Lincs Co-op raises £134,722 for Breast Cancer Research and Support

World-class research and life-changing support provided by charity Breast Cancer Now will be boosted by a £134,722.46 donation raised through Lincolnshire Co-op’s Community Champions scheme.

Members, customers, and colleagues of Lincolnshire Co-op all contributed to this fundraising total by shopping with their dividend cards, dropping change in collection boxes, and participating in or supporting fundraising activities.

£134,722.46 could pay for 539 days of research. Research is key to creating a future where everyone diagnosed with breast cancer lives and lives well. 539 days of research will help Breast Cancer Now get to that future even faster.

During the campaign, Lincolnshire Co-op colleagues organised in-store fundraising activities. Cake sales, raffles and games were on offer in many stores over the ‘Big Pink Weekend’ in early May, during Easter, and the Jubilee weekend.

Some team members went even further in their efforts to raise funds – participating in sponsored walks and bike rides across the county, completing the Tough Mudder at Belvoir Castle, and hosting a bingo night at Coningsby Village Hall.

Colleagues from across Lincolnshire Co-op attended the presentation to Breast Cancer Now.

Amanda Hurry, Manager at Sleaford Travel branch, cycled almost 400K in aid of Breast Cancer Now – further than the distance from Lincoln to Dundee! She raised over £350.

Amanda said: “This charity is really close to my heart, having lost my mum to breast cancer and having friends that have also been diagnosed, so it feels amazing to have raised this amount of money.”

Amy Elliott, Manager at Newark Road Hykeham Food Store, organised a 29K walk starting in Navenby and finishing in Bracebridge Heath. Together, the participating colleagues raised £772.

Amy said: “This cause is one that really touched us, and everyone at the store really wanted to get involved in fundraising. It was great to see the team pull together to raise money for an important charity.”

Danielle Budworth, Senior Community Co-ordinator at Lincolnshire Co-op, said: “Thank you to our members, colleagues and customers for the support they’ve given our Community Champions scheme throughout spring.

“As soon as Breast Cancer Now were chosen as our Community Champions, we recognised it was a cause close to many people’s hearts, and subsequently, we have seen the community come together in the most amazing way to support this worthy charity.”

Sarah Whattam, Senior Regional Fundraising Manager at Breast Cancer Now, said: “We’re so delighted that Lincolnshire Co-op chose Breast Cancer Now as its Community Champions beneficiary charity, and we would like to thank everyone who took part helping to raise more than £134,722 to help anyone affected by breast cancer.

“Every year in the UK 55,000 women and 370 men are diagnosed with breast cancer, and sadly these numbers are rising. This is why we’re so thankful to everyone who fundraises for Breast Cancer Now. These vital funds are helping us to ensure we’re here for anyone affected by breast cancer, funding world-class research and providing support to anyone affected by this devastating disease.”