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Quids In appeal reaches its target
WE'VE done it! The Gazette's Quids In appeal has hit its £50,000 target in just three months. EMOTIONS were running high as Cancer Connections volunteers and users opened the door to their new base, and a new chapter in the charity's history.
The cash, which has been raised two weeks ahead of schedule, saw South Shields charity Cancer Connections get the keys to its new base.
Gazette editor John Szymanski said: "This fantastic achievement goes to show the amazing generosity of South Tynesiders.
"I would like to thank each and every one who has helped to make our Quids In campaign such a huge success."
Professor Reg Hall, one of the charity's founders and directors, added: "Working with the Gazette has been a wonderful experience. We are so very grateful."
The charity has managed to raise 350,000 in less than three years to buy a four-bedroom bungalow in Harton Lane, South Shields.
And as it picked up the keys to No258, there were tears of joy from everyone.
Emotional Prof Hall, one of the charity's founders and directors, said: "It's a wonderful moment.
"When we first met to talk about the idea of Cancer Connections four years ago, I don't think any of us really anticipated we would be here with our own home quite so soon. It's really quite an emotional moment."
Co-founder and office co-ordinator Deborah Roberts added: "People have really got involved in making things happen for Cancer Connections.
"I'd really like to say a massive thank you to everyone.
"This will mean so much to cancer patients and to the directors, volunteers and staff of Cancer Connections."
Chairman Derek Porter said: "It's just fantastic to be at this point.
"Two years ago, when I first joined, I had a funny feeling this would be a pipe dream, but here we are.
"It's the most positive place I've ever been to in my life, and I'm proud to be chairman."
Helping the charity hit its target was the Mayor and Mayoress of South Tyneside, Coun John Anglin and his wife Chris.
The Mayor's Charity gave Cancer Connections a donation of 7,000, which brought the Quids In total to 50,000.
Coun Anglin said: "It's great to be able to hand over 7,000 and the final amount to end the Quids In appeal and enable Cancer Connections to buy the house.
"It's fabulous to be able to give such a nice cheque to them."
After seeing the house, Mrs Anglin said: "It's going to be amazing."
Office volunteer Rachel Groombridge said: "It's so exciting. We're just looking forward to getting in and having a lot more space."
Therapist Carole Tarbet added: "To see where I'm going to be working is just overwhelming. The people of South Tyneside have been marvellous."
Bowel cancer sufferer Jim Leggett was the first person through the charity's door when it opened back in May 2007.
And he helped mark the day by getting his hands on the all-important key.
He said: "In 2007, I was the first one through the door, now three years later we have got the house. This is what we have worked towards."
Debra Slesser, who suffered from breast cancer and helped raise more than 10,000 last year, added: "It's perfect and it makes me feel very proud that I have been part of it."
To see a video of the celebrations, visit www.shieldsgazette.com.
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Weather for South Shields
Saturday 04 February 2012
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