PLANETS Cancer Charity sees fundraising surge of £20,000

PLANETS Cancer Charity, which supports patients with pancreatic, liver, colorectal, abdominal, and neuroendocrine cancers, has seen a huge boost in donations this spring.

The Hampshire-based charity received a £10,000 cheque in April from kitchen appliance manufacturer Kenwood, following a year of employee-led fundraising throughout 2024.

Staff at Kenwood took part in a range of activities, including a bake-off with PLANETS patron and celebrity chef Lesley Waters, an orienteering challenge, and a skydive.

Kenwood staff present £10,000 cheque after year of creative fundraising (Image: PLANETS charity) 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.

Adam Ward completes marathon in memory of father and friend in treatment (Image: PLANETS charity) Philip Sutton cycled 150 miles in a single day, completing the Isle of Wight Randonnee twice, in memory of two friends lost to cancer.

Adam Ward tackled the Brighton Marathon in three hours and 30 minutes, raising £500 in honour of his father and a friend undergoing treatment.

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.

To find out more, get involved or donate, visit www.planetscharity.org.

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.

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."