Ribble Valley and White Rose Ladies win award for fundraising

The remarkable fundraising achievements of a Skipton-based team have received national recognition from a leading charity.

Cancer Research UK has handed a prestigious award to Ribble Valley and White Rose Ladies, who have so far raised £750,000.

At the charity’s annual Flame of Hope Awards, the women were presented with the “Fundraising in the Community Award 2011”, by Michael Pragnell, chairman of Cancer Research UK.

And the group’s founder, Karen Weaving, also received a special commendation in the charity’s “Fundraising Volunteer of the Year” category.

Karen, who runs Skipton’s Rendezvous Hotel with husband Malcolm, set up Ribble Valley and White Rose Ladies in 1998 to raise money for research into childhood cancer. She said: “We’re delighted to have our efforts recognised and share the award with the thousands of cancer patients, their friends and families who have supported our fundraising activities over the years.”

Harpal Kumar, Cancer Research UK chief executive, said: “Cancer Research UK has made enormous progress in the fight against cancer. However, we have only been able to do this thanks to the dedication and commitment of our volunteers and supporters like Karen Weaving and the Ribble Valley and White Rose Ladies, without whom we would not be able to fund outstanding scientists, doctors and nurses.

“Our Flame of Hope Awards give us the opportunity to celebrate and say thank you to these enormously generous volunteers and supporters for the fantastic work they do.”

Sarah McPhee, the charity’s area volunteer manager, who nominated Karen, said: “These awards are our way of saying thanks to the people who are the lifeblood of our organisation.”

The group holds fundraising events throughout the year. Their main event is the Relay for Life, which took place this year on the July 9th and 10th, at Great Harwood showground near Blackburn. For more information about the group’s forthcoming fundraising events, contact Karen Weaving on 01756 700100 or visit ribblevalleyandwhiteroseladies.co.uk.

The Duke’s letter highlighted the luncheon as an ‘excellent occasion which was marked by its refreshingly relaxed atmosphere and genuine sense of fun.  Clearly a large number of people worked very hard indeed both in view and behind the scenes.’

Despite many years experience in running events as independent hotel owners, Karen and Malcolm Weaving are none the less delighted with the feedback, which was echoed by many other letters of congratulation from the other 190 guests who attended the luncheon.

Sponsored by Skipton Building Society and Silver Cross, the event raised more than four thousand pounds for research into children’s cancer, bringing the charity’s total fundraising effort to £520, 000.  Cancer Research UK was also impressed by the event organisation, their representative Rebecca Murrell commenting in her letter of thanks on the “exceptional attention to detail” that had gone into making the day a memorable occasion.  She also acknowledged the Ribble Valley & White Ladies “huge financial contribution and immeasurable role in delivering Cancer Research UK’s vital cancer information messages to your local community.”

Encouragingly, research is producing positive results with the ten-year cancer survival rate almost doubling in the last 30 years, while cancer survival rates for teenagers and young adults has increased to 74%.  An ‘excellent occasion which was marked by its refreshingly relaxed atmosphere and genuine sense of fun.All the funds raised by the Ribble Valley & White Rose Ladies goes to research specifically into childhood leaukaemia, so this event focused on the celebration of the drive and resilience of youth with many youngsters introduced to the Duke.  Among them were 13-year old Child of Achievement Lauren Richmond from Barnoldswick who has recovered from leukaemia, 12-year old Joanne Oldfield whose mother (former RV&WRL committee member Angela Oldfield), sadly lost her battle with cancer last year and 17-year old Sam Cannings who lost his brother eight years ago.

Despite the name, the Ribble Valley & White Rose Ladies welcome gentleman supporters and non-members to their regular luncheon and dinner events which feature a range of inspiring speakers.  For details on how to support their work or for information about The Rendezvous hosting an event for your charity, society or private event, contact Karen Weaving on 01756 700100.

Click on the image to the left to read about Ronan Keating sending a personal message of congratulations to the Ribble Valley and White Rose Ladies for their fundraising efforts