Coracle Race raises almost £20,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support in Shropshire
Teams of fundraisers who braved the waters of the River Severn in coracles were today praised for raising nearly £20,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support in Shropshire.
It brings the total raised from the Macmillan World Championship Coracle Relay Race, held on the River Severn at the Pengwern Boat Club in Shrewsbury, to more than £100,000 since the event began in 2007.
Shropshire’s largest furniture retailer Alan Ward along with Jayney Davies, chairman of the organising committee, presented Helen Knight, fundraising manager for Macmillan Cancer Support in Shropshire, with a cheque for £19,053.
“We have been involved in this fantastic event from the very beginning and were thrilled to be headline sponsors,” said Alan Ward marketing manager Kathy Lesser.
“The money makes a tremendous difference to Macmillan in supporting vital cancer services in the county and we want to thank everyone who took part.
“It was in the middle of major flooding in Shropshire but the teams still rallied together to fight their way across the waters.
“Our own team didn’t manage to make it through to the finals but enjoyed battling it out in a friendly fashion with other Shropshire companies.
“We always have a brilliant time and know just how important it is for an independently owned company like Alan Ward to support the amazing work that Macmillan does in Shropshire.
“We sponsor several events in Shropshire and proud to be giving something back to charities which no-one knows when they may need their help.”
Helen Knight, fundraising manager for Macmillan Cancer Support in Shropshire thanked Alan Ward for their sponsorship of the event which is completely organised by volunteers.
“We are very grateful for all the people who helped organise the Coracle race. So much time goes into ensuring these events take place successfully, and everybody worked so hard.
“We also want to thank all the teams that took part - a great time was had by all.” She said the money raised will stay in Shropshire to help Shropshire people.
“Currently there are around two million people living with cancer in Britain. By 2030, this figure will have increased to four million, and so it’s vital that we raise more money so that we can reach and improve the lives of everyone affected by cancer.
“Macmillan Cancer Support provides medical, emotional, financial and practical support to people affected by cancer within Shropshire.
“However, we’re currently only reaching one in three of those people and we want to reach everyone. 97 per cent of Macmillan’s income comes from voluntary sources. All money raised in Shropshire is spent within Shropshire, and in 2012, 151 people within Shropshire were assisted with grants.”
The event was supported by hundreds of spectators who lined both banks of the river. It was won by a team from Morris & Co led by Robin Morris ahead of CJ Williams Funeral Directors and Coverage Care.
Anybody wishing to volunteer or take part in the 2014 race should contact Helen at hknight@macmillan.org.uk or call 07977864278.
