Previously Vibes from the Vines, we are a group in East Sussex with an age range from 16 – 70 who organise various events to raise money for Cancer Research UK. These events vary from a Band Night with Supper to a Quiz and lots in between. Although we are serious about our fundraising we aim to have fun and a laugh while we are doing it.

We all have our own reasons for becoming involved in the group but this is mine;

How did a middle aged “would be do gooder” move from organising raffle, tombola and cream tea afternoons raising a modest sum to hosting a rock festival for 3,000?

The answer is relatively simple. Just over sixteen years ago my husband Graham was diagnosed with cancer and like many families before and since you feel as though the bottom has dropped out of your world. He has been one of the very luck ones and despite two relapses he is currently in remission. At times it is like living with a sword over your head but one thing that it does do is make you focus on the here and now and put a lot of lifes trivia into perspective. Graham’s success I am sure is due to his amazingly positive outlook and the care of his wonderful consultant. Sadly there have been close friends during this period who have not been so lucky and who are no longer with us.

Because of this I have made it a personal mission to raise as much money as I can to help research into finding cures for this evil disease that directly touches one in three of us.

I became the co organiser of the Heathfield & Horam Group of Friends for Cancer Research UK (now called the Cuckoo’s for Cancer) in 2004 and since then we have raised quite a few thousand pounds each year. As the old saying goes, every little helps, and that is certainly true.

To say we have been lucky with the help and support that so many people have offered and given would be a gross understatement. I am continually humbled by people’s generosity. We have made many new friends and got to know more of our neighbours so much better as a result of organising these events; some of whom, like ourselves have had a close brush with cancer and again like us want to raise funds to enable others to find cures.