A FUNDRAISING committee in Thornbury is celebrating 40 years supporting Cancer Research UK, in which time almost £650,000 has been raised.

The Thornbury and District Local Committee began fundraising for the charity in 1977 to help fund research that would ensure more men, women and children in Bristol and across the UK survive the disease.

One of the committee’s founding members, Mary Hurford-Jones, who is still involved with the group, said: “Little did I imagine that when a small group of us set up Thornbury and District Cancer Research committee in 1977, we would be gathering here today to celebrate our 40th anniversary.

“From humble fundraising events within our community, we have grown into a well-known and well-supported charity within Thornbury and surrounding villages.

“We kept driven and motivated throughout the years by coming up with fresh ideas and sustaining well-established events. Most of all, we work well as a group. I have been privileged to work as a member of this committee for 40 years with many talented and skilled people.”

The committee and the charity celebrated the landmark year together yesterday at a special event in Thornbury Town Hall.

Zoe Tainton, Cancer Research UK’s Bristol fundraising manager, praised the committee for being at the roots of one of the charity’s biggest achievements, helping to double cancer survival rates over the last 40 years.

“We have only been able to achieve this thanks to kind and generous supporters and volunteers, like in Thornbury.

“The Thornbury committee’s commitment and dedication to grow and develop has been incredibly inspiring - they are a role model to so many new fundraising groups across the country.

“I believe that the story to their success has been because of the kind and passionate members involved.”

“They are an incredible team, helping and supporting each other, and most importantly they have kept the fun in fundraising. We are incredibly grateful for their support.”