NEARLY 40 years ago they declared war on cancer, bringing the devastating disease into the spotlight, and never looked back.

Now Thornbury Cancer Research UK volunteers, who have reached a milestone half million pound fundraising mark, have themselves be hurled into the limelight as they received one of the charity’s top accolades.

Members of the Thornbury and District committee were awarded the sought-after certificate of appreciation on Thursday, October 10 at The Ship Inn in Alveston by Simon O’Leary, head of volunteer fundraising at Cancer Research UK, who personally thanked them for their unfailing commitment to the cause and commended their unparalleled achievements.

Passing the £500,000 bar was no mean feat, Mr O’Leary told the humble volunteers.

“We are privileged to have such a dedicated group of people who are a fine example of how invaluable volunteers are to Cancer Research UK," he said. "With these vital funds we are bringing forward the day when all cancers are cured.”

The sum raised is enough to run one of Cancer Research UK's research centres for six months.

The town branch was formed back in 1977. Now in its 36th year, the group is more successful than ever and puts on an increasingly popular programme of events each year including tennis tournaments, and open garden days, while raising awareness of the organisation’s work and always promoting the need for life-saving medical research.

Mary Hurford-Jones, 73, one of the founding members and chairman of the Thornbury and District Cancer Research UK group, was instrumental in setting up the committee after her father Archie Clarke and father-in-law Bill Bird were both diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

She said: "I was proud and privileged to accept the certificate. We were £2,000 short in April and now we've exceeded the £500,000 mark by £12,000.

"We are all passionate about fundraising. We are constantly trying to find new innovative ideas to fundraise. The committee's dedication, their loyalty has really impressed me as a chairman."

Kate Constance, Cancer Research UK’s area volunteer manager for Thornbury also praised the team at the celebratory luncheon.

“I would like to thank the Thornbury and district committee for the fantastic amount they have raised and the massive contribution they have made to our vital work over the past 36 years.

“Cancer Research UK has made enormous progress in the fight against cancer and continues to do so. However, we have only been able to do this thanks to the dedication and commitment of our volunteers and supporters without whom we would not be able to fund our vital research.”