A group of dedicated Bury St Edmunds fundraisers have been recognised for raising a milestone £500,000 for Cancer Research UK.

The Bury St Edmunds and District Fundraising Group have a long history in the town, going back 43 years.

The group was founded in 1972 by Marion Lacey Scott, known as Dan, who decided to support Cancer Research UK after two of her friends died from the disease.

With the help of numerous friends and many in the wider community, the group raised thousands of pounds towards the fight against cancer.

Many of the group’s members over the years have been affected by cancer, both suffering themselves or seeing loved ones suffer.

In 1974 cancer struck Angela Moore who, despite a very gloomy prognosis, overcame the disease and was motivated to help the charity.

She started fundraising and joined the committee, later becoming chairman in 1991. Speaking after reaching the milestone £500,000, Mrs Moore said: “It’s amazing how far we have come and it’s rewarding to have been part of that progress.

“But we couldn’t have done any of it without the fantastic support of many good friends and dozens and dozens of volunteers.”

Mrs Moore resigned as chairman in 1998 to give more time to family commitments but continued to help the group’s secretary Janet Melleney.

Unfortunately, cancer struck the group again and in 2005 it forced Mrs Melleney to relinquish her roles of secretary and treasurer. She later died from the disease.

Since then Mrs Moore and her husband John, with the support of friends, have kept the fundraising going.

The committee members, both past and present, celebrated their achievements last week after being awarded a certificate of appreciation, signed by Harpal Kumar, Cancer Research UK’s chief executive.

Nichola Whymark, fundraising manager for the charity, said: “To reach the £500,000 milestone is a massive achievement.

“We are so grateful to Angela, her husband John and the many volunteers past and present who have raised an incredible amount of money for us. Without them our vital research wouldn’t happen.”

She called on anyone wishing to help raise funds or join the committee to get in touch on 07789 776214.