MORE than half a century on and £1.5million later, Roy Chapman insists it is putting “the fun into fundraising” which is his secret to success.

Roy, who is 88, is officially one of the country’s longest serving Cancer Research UK fundraisers.

His 55 years of dedication have been instrumental in helping the charity’s north east Essex area committee raise £1.5million for the cause.

Roy, from Nayland, founded the committee in 1962 when the charity was known as the British Empire Campaign for Cancer Research.

He said: “In 1953 my wife, Mary, and I were due to marry but sadly a week before the planned day, her mother died of cancer.

“We decided there and then that when we were established we would devote as much time as possible raising money for cancer research. “

Roy began as the committee secretary.

He recalled: “We didn’t know where it was going to take us, we just did it in the normal way, shaking tins.

“We started the spring ball at the George Hotel and I remember us revelling in it because we made a profit of £300. We thought that was outstanding.”

The committee’s first meetings were held in nurses’ accommodation in Oxford Road, Colchester, and after a time Roy became chairman, a post he held for 29 years.

He added: “The most significant fundraising memory was 26 years ago at Dedham Vale Hotel,now Milsoms. We raised £30,000.

“Gerald Milsom set a target of £10,000, then £20,000 and then £30,000 and it was the outstanding event of all time.

“The current committee average £50,000 to £60,000 a year.”

Much of that comes from holding race nights and quiz nights.

But the biggest windfall is when supporters leave cash in their wills.

Roy said: “Part of our role is projecting Cancer Research in the community.”

Since the committee’s inception many original members have died, including some from cancer, but there are now 12 members including Roy’s son Robert.

Describing what keeps him motivated as a committee member, Roy added: “Sheer dedication to the fact there has to be research into cancer, it is ongoing and we want to do anything we possibly can to resist it.”

Roy also paid tribute to the work of former members.

“We put the fun into fundraising - it has got to be rewarding,” he said.

The committee was honoured this week for reaching its £1.5million fundraising milestone by Myles Godfrey, Senior Cancer Research UK manager, and area appeals co-ordinator, Darren Couchman.

A plaque marking the milestone will be displayed at the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute.

To join the committee, email area darrencouchman@cancer.org.uk.

Forthcoming fundraisers include a ball at Le Talbooth, Dedham, on July 6.

Tickets are available by emailing jill@jdselection.com.