Cancer Centre Campaign tops £600,000

An ambitious appeal to raise £4.5 million for a new cancer centre has reached a major milestone.

More than £600,000 has been pledged to the appeal which was launched last month.

And more events are already in the pipeline to boost the coffers.

Caroline Bates, fundraising manager with the Colchester Hospitals Charities, said donations had been made from across the board.

She said: "We have received donations from schools, the proceeds from coffee mornings as well as donations from businesses and private individuals.

"In some cases, they have come in the form of pledges over the next three years.

"We are grateful for them all.

"We are delighted the campaign has raised just over £612,000 to date so although there is still some way to go we know that with the help of Gazette readers we will reach our target of £4.5 million.

"We are grateful for the support we have already had from readers, which has included donations large and small."

Among the fundraisers to boost the coffers is the Santa Fun Run will see hundreds of super Santas run a 3k or 5k course through Castle Park in Colchester on Sunday December 7.

Among the participants will be the team from St Helena School in Colchester.

Prefect co-ordinator Jan Wilks said the school had put in teams of prefects since 2010 and is hoping to have a team of at least 40 prefects and staff in this year's event.

Jan said: "The atmosphere is great. It looks really weird to have a see of Santas warming up before the run and the students really love doing it.

"Unfortunately, everyone knows someone who has been touched by cancer."

The registration fee is £10 for adults aged over 16 which includes a free Santa costume.

Children aged between five and 15 pay £5 to take part which includes a free Santa hat to be collected on the day.

Children aged under five can enter for free but must be accompanied by an adult.

Teams of ten or more people can enter at £5 per member.

Everyone is invited to run, jog or walk and those taking part are asked to raise as much as possible for the Cancer Centre Campaign.

The run starts at 10am with registration and starting line near the Bandstand.

To join the Santa Fun Run, go to www.cohoc.org.uk and follow the link.

An online sponsorship page can also be set up here.

To support the appeal, text GAZE11 £10 to 70070 to donate to the Cancer Centre Campaign (or choose a different amount).

Cheques can be made payable to CoHoC Cancer Centre Campaign and sent to Colchester Hospitals Charity, Villa 10, Turner Road, Colchester, CO4 5JL. Donations can also be made online by going to www.CohoC.org.uk. This will take you to secure online payment processing site Justgiving.com where you can make a donation or set up a fundraising page for your own event.