Gastro-oesophageal cancer research at the University benefits from Turriff woman's dedicated support
One of the University of Aberdeen's most committed supporters of GASTROCAN, Irene Black from Turriff, recently handed over a cheque for £2,550 after organising a Deal Or No Deal event in her home town in September. Irene's gritty determination managed to secure support from a number of local companies and members of her local community which culminated in a fun-filled evening with over 100 people in attendance.
After losing her husband Roy to gastric-oesophageal cancer in 2012 Irene set about doing everything she could to raise money for and raise awareness of this devastating disease. Having taken part in three 10K Run Balmoral events in a row she decided to organise an event which would involve her tight-knit community. The money from this along with all her other fundraising efforts brings the amount she has raised so far for GASTROCAN to £9,000.
Irene said "The people of Turriff are so generous and kind. the community spirit really is amazing. Of course it is not all about raising money but also increasing awareness of gastric and oesophageal cancer to help people recognise the sumptoms of the disease and know when to seek help."
Professor Zosia Miedzybrodzka, who leads the University of Aberdeen's team of gastro-oesophageal cancer researchers said "We are so grateful to Irene for all her fundraising efforts and to the Turriff community for coming together and raising so much money for GASTROCAN. All the funds raised provide vital assistance for our research programme which will develop better treatments for people with gastro-oesphageal cancer. Every single person involved is helping us to ensure that patients in the North East of Scotland gain access to the best possible personalised treatments while also developing more effective treatments for the future."
Fundraising income for GASTROCAN is channelled through the University of Aberdeen Development Trust which is an independent 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 the medical research undertaken by GASTROCAN and many other activities.