Linda, Mike and Mark Butcher were delighted to learn at the end of last year that their nominations to Asda, Biggleswade for Angela’s Small Cell Ovarian Cancer Research Fund at The Eve Appeal had been successful.
It would be one of three charities to compete for Asda’s Green Token Awards from January 1, 2020.
Whilst this was the Anniversary of losing Angela in 2013, the family decided it would be a good way to remember her especially by doing their own launch of the scheme on day one.
Family and friends soon rallied round, with many daily shopping in Asda so that they could put their tokens into the slot for Angela’s Fund.
Whilst the green tokens were paused during lockdown, Asda has now released the winner and runners-up.
It was well worth the wait as Angela’s Fund won first prize and a cheque for £500 is now wending its way to The Eve Appeal.
Linda says: “Angela’s Fund has gone from strength to strength since celebrating £120,000 in May 2019.
“Just six months later In November 2019 Angela’s Fund had reached £130,000 but celebrations were on hold as so many people had Christmas bookings.
“Whilst we did manage to hold Angela’s Annual Charity Birthday Bash on 14 March this year, we thought that under the current situation it would be quite some time before celebrating our next milestone.
“Amazingly, however, by June 8, Angela’s Fund had reached £140,000! And still no celebrations! Asda’s generosity has given us a great start to our next milestone and I’m sure by the time we actually reach this, we’ll be able to have a triple celebration and thank you party for £130k, £140k and hopefully £150k!”
Whilst Angela’s Annual Charity Par 3 Challenge has been cancelled for July, the family are still actively fundraising in any way they can and receiving donated items for re-sale or clothing, shoes and handbags for cash exchange, along with 5p’s for their September handover.
This continued support has so far led to the world’s first research project for small cell ovarian cancer getting off the ground in April 16.
The world’s first session purely dedicated to small cell ovarian cancer at the British Gynecological Cancer Society Conference in July 18.
The 15 month project was extended to a full five year research programme in May 19 and the UK patient research registry has now become an international research and information website www.smallcellovariancancer.com
Further funds are needed to develop the research, originally across Europe but with Canada now on board, the aim is to make this the focal point for small cell ovarian cancer research worldwide, bringing the prospect of clinical trials, somewhat closer.
