Kind-hearted fundraisers from south Powys have recently been celebrating raising more than £300,000 for Cancer Research Wales - the Welsh cancer research charity.

Established in October 2008, the Brecon and Sennybridge Cancer Research Wales Fundraising Committee has had a very busy and productive 16 years.

The team of dedicated volunteers has been packing shopping bags at checkouts in local supermarkets, organising an annual grand quiz night and holding sales of pre-loved clothes and antiques days.

They’ve hosted fundraising suppers and teas, open garden events at members’ homes, open-air plays and even a concert at Theatr Brycheiniog headlined by soprano Sarah Jane Davies, with support from Christ College Brecon soloists.

They’ve organised cream tea events, carols and canapés events at Christmas, dances at Cradoc Golf Club, Christmas bucket collections, flag days, Christmas card sales and Scrabble competitions.

Committee member Lorna Keylock and her husband Butch have also been organising clay-pigeon shoots and selling rugby shirts in Brecon from their ‘Tardis’ before international rugby matches, raising more than £60,000.

Commenting, Jo Copping, chair of the Brecon and Sennybridge Cancer Research Wales Fundraising Committee, said: “We chose to support Cancer Research Wales because it’s the Welsh cancer research charity and all its research funding is invested here in Wales to bring better treatments closer to home.

“And what an amazing 16 years it’s been - I’m very proud of what we’ve achieved with the committee and it’s all down to the hard work and dedication of our members and the support of local businesses and individuals in our communities that we’ve been able to do this.

“We’d raised over £30,000 in less than two years, reached over £50,000 just a year later and in six years we’d raised over £100,000 with £106,540 donated to Cancer Research Wales in that time.

“There are far too many people and businesses to thank, but honourable mentions have to go to Peter Francis Auctions for selling sheep donated by farmers in Sennybridge; Davina Hogg from Penpont, Sally from Treberfydd, Old Gwernyfed; Glan Wysc; Drostre; the Old Station; Trebinshun and Glanusk for hosting our fundraising events over the years.”

Cancer Research Wales’s Chief Executive Officer, Adam Fletcher, joined the committee for a celebration breakfast at Jo Copping’s home in Talyllyn on Monday, February 10.

He enjoyed breakfast with the committee and posed for a photograph with them and their £300,000 cheque.

Commenting on the success, Adam Fletcher of Cancer Research Wales said: “I would like to thank and congratulate the members of our Brecon and Sennybridge Cancer Research Wales Fundraising Committee for their support and on reaching this incredible milestone – they’re an inspiration and I look forward to continuing to work with them.

“Cancer Research Wales relies on the goodwill and kindness of the Welsh public to pay for the ground-breaking work we fund into cancer diagnosis and treatments here in Wales. Since 1966, we have invested over £30 million in research in Wales and it’s all thanks to the efforts of the people of Wales.”