The Putney & Roehampton Friends Of Cancer Research UK Made A Difference

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The committee were nominated and won a bottle of bubbly for their work

In January we asked you to nominate individuals or groups that you felt "made a difference" to the SW15 area. The winners are the Putney and Roehampton Friends.

When a group of 14 women put their mind to something there’s not a lot that’s going to stop them succeeding. A number of years ago a Cancer Research fundraising group was formed in Putney and Roehampton, it’s prime objective was to run a Christmas Fair at the Bank of England Sports Club. Over the last 10 years they have raised £340,000 from the fair alone, in addition to that they organise bridge teas, quiz nights, golf days and the hugely popular Bluebell Walk. We understand that the total raised, since it’s inception, is in excess of £1,000,000.

Di Halford, their Chairman (holding the champagne), was asked why her team give up their time to raise money for CRUK . Di told us: “Nearly everyone knows somebody who has been affected by Cancer, it’s a worldwide disease and over the last 10 years great strides have been made improving the diagnosis, the treatment and the aftercare. In some way or other we have all benefited from the money we have raised, and knowing that we are doing something to help is the most important thing."

She continued: Our sincere thanks to PutneySW15 for your “People who made a difference to Putney in 2010 Award”, it’s much appreciated and the champagne will be shared at our next committee meeting”

Natalie Brownless from CRUK told us why she felt they deserved the nomination: " The group have been fundraising for over 20 years, and in that time have raised over £1million. Year upon year they go out of their way to raise funds for Cancer Research UK. They recently held a  Christmas Fair at the Bank of England Sports Club in November raising £37,000 which is an incredible achievement."

"They are a great bunch of friends and work so well together to put on big events, like the Christmas Fair and the Bluebell Walk, held at Kew Gardens as well as some smaller ones. Many are cancer survivors themselves or have lost close ones to the disease which makes them even more determined to raise as much as they can."

"They definitely make a huge contribution to the local area by involving the local community with the events they hold. They understand what works well in the area and having all lived in the area for a number of years, are a big part of the community. They are a lovely group of people and it would be so nice for them to know how much they are appreciated. I’m sure they would be very happy to have a bottle of bubbly too!"

Not everyone wants to join a committee but you can still help them raise money by signing up for their next event “The Bluebell Walk” it’s an annual sponsored walk which has been run by the Putney and Roehampton Friends for 13 years. This year, the Walk takes place on Sunday 22 nd May and we have a wonderful new venue - Syon Park, London home of the Duke of Northumberland. The beautiful gardens at Syon have been renowned for their extensive collection of rare trees and plants since they were designed by Capability Brown in the mid-18 th century, and walkers can investigate the wildflower meadow along the Thames as well as visiting the Great Conservatory and Syon House itself.

Walkers of all ages can join the event to raise money for Cancer Research UK while getting some exercise at the same time! Further details and entry forms will be available from the end of March, but in the meantime anyone who would like to register for the Walk should email bluebellwalk@cancer.org.uk