Whole communities come together to back the Big Space Cancer Appeal

The Bluebelles fundraising group in Cranham have already raised more than £6,000 to support plans for the new cancer care centre by putting on a host of events for residents.

Rachel Monro is one of the five Bluebelles alongside Jean Gouldsmith Skinner, Linda de Cossart, Lyn Barker and Marcia Lynall. They named themselves after the stunning carpet of bluebell flowers which bloom there each year. The former nurse was inspired to get involved after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015.

“I am very grateful for the amazing care I received but when I was there it felt very clinical, busy and quite stressful with nothing to distract you or take your mind off things.”

The Bluebelles have put on a host of village events to support the appeal including a race night, bingo evening and family farm day.

“We wanted to put on activities that were accessible and affordable for everyone with people being able to give as little as £1 to the appeal. It all makes a difference,” Rachel added.

Launched earlier in the year, the Big Space Cancer Appeal aims to build a new modern centre at Cheltenham General Hospital to transform the environment and experience for both patients and staff as well as redeveloping its existing Oncology facilities. The new space will include a therapeutic garden, digital consulting rooms, and so much more.

News of their efforts in Cranham has spread to the nearby town of Painswick with residents now rallying behind the appeal. Debra Drew, who has lived in the town for 25 years, said: “We were really inspired by what they have done in Cranham, and we wanted to do something ourselves. We have already raised £800 at a Thanksgiving party and we will be meeting in the new year to organise a committee to begin planning more events.”

The 69-year-old, who has been diagnosed with cancer twice, said the appeal resonated with so many people.

It comes as the fundraising activities are gathering pace across the county and beyond. More than 20 Rotary organisations across Gloucestershire and the surrounding area have also joined forces to raise money for the appeal. They have pledged to raise an incredible £300,000 for the new centre. President of Cotswold Tyndale Rotary, Gillian Hayward, has first-hand experience of what a difference the improved facilities will mean for patients after she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Gillian, from near Wotton-under-Edge, said: “We have already managed to raise almost £30,000 towards our total from a range of activities such as quiz nights, car rallies, golf days and so much more. There are many more events planned for 2025 as well and we are also talking to other groups such as the Round Table and the Lions to get behind the appeal. It is so lovely to work with other clubs in a way we haven't done before to support such an important local appeal that touches so many of us; it's a great way to serve our community.”

Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity Philanthropy Manager, Arlene McGlynn, said the support from the community has been amazing.

“We have been overwhelmed by the generosity and dedication of the Bluebelles, the people of Painswick and the many Rotary members who are all backing our appeal. Every coffee morning held, charity golf day teed off and bingo ticket sold goes towards our target, and we cannot thank them enough for everything people are doing to help.”