Researchers in Aberdeen who are trying to find new ways of fighting breast cancer have had their efforts boosted, thanks to North-east fundraisers and their supporters.
Two action packed events have brought in almost £90,000 to the breast cancer research fund in Aberdeen.
Tonight (June 26) representatives of one of the fundraising groups will meet Professor Steven Heys – who is head of studies into cancer medicine at the University of Aberdeen and a consultant surgeon – and hand over a cheque for £79,064.
The money came after almost 1,000 pink clad walkers took to the streets of Fraserburgh for a fundraising walk called the Moonlight Prowl. The women involved hiked through the night earlier this month and completed either a 10k or half marathon.
Organisers were delighted with the amount of money raised. And they still have more money to come in. Event Secretary Margaret-Jane Cardno said: "The organising committee are overwhelmed by the response the event received.
"Last year we were delighted when our very first Moonlight Prowl raised £22,000 for breast cancer research in Aberdeen. The University of Aberdeen and the Rowett Research Institute matched those funds and that enabled the establishment of a three-year research fellowship at the University which is focusing on the causes of breast cancer.
"We are overjoyed at the amount we have raised at this latest Moonlight Prowl. Hopefully this second phase of funding will take us a step closer to finding a cure for this very common illness."
And this Thursday the organisers of a separate event – a day long Jazzercise session that took place in Aberdeen in April – will also meet Professor Heys and boost his research funds with a cheque for £10,000.
As well as the marathon session of Jazzercise – which is a popular dance/aerobics workout -organisers also staged a fundraising ceilidh and soul dinner dance that night. Over 300 people supported the events.
The Jazzercise Annual Charity Event was organised by instructors Karen Scott and Manoli Seco-Evans. Personal involvement prompted the pair to raise funds for breast cancer research.
Karen explained: "My mum Agnes Fitzpatrick was diagnosed with breast cancer nine years ago but lost her battle with it in 2003. Professor Steven Heys was her surgeon. We decided our annual fundraiser should raise money for breast cancer.
"We are delighted that so many people supported our event. Their efforts and the generosity of their supporters have enabled us to hand over £10,000 to Professor Heys' breast cancer research fund plus £1,500 to the breast care nurses at Aberdeen Breast Centre."
Karen and Manoli will hand over a cheque to Professor Heys on Thursday morning at 11am.
Professor Heys said: "What an amazing effort by all of the ladies – it is a humbling experience to work with people who give up their time to try to make a difference for patients with breast cancer.
"Our research team congratulates the organisers and all those who have taken part in both these events in support of breast cancer research. We will ensure that this money will support research trying to understand the causes of breast cancer and to develop better treatments for patients with breast cancer."