Jumping in Puddles for Cancer, the national fundraising campaign which aims to raise £1,000,000 for Cancer Research UK, is celebrating hitting its first fundraising milestone by smashing through the £50,000 mark.
The initiative, which launched in Guernsey in January, is the inspiration of local charity campaigner Susie Campanella, whose close friend Gary Burgess received a devastating terminal cancer diagnosis at the end of last year.
Since its launch, the campaign has gained widespread attention with several local and national famous faces making a jump and a pledge to help those affected by cancer. Radio presenter Gaby Roslin, comedians Tim Allen and Rob Beckett and EastEnders actor Jake Wood are just some of the latest names to join a growing number of personalities who have made a splash and helped to raise the campaign’s profile.
In addition, nurseries, schools, sports teams and businesses both across the Channel Islands and further afield, have all joined the cause to help reach the landmark total. This month, Queens Road Medical Practice (see the main image), whose doctors, nurses and surgeons have been on the frontline throughout the pandemic, was the latest organisation to help raise greater awareness during a time when many cancer treatments and diagnoses have been so badly affected.
With the warmer weather making way for drier spells, and many loyal followers still keen to support the campaign, Susie is encouraging jumpers to get more innovative with their puddle snaps and join the fundraising challenge by leaping into sea puddles, streams and rockpools this summer.
Susie explained to Channel Eye: “We’ve been overwhelmed with the support we’ve received to date! Many of our mini ‘puddlers’ both here in the Channel Islands and further afield have raised thousands by jumping with their nursery friends, while Alderney dedicated an entire day to raising funds, it’s been incredible.
“We still have a long way to go, but so many people are eager to help us reach our target, which is why we’re encouraging everyone, from toddlers to teenagers and parents to pensioners to, safely, safely find new ways of making a splash. With the pandemic having massively affected fundraising initiatives everywhere, and so many cancer treatments and diagnoses impacted, we hope that Jumping in Puddles for Cancer will provide an outlet for people everywhere to make a difference, while having a little fun along the way.”
Remember to tag your social media posts #JumpInForCancer
Dr Piers Mitchell, Partner of Queen’s Road Medical Practice, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on cancer research and the people affected by cancer, with so many worldwide fundraising events having been cancelled. We were therefore delighted to be approached by Susie and literally jumped at the chance to take part in her campaign! We wish Susie all the best with achieving her goal to raise £1,000,000.”
Maria Gomez-Baldwin, Cancer Research UK, says: “We are so grateful to Susie for leading such a wonderful campaign and for taking ‘puddles’ to the next level. Cancer Research UK needs the support of the general public now more than ever before.
Today, thanks to research, 1 in 2 people survive their cancer for 10 years or more, but we still have a long way to go. Our ambition is to accelerate progress and see 3 in 4 people surviving their disease by 2034. Unfortunately, Covid-19 has had a huge impact on our work, but we will never stop. It is thanks to supporters like Susie that we can continue in the fight against cancer.”
For more information and to donate, click here.
Main image by John de Garis, shows left to right: Dr Hamish Duncan, Hannah Tetlow, Ellen Bain, Carol Crowson, Dr Piers Mitchell, Tracy Paul, Dr Joanna Daish, Dr Marta Vila – Queens Road Medical Practice.
