Overview of the Fundraiser
North Warwickshire Borough Council raised £1,457 for Cancer Research UK during a Cancer Awareness Event held on 20 November 2025. The initiative involved councillors and council staff working together to raise money and promote awareness of cancer issues among their colleagues. (North Warwickshire Borough Council)
How the Money Was Raised
The fundraising effort included several activities designed to engage staff and create a community‑focused event:
- Cake Sale: Colleagues contributed a variety of homemade cakes and other baked goods, which were sold on the day. (North Warwickshire Borough Council)
- Christmas Market Stall: A themed stall offered items such as mugs, festive socks, cards and coasters to visitors, with proceeds contributing to the total. (North Warwickshire Borough Council)
- Raffle: A raffle was held with gift vouchers donated by local Atherstone businesses, which helped boost the overall fundraising. (North Warwickshire Borough Council)
- Local Business Support: A range of independent local enterprises donated prizes and vouchers for the raffle, including Pinocchio Café, The Angel Ale House, Planters, Artigiano and others. (North Warwickshire Borough Council)
Cancer Awareness Elements
The event was not just about fundraising — it aimed to raise understanding of cancer and early detection by featuring:
- Informative talks delivered by Cancer Research UK nurses Jackie Kelly and Lynda Atter, covering causes, signs of cancer and the importance of early detection. (North Warwickshire Borough Council)
- An information stand with detailed educational materials and realistic models to help colleagues learn more about the disease. (North Warwickshire Borough Council)
- Opportunities for staff to speak privately with nurses for guidance and reassurance. (North Warwickshire Borough Council)
- A dedicated stand where employees shared personal experiences with cancer involving friends or family, adding a highly personal and reflective element to the day. (North Warwickshire Borough Council)
Wellbeing Activities
To complement the awareness focus, the council also offered health checks, such as blood pressure monitoring, through its Leisure Team at the event — helping staff consider their overall health while supporting the cause. (North Warwickshire Borough Council)
Comments from Organisers
Councillor Sandra Smith, Chair of the Council’s Health and Wellbeing Working Party, emphasised the dual purpose of the event:
“We are extremely proud of the dedication shown by our colleagues in supporting this important cause. Events like this not only raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK but also help increase awareness and encourage early detection, which can save lives. I would like to thank everyone who contributed, participated, and helped make the day such a valuable and meaningful experience for our staff.” (North Warwickshire Borough Council)
What the Funds Support
The £1,457 raised will go to Cancer Research UK, a leading cancer charity in the UK dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of all cancers. Donations like this help support scientific research, clinical trials and awareness programmes to improve outcomes for patients and their families. (Cancer Research UK)
Significance of Local Fundraising
- Community Engagement: Local councils taking part in charity events help foster a culture of health awareness and community involvement.
- Early Detection Emphasis: Coupling fundraising with educational talks encourages people to think proactively about their health.
- Local Support Network: Contributions by local businesses in prizes and support exemplify strong community partnership.
Here’s a case‑study and comments‑focused summary of how North Warwickshire Borough Council raised £1,457 for Cancer Research UK, what actually happened, and what participants said about it:
Case Study: Council Fundraising Event (20 Nov 2025)
Event Overview
On 20 November 2025, colleagues and councillors at North Warwickshire Borough Council organised a Cancer Awareness Event that raised £1,457 for Cancer Research UK. The event combined educational elements about cancer with community fundraising activities, all aimed at both raising money and deepening understanding of cancer issues among council staff. (North Warwickshire Borough Council)
Fundraising Activities
The event incorporated several practical fundraising and engagement elements:
Cake Sale & Market Stall
- A well‑supported cake sale featuring homemade baked goods helped draw colleagues together and contributed significantly to the total raised. (North Warwickshire Borough Council)
- The Council also ran a Christmas market stall offering themed items — such as socks, mugs, cards and coasters — which attracted interest and boosted proceeds. (North Warwickshire Borough Council)
Raffle with Local Business Support
- A raffle was held with vouchers donated by a range of local Atherstone businesses, including:
- Pinocchio Café
- The Angel Ale House
- Planters
- Artigiano
- Holly Lane Café
- The Old Bakery
- The Market Tavern Tap
- Blake’s Bistro
- Maya
- Lauren Marie Photography (North Warwickshire Borough Council)
Their involvement not only enhanced the prize options but helped bring the local community into the fundraising effort.
Education & Health Engagement
- Two informative talks were delivered by Cancer Research UK nurses (Jackie Kelly and Lynda Atter), covering causes of cancer, early signs to watch for, and the importance of early detection. (North Warwickshire Borough Council)
- An information stand offered materials and models to help colleagues understand cancer risks and care approaches. (North Warwickshire Borough Council)
- The Council’s Leisure Team also offered health checks, including blood pressure monitoring, which tied into the health‑education focus of the day. (North Warwickshire Borough Council)
Personal Sharing Stand
One of the event’s most meaningful elements was a stand where staff shared personal stories about cancer experiences — whether their own or involving loved ones — adding a reflective, human dimension to the fundraising. (North Warwickshire Borough Council)
Comments & Reflections
From Council Leadership
Councillor Sandra Smith, Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Working Party, summarised the spirit and impact of the initiative:
“We are extremely proud of the dedication shown by our colleagues in supporting this important cause. Events like this not only raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK but also help increase awareness and encourage early detection, which can save lives. I would like to thank everyone who contributed, participated, and helped make the day such a valuable and meaningful experience for our staff.” (North Warwickshire Borough Council)
This comment emphasised both the financial contribution to cancer research and the awareness‑raising and community building aspects of the event.
Why It Matters
1. Supporting Cancer Research
The £1,457 raised will go to Cancer Research UK, one of the UK’s leading cancer charities dedicated to research into causes, prevention, diagnosis and treatment, helping support life‑saving work across the country. (North Warwickshire Borough Council)
2. Local Engagement and Wellbeing
By combining fundraising with talks by health professionals and health checks, the event also served as an internal wellbeing initiative — helping colleagues reflect on healthy lifestyles and the importance of early cancer detection.
3. Community Partnership
The involvement of local small businesses through raffle contributions demonstrates how municipal initiatives can partner with community enterprises to amplify impact and draw in wider support.
Summary: Case and Impact
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event | Cancer Awareness and fundraising event for staff |
| Date | 20 November 2025 |
| Funds Raised | £1,457 for Cancer Research UK |
| Activities | Cake sale, Christmas market stall, raffle |
| Educational Elements | Talks by nurses, info stand, health checks |
| Community Support | Local business donations for raffle |
| Council Comment | Emphasis on fundraising + awareness value |