Lincolnshire Co-op raises over £130,000 for breast cancer research and support

Lincolnshire Co-op has raised a total of £134,722 for charity Breast Cancer Now through its Community Champions scheme.

Members, customers and colleagues of the co-operative have all contributed to this fundraising by shopping with their dividend cards, dropping change in collection boxes and participating in or supporting fundraising activities.

The retailer said the sum could pay for 539 days of research, which is key to creating a future where everyone diagnosed with breast cancer lives and lives well.

“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,” Sarah Whattam, senior regional fundraising manager at Breast Cancer Now, said.

“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.”

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.

“We had a fantastic time at the Tough Mudder, and it was wonderful to know we were supporting such a great charity,” Sydney Elston, Health Champion at Swineshead Pharmacy, said.

“The total raised has been amazing, and we can’t thank the customers and members at Swineshead enough for their support.”

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

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.”