Breast cancer research at the University benefits from friends' fundraising efforts
Mintlaw woman Jill Moir recently handed over a cheque for £6,007 after she and two friends organised a fundraising extravaganza in their home town in October.
Jill, along with boogie bounce class instructor Angie Urquhart and friend Rachael Hay, organised a 'Think Pink Day' at MACBI Community Hub in Mintlaw which involved a huge array of activities for locals to take part in and raise funds for the University's breast cancer research. Along with boogie bounce and spin classes there was a netball tournament, children's yoga, crafts, a photo booth and a huge raffle and tombola. They received fantastic community support, not only from those taking part but from helpers who gave their time for free, all of which culminated in a great community fundraising success.
The three friends decided to organise the event after Jill enquired about where money could be donated locally for breast cancer research and was put in touch with the University's Professor Steve Heys.
Jill said "After a casual conversation between myself, Rachael & Angie we decided we would like to arrange an event to raise funds for breast cancer research but decided we would like the money raised to stay in our local area. I found out about the University of Aberdeen Development Trust from my breast care nurse and in a quick three weeks we planned 'Think Pink Day'. We were completely overwhelmed by the support we received from local businesses, family, friends & the local community. It was a really fun-packed day and we totally exceeded our expectations of what we might raise! Meeting with Professor Heys and being in touch with the University has been really interesting and a great way of letting those who came along or donated know exactly what is being done with the money raised. We are looking forward to arranging a similar event for 2016."
Professor Heys, who is the University’s Chair in Applied Medicine stated “This is a great example of what can be done by a community that comes together to raise funds for a local cause. The funds raised by Jill, her friends and the Mintlaw community are vital to our research programme. They are being used to support the ongoing research programme here in the North East of Scotland into breast cancer. The current research projects are investigating how diet and the environment interact to cause breast cancer, why patients respond in different ways to the same treatment, and how we can support patients and their families in a better way through the cancer journey. Every penny raised goes towards this.”
Fundraising income for the University’s breast cancer research is channelled through the University of Aberdeen Development Trust which is a registered charity. The Trust raises essential funds to support much of the University’s activities such as vital medical research as well as supporting students through the provision of scholarships, bursaries and facilities. Funding from alumni, individuals, companies, organisations and the community is essential for the development of cancer research in Aberdeen as well as many other activities.