Fundraisers making a splash for cancer charity

Tuesday 27 April 2021

Jumping in Puddles for Cancer, the national fundraising campaign which wants to raise £1 million for Cancer Research UK, is celebrating hitting its first fundraising milestone.

The initiative, which launched in Guernsey in January, is the brainchild of Susie Campanella, whose close friend - well-known Channel Island journalist Gary Burgess - received a terminal cancer diagnosis late last year.

Since its launch, the campaign has gained widespread attention with several local and national famous faces making a jump and a pledge to help those affected by cancer. So far, over £50,000 has been raised.

This month, Queens Road Medical Practice, whose doctors, nurses and surgeons have been on the frontline throughout the pandemic, was the latest organisation to help raise greater awareness during a time when many cancer treatments and diagnoses have been so badly affected.

Ronez #guernsey colleagues Jumping in Puddles for Cancer with Tony from No1 Services. Well done lads! pic.twitter.com/vd7oKJ7Iq1

— Ronez Limited (@Ronez_Ltd) January 24, 2021

Pictured: The campaign was launched before the island went suddenly into lockdown on 25 January.

With the warmer weather making way for drier spells, Ms Campanella is encouraging jumpers to get more innovative with their puddle snaps and join the fundraising challenge by leaping into sea puddles, streams and rock pools this summer.

“We’ve been overwhelmed with the support we’ve received to date," she said. "Many of our mini ‘puddlers’ both here in the Channel Islands and further afield have raised thousands by jumping with their nursery friends, while Alderney dedicated an entire day to raising funds, it’s been incredible.

“We still have a long way to go, but so many people are eager to help us reach our target, which is why we’re encouraging everyone, from toddlers to teenagers and parents to pensioners to, safely, safely find new ways of making a splash."

Dr Piers Mitchell, Partner of Queen’s Road Medical Practice, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on cancer research and the people affected by cancer, with so many worldwide fundraising events having been cancelled.

"We were therefore delighted to be approached by Susie and literally jumped at the chance to take part in her campaign."