CANCER research fundraisers in Wyre Forest are celebrating smashing the £750,000 threshold after raising more than £30,000 in the last 12 months.

The small committee, set up 45 years ago, has now raised £759,242 and has its sights set on £1 million.

Highlights of the year included a charity rugby tournament organised by Neil Evans, from Bewdley, and supported by the committee, which raised an astonishing £16,000.

A donation from Franche Village Sports and Social club added a further £3,600 to the pot, while In Memoriam donations in memory of loved ones amounted to almost £3,000.

Collections organised by the committee at the Shelsley Hill Climb raised £1,100, its annual luncheon a further £2,300, the popular gardeners’ question time pulled in £600, and the sale of Easter chicks netted more than £700.

Collection boxes at locations throughout the district accounted for almost £400, Geoff Goodwin and his Jazzmen struck a chord to raise £700 and a Tesco ‘Turns Pink’ event raised just under £200.

Chairman Peter Tomlinson said: “To smash the three quarter of a million pounds threshold is fantastic and something we want to shout from the rooftops.

“The number of people who come together to support Cancer Research UK in Wyre Forest is very heartening. We are eternally grateful to those who support our committee’s events, organise their own fundraising and donate personally.”

The next fundraising event on the committee’s calendar is its annual luncheon, which will be at The Granary Hotel and Restaurant, Shenstone, on Wednesday May 16.

Tickets priced, £25, are available by ringing 01299 250205 or 01562 823825.