Conister Bank’s annual Handbag Appeal has resulted in a ?7,293 boost for charity Manx Cancer Help. The grand sum was raised at the Royal Manx Agricultural Show (11th – 12th August), where a team from the bank set up a stall selling new and pre-loved handbags donated by the public.
The team also staged a raffle, with prizes contributed by Island businesses.
This is the fourth year in a row that Conister have run the appeal, all proceeds of which go directly to the charity. For 35 years, Manx Cancer Help has been providing specialist mental health support to people affected by cancer, both the person diagnosed and their loves ones. This help, such as one-to-one psychological therapy sessions, is available for free, without a waiting list, and for as long as people need it.
The Handbag Appeal is managed by Conister Marketing Manager Kerry Waddington who, as a cancer survivor herself, understands the invaluable service provided by Manx Cancer Help. Kerry comments, “As ever, this was a real community effort, from the people who donated their handbags to those who came along to the Royal Manx Agricultural Show and snapped up bags on the day, not to mention the local businesses who worked with us and generously donated designer handbags. We’d like to say a big thank-you to everyone for helping us to make a difference”.
Representing Manx Cancer Help, Gareth Nicholson adds, “We were truly delighted to work with the Conister team on the Handbag Appeal. It’s always great fun, and our 2017 total shows how this event becomes more popular each year.
“The money raised will provide funding for approximately 90 one-to-one therapy sessions with an accredited therapist. Dealing with cancer takes its toll on mental, as well as physical health, so we’re thankful that the stigma surrounding mental health is decreasing. Most of all, we’re thankful to fundraising events like Conister’s Handbag Appeal, which ensure we can continue to give our free, dedicated help to those in need”.
Photo - The Winners (l-R) Liz Watterson, Phoebe Harwood (standing in for Helen Pitchford), Kathryn Egerton, Janet Cubbon (Standing on for Sid Ludbe), Kathleen McGee (standing in for Shirley McGee), Gareth Nicholson – MCH, Julie Osland, Kerry Waddington – Conister (standing in for Victoria Waters), Sarah Bell, Susy Nandha and Nicky Jones.
