Putting our region's cancer needs first

Cheshire Committee commended for raising half a million pounds for cancer research

A fundraising committee in Kelsall village has been recognised for its contribution to raising life-saving funds to support cancer research in the region.

The Kelsall Committee was awarded the Dedication to the Cause Award at the North West Cancer Research Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony, recently held at the Isla Gladstone Conservatory in Liverpool.

Founded in 1965, the Kelsall Committee is made up of its third generation of members and has raised over £500,000 by hosting its annual Spring Gala, which began in 1978 and brings the village together to enjoy football tournaments and stalls selling crafts, plants and vintage products.

The Gala was started as a garden sale by local resident Lillian Lightfoot after she lost her husband to cancer and has been continued since her death by her daughter Angela Harrop and the Kelsall Committee. The Committee also hosts jumble sales, auctions, open gardens, an organised walk amongst other events.

Angela Harrop, Committee Chair at The Kelsall Committee, commented: “Despite a challenging few years, we have continued to host our Gala and it has become a great tradition for our local community. It is our pleasure to receive this award and to be able to continue raising crucial funds for such a wonderful cause.”

The North West Cancer Research Gala Dinner honoured the efforts of the charity’s life-long fundraisers and researchers, who together have helped the organisation become the leading independent cancer research and education charity for the region.

Alastair Richards, CEO of North West Cancer Research, commented: “It is an honour to be able to celebrate the dedication of our supporters as well as excellence in research across our region. It is thanks to our fundraisers, researchers, corporate supporters and donors that we have evolved to become the organisation that we are today.

“To host our Gala Dinner for the first time since 2018 was an absolute pleasure and it was a wonderful chance to celebrate people’s life-saving efforts. We were overwhelmed with entries this year and the standard was exceptional. We extend a huge congratulations to all of our winners and nominees and thanks to our sponsors and all of those who helped to make the evening a success.”

Radio presenter Claire Simmo hosted the evening’s awards, which was sponsored by Life and Pensions Systems.

North West Cancer Research is an independent charity dedicated to putting the region’s cancer needs first by funding life-saving research and education to tackle the cause, improve the care, and find the cure for cancer.