshalling of the event. Click here to return to top of page First
Fund Raising Event by the newly formed On Saturday 13th March the newly formed Bath Fund Raising Branch of BCUSG held its first public event. With kind courtesy of Sainsbury's at Green Park Bath and in a mixture of cold wind, rain and with a little sunshine the warmth of the generosity of shoppers contributed the fantastic sum of £1,045 donated to BCUSG funds. The BFRB branch members namely chair Carol Williams, Secretary Sheila Johnson, Treasurer Katharine Tylko-Hill and newly elected Trustee of BCUSG Monica Andrews together with friends and supporters manned their tin-rattling positions from 9.00am to 5.00pm. There were many expressions of awareness and support for the work of BCUSG and extremely generous donations from people of all ages and backgrounds. BCUSG is extremely grateful for this support and the magnificent result achieved. Click here to return to top of page Rugby
Stars Join Nurses to Officially Open On Monday 23 February, the Mayor of Bath, the Mayor of Trowbridge and the Chair of BANES Council joined Martyn Wood and David Flatman from Bath Rugby, RUH staff and members of the Bath Cancer Unit Support Group to officially open the new Cancer Day Care Unit at the Royal United Hospital.
The official opening of the new Cancer Day Care Unit was attended by many public sector organisations in and around Bath. The chair of Dorothy House Hospice, the Superintendent of Bath Police and the Chief Executive from Bath Spa University were guests alongside the architects, builders, commissioners, nursing staff and doctors whose hard work contributed to the success of the new unit which provides day care services for patients suffering from cancer and blood disorders. RUH chairman Mike Roy says:" We are extremely grateful to members of the Bath Cancer Unit Support Group who have raised more than £310,000 towards the new enlarged treatment room. As a result of their efforts, and of the staff who have worked so hard to get the unit up and running, a greater percentage of oncology and haematology patients can now receive their treatments as outpatients. We are also delighted that the League of Friends provided around £40,000 towards furnishings which has helped to provide some extra comfort for these patients." Sister Caroline Gilleece, who has worked on the William Budd oncology ward for ten years initially suggested the idea for the new unit. She says: "In 1998, a small part of our ward was turned into a day care area. This enabled some patients to receive their treatment as outpatients rather than have to be admitted as an inpatient. With advances in medical science many more cancers are now treatable than previously. In order to cope with the steady rise in the number of patients being treated, it is essential that the trust adapts its services to meet the increasing demand. By providing greater resources and increasing the size of the outpatient facilities, a greater number of patients may be treated and in a way that it is more convenient to them. " I am delighted that the new extended day care unit is now officially open. I am particularly encouraged to know that once a member of nursing staff had identified the need for the new unit, support was available from the Bath Cancer Unit Support Group, the League of Friends and the Trust so that the Unit could become a reality."
As well as providing additional amenities and comforts including a television, the new Day Care Facility provides enough space and the necessary specialist equipment to enable the treatment of patients with mobility difficulties. Most patients are treated whilst in reclining chairs; in total, a maximum of 16 patients could receive treatment in the day care room - double the number previously catered for. Midas Property Services were awarded the £380,000 contract to build the new oncology day care facility which was constructed with a modular building system to ensure rapid completion which was achieved on time and within budget. Click here to return to top of page ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mendip
Shooting Grounds Over the past four years this active group of sportsmen and women based on the Mendips have raised over £11,000 for various West Country Cancer Charities.
From Left to Right - John Carter, Chris
Gallegos, Arthur Hill, Les Dymond & Sharon Clarke In 2003 the product of a very successful and enjoyable event in June 2003 was £5,400 that the leaders of the group have decided to donate to The Bath Cancer Unit Support Group (BCUSG). At a meeting of the BCUSG Trustees last month a decision was made to defray the cost of £45,000 of a pioneering project to aid Prostate Cancer Patients utilising State of the Art Brachytherapy. It is to this particular project that Mendip Shooting Grounds wish their donation to be dedicated. This form of treatment utilises radioactive implants and with the project now under way this will mean that The Cancer Unit at Bath’s RUH will be amongst the forefront in the UK able to adopt this new means of treatment which it is expected will have improved prospects of treatment success together with major cost benefits Consultant Chris Gallegos based at the RUH has provided the following statement: -
Arthur Hill made the cheque presentation to John Carter Chairman of BCUSG Trustees at The William Budd Oncology Unit on Friday 20th February in the company of the following members of the group: - Arthur Hill Sharon Clarke Chris Gallegos Over the last decade BCUSG has raised over £2.5million, all of which has been spent to benefit patients attending the Cancer Unit at the RUH from its catchment of not only Bath but also North Somerset and North & West Wiltshire. Much of this money has been spent in improving the facilities BCUSG’s by refurbishment, the acquisition of major equipment and fittings the most recent of which construction project was to fund the £310,000 cost of the New Day Care Facility, which opened to its first patients in June 2003. The £250,000 Appeal for this project is ongoing and needs to attract continuing support for BCUSG to discharge its obligations. On Monday next 23rd February the hospital are marking the success of this superb new Facility with a Reception to celebrate its opening. Trustee Les Dymond says that BCUSG, which has no paid employees, is proud of the fact that for every £1 it receives only seven pence is spent on administration and expenses. Les also said that he was particularly pleased to support the Grant Application for the Brachia Therapy Project for Prostate Cancer patients as his beloved brother Michael contracted this form of cancer with which he battled for nearly ten years before his death in February 2001. Mike was editor of BCUSG’s newsletter SupportLine for many years and prior to his early retirement made necessary by his illness was Director General Defence Accounts (MOD) based at Warminster Road Bath. The charity has fund raising branches in Trowbridge, Box and Bath, each of which would be thrilled to hear from individuals, companies, businesses and organisations who would like to contribute to their efforts. The official web site at www.bcusg.org has full details of the objectives, achievements and people supporting its work. Click here to return to top of page The following is a summary of the background to the fundraising work of Mendip Shooting Grounds prepared by Arthur Hill. History Mendip Shooting Grounds Game Syndicates Charity Shoots Mendip Shooting Grounds yearly charity shoot started 4 years ago when one of the local shooter’s wife was struck with cancer. Kate being a popular lady in the local shooting fraternity, it was decided that we should do something positive to help, so our first charity day was arranged for September 2000. Kate’s husband ran a local game shoot so the game syndicate charity shoot was born, teams being drawn from local game shoots and clay target clubs, the first year 19 teams entered giving generously enjoying a super day and raising £900 for Cancer Research. The following year – 2001 - the shoot raised £1,200 with 24 teams entering - some coming from a far a field as Devon again enjoying a great day. Kate coming along to present the prizes having had an operation and now having chemo not looking on top of the world but not going to let cancer beat her. This I think making everyone think perhaps we might be doing something to help. The year 2002 we raised £3,500 another great effort perhaps here a word should be said in praise of the staff and members who give there time free. This year the proceeds went to Nick Gallegos who was Chairman of the Weston Cancer Fund raising team. At the Prize Giving Nick gave us all an awareness into the work of cancer research and thanked us for the great effort in raising such a good sum of money and hoped we would keep up the good work. 2003 it was the turn of Chris Gallegos, Nicks brother, to get the proceeds. Chris was very keen to get some new research started at the Bath RUH on a new method of helping prostrate cancer suffers, in to which he at last year’s event had given everybody an insight. He and his colleagues were hoping to proceed with this project and as he explained the problem was as always cash. At the club Chris and a number of his colleagues had become members and came along quite often to enjoy clay shooting, and of course getting to know the members, in fact treating many members and there families in the course of there professions as surgeons. In 2003 the members and local shoots to show there appreciation for their kindness and dedication to medicine and the quick consultation over a cup of coffee in the club house 48 teams entered the Clay shooting competition. In addition the air rifle members also ran a competition with 8 teams entering, this helped to raise £5,400 our best effort yet. " Oh yes! Kate popped in to show off her new daughter Lauren". We all hope this will give a boost to the Bath RUH Brachytherapy Project and hopefully to help Chris and his colleagues to get the prostrate cancer research programme under way. Lets all hope to continue with this event next year, could we better this sum next year - lets hope so. Contributed by Arthur Hill Mendip Shooting Grounds Click here to return to top of page By post: enclosing your cheque made payable to Bath Cancer Unit Support Group, John Carter Donations can also be made
using our print out form which will add the value of 28pence for every
£1 for Giftaid . On-Line: please visit our page on the The Charities Aid Foundation web site. Please click this link and follow the simple instructions. You will be invited to donate either by post or using a credit or debit card. Using this method you can donate anonymously or not in which instance your donation will be acknowledged electronically or by our Chairman if you submit your postal address. The Charities Aid Foundation are a charity providing On-Line fund-raising support to many charities. |
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