FROM skydives and marathons, to bake-offs and long-distance cycling, PLANETS Cancer Charity supporters have gone above and beyond this spring, raising more than £20,000.
Hampshire-based PLANETS supports patients with pancreatic, liver, colorectal, abdominal (oesophageal and gastric) and neuroendocrine cancers.
The charity received a major boost in April when it received a £10,000 cheque from kitchen appliance manufacturer Kenwood following a year of employee-led fundraising throughout 2024.
Staff took part in a wide range of activities, including a bake off with PLANETS patron and celebrity chef Lesley Waters, an orienteering challenge and a skydive by one brave staff member.
The company has now chosen PLANETS as its Charity of the Year for the second year running.
Layla Stephen, director of strategy and finance at PLANETS, said:
“We’re incredibly grateful for Kenwood’s continued support and for the creativity and passion their team brings to fundraising. This contribution will have a real and lasting impact on the patients we support.”
Following this donation, supporters from across the region have rallied behind the cause in recent weeks to raise another £10,000.
Philip Sutton cycled an extraordinary 150 miles in a single day – completing the Isle of Wight Randonnee twice – in memory of two friends lost to cancer, while Adam Ward tackled the Brighton Marathon in three hours and 30 minutes, raising £500 in honour of his father and a friend undergoing treatment.
Meanwhile, marathon runners Laura Offer and Richard Gray conquered the Manchester and London marathons, raising a combined total of more than £5,300. Consultant surgeon Ali Arshad faced his fear of heights with a skydive that brought in £1,230 for the charity.
Community groups have also played a big role – Rowlands Castle Golf Club hosted its most successful charity day yet, with 104 golfers raising £950, and The Fletcher Foundation donated £500, presented by neuroendocrine cancer patient Phil Fletcher.
Other standout fundraisers included Abbie Phelan, who walked 100 miles in honour of her mother, raising over £650; and a team from civil aviation company CAE, led by Samantha Rowley, who completed a 10km challenge to support a colleague undergoing bowel cancer treatment, raising £1,295.
Jo Green, director of operations and marketing at PLANETS, said:
“These stories represent the heart of PLANETS. Each step, mile and donation helps us move closer to new treatment options and better outcomes for patients facing some of the toughest cancer diagnoses.”
To find out more, get involved or donate, please visit: www.planetscharity.org.
