THE BROMSGROVE branch of Bloodwise is celebrating raising £1million for the cause in less than 30 years.
The branch was launched in 1988 and Nicole Harris, whose son Marc was diagnosed with leukaemia, has been part of the group since the beginning and became the chairperson the year after its inception.
The first fun run was held in 1989 a few weeks after Marc passed away and the group carried on organising a variety of events, including bikeathons, runs, walks, children’s bikeathons, quizzes, collections and fashion shows.
The branch was also involved in copious Bromsgrove Carnival processions and has been present at every Elizabethan Market and Fair Day.
Nicole told The Standard: “Telling everyone we have reached our £1million target was a very emotional announcement to make.
“I am very lucky to have had fantastic committees and friends around all these years who have supported me.
“Many thanks to the Bromsgrove public which has been so generous throughout the years, we could not have done it without them.”
She also praised secretary Sue Knoll who has been present at the branch for more than 20 years now.
“It makes it so emotional to see such kindness and support.
“We were not expecting to reach the million until our 30th birthday in February, but suddenly we had the opportunity to do another walk in Worcester and many people rallied around either by sending us some donations or running the Birmingham Marathon.
“I must not forget the Fun Run which raised well over £27 000 this year.
“It has been a fantastic few months to the million but we are not giving up and are now working for the next milestones of a million and a half, so far over £1,200 has already been raised towards it.”
The next event for Bloodwise Bromsgrove is a curry night on November 10 at town’s Mint Lounge and the branch is already taking entries for the 2018 run.
“I also would like to thank The Standard for all the support the paper has given us since it started in the town and all the pages of publicity sales manager Tracey Gardner gave us.”
Call Nicole Harris on 01527 878493, visit bloodwisebromsgrove.org.uk or search for ‘Bloodwise Bromsgrove’ on Facebook for more on the branch and its fund-raisers.
