Santa Dashers raise £1,655 for Bowel Cancer charity

Four friends who work within the business community decided to use the Isle of Man Bank's Charity Santa Dash for a joint fundraising effort and have presented a cheque for £1,655 to Bowel Cancer Isle of Man.

The money was raised from families, friends and work colleagues after a last minute decision to take part.

Sue Gee, one of the four, explained: 'None of us had ever run in the Santa Dash before but we were discussing it one day and felt it would be a fun thing to do at that time of year and we set about raising money for charity.

'We decided to run on behalf of Bowel Cancer, which is an excellent charity deserving of support, and we set about obtaining as much sponsorship as possible. It was all done in the space of about two weeks and we were really pleased with the result.'

Sue was joined on the starting line by Karen Jones, Lloyd Jones, and Richard MacNee. The money raised was boosted by a further £100 when Richard was successful in winning one of the Isle of Man Bank's spot prizes awarded for secret, but pre-determined, finishing positions.

When all the sponsorship money had been collected the four friends - complete with Santa Dash hats - went along to Royal Bank House in Victoria Street to present the cheque to Heather Norman and Stuart Watson, chair and treasurer respectively of Bowel Cancer Isle of Man.

Said Heather: 'We are very grateful to Sue, Karen, Lloyd and Richard for their great fundraising effort and helping increase awareness of bowel cancer in the Island. The money will assist with the purchase of equipment to support the ongoing roll-out screening programme.'

Bowel Cancer Isle of Man provides free and confidential assistance to anyone with concerns about their bowel health and can also help with queries regarding the screening programme.

Telephone or text 07624 480973 or e-mail bowelcanceriom@manx.net