HATHERLEIGH, Meeth and Petrockstowe local committee of Cancer Research UK are celebrating reaching £135,000 — an important milestone in fundraising.

A commemorative certificate was presented to Mary Hindson and Rose Cole at the Christmas coffee morning on Tuesday at the old School Rooms, Hatherleigh by Sylvia Arlett, area manager of Cancer Research UK.

Sylvia said: 'The committee has done a fantastic job on behalf of this charity and I cannot thank them enough for their support and enthusiasm.

'It has been a pleasure to present members with long service awards and this is a milestone today.

'Mary has served for an incredible 50 years, and Rose 25, and their unstinting support and time given to fundraising over the years has been second to none.

'I am proud of what they have all achieved.

'Cancer affects an awful lot of people and incidences are increasing due to an ageing and increasing population. In spite of this, survival has increased tremendously over the past decade and thousands of people once diagnosed with this terrible disease are living perfectly happy lives due to better screening, treatments and new drugs all paid for by public donations.'

Monies raised are used to fund vital research into cancer, including clinical trials being funded at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital and those at North Devon District Hospital.

The charity supports 4,250 scientists, doctors and nurses throughout the UK who work tirelessly to bring cancer under control.

If you would like information on how to support Cancer Research UK please call Sylvia on 01395 282705, email sylvia.arlett@

org