Cancer charity in £6,000 fund-raiser (From Ledbury Reporter)

Cancer charity in £6,000 fund-raiser

10:20am Friday 11th January 2013 in News By Gary Bills-Geddes

RESIDENTS of Ledbury and beyond united to raise more than £6,000 for the life-saving charity Cobalt.

A group of Cobalt supporters organised a blacktie dinner and auction at the Feathers Hotel in Ledbury, to raise money for its Clear About Breast Cancer Herefordshire Appeal.

The appeal, coordinated by Cobalt in partnership with Wye Valley NHS Trust, aims to raise £160,000 for state-of-the-art digital breast screening technology for Hereford County Hospital.

Richard Pugh, one of the organisers, said: “Our group has been personally affected by breast cancer, and is aware of the huge contribution that Cobalt brings to this area of cancer treatment.

“We are very humbled by the support and backing of the local community, with businesses and individuals giving generously in support of our event.”

Guests were treated to a champagne reception, a three-course meal and live music, was well as a charity auction.

Auction lots that went under the hammer included a hot air balloon ride, a visit to the Houses of Parliament, tickets to X Factor Live and more.

“A huge depth of thanks goes out to everyone who helped make the night such a great success,” said Mr Pugh.

“That is, from auctioneers to photographers and musicians, all of whom gave their time without charge, and particularly those who made such generous bids for the auction lots.”

Peter Sharpe, Cobalt’s chief executive, who spoke at the event said: “We are extremely grateful to the organisers of this fantastic event and thank them for all their hard work.

“The funds raised will go a long way towards our challenging income target, helping to save more lives locally.”