Hunts Post readers help pay for cancer patients xmas party

THE generosity of the readers of The Hunts Post was toasted at a Christmas party last week - a party for cancer patients which you helped make possible.

Members of a breast cancer support group in Huntingdon had feared they would not be able to enjoy a Christmas dinner together after their fundraising efforts were hit by thieves.

Cold-hearted burglars broke into the Woodlands Cancer Treatment Centre at Hinchingbrooke Hospital earlier this year stealing bottles of wine and other goods. The items were to be raffled to pay for the centre's breast cancer support group's festive outing.

Disgusted by the theft, The Hunts Post launched an appeal to replace the stolen prizes and our kind-hearted readers came to the rescue, flooding our offices with donations.

Readers also purchased raffle tickets and made donations, helping to raise �551 to fund the patients' Christmas treat.

Last Wednesday (December 2) 18 of the centre's breast cancer patients and two nurses held a Christmas party at Brampton Golf Club.

The morale-boosting event included a three-course Christmas dinner paid for by the proceeds from The Hunts Post raffle.

Susan Rushworth, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 and is still undergoing treatment at the Woodlands Centre, said: "It is thanks to you all at The Hunts Post and your readers, that all of us had a fantastic time.

"Without all your help this would not have been possible."

Speaking on behalf of the group, Mrs Rushworth added: "The night was a great success. Everyone went home merry. So on behalf of all the ladies, once again from the bottom of our hearts we thank you all."

And not only did the raffle raise enough money to pay for the Christmas party, there is also enough left over to pay for the group to go on a spring or summer outing.