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PRESS
RELEASE 'Fruitful' torch bearers Isle and Bob
Mention strawberries to Ilse and Bob Splaine and the Atherton couple see red - because for a short spell every summer the berries take over their lives. In the past nine years they have picked well over 1,000 lbs to sell for The Christie as a thank you for saving Ilse's life. To date they have raised about £10,000 for Christie's where German-born Ilse was treated in the late 1980s when, following surgery for advanced cancer of the abdomen and ovaries, she was given two months to live. Bob asked for a second opinion and Ilse, now 65, was referred to Christie's where she was successfully treated with chemotherapy. In 1991 the grateful pair held a strawberry fayre in the garden of their Cumberland Road home and sent the proceeds to the cancer centre. The fayre was so successful that it became an annual event - this year's raised £2,361, stretched across two neighbouring gardens, attracted 350 visitors and, as always, the local police and fire service turned up to help. The annual strawberry bash has made local celebrities of Ilse and Bob. But less well known is what good ambassadors the pensioners are for The Christie. Alongside their own fundraising they travel around Bolton and district accepting cheques on the hospital's behalf from other supporters. They are even more in demand since Bob, a retired Royal Mail manager, learned more of the cancer centre¹s fascinating history and started including snippets in his 'thank you' remarks. Word spread - and now he outlines highlights of The Christie's 99 years of cancer treatment and research to Rotary Clubs and similar organisations - in return, of course, for a donation to the hospital. The money they personally raise is shared between the £25m Christie's Appeal - now standing at £22m - and the Chemotherapy Fund of Christie consultant Dr Peter Wilkinson, who treated Ilse. "The centenary appeal is such a good cause that we want to help it reach the £25m target, but we're so grateful to Dr Wilkinson that we also want his research to benefit," said Ilse. The gratitude is two-way. Jacky Plant, The Christie Regional Appeals Officer, says Bob - 65 in October - and Ilse are true torch-bearers for the hospital. "As well as being wonderful fundraisers they are a great PR team - enthusiastically spreading the word about The Christie¹s good work. On the hospital's behalf Bob has collected thousands of pounds in cheques from other supporters to help out the Appeals Office," added Jacky. A few Strawberry Fayre facts: - This year Bob, Ilse and family picked and punneted 205lbs of strawberries; Ilse made 12 strawberry flans, two kiwi fruit flans and six gateaux; there was a tombola, gift stall and children's entertainment; afterwards Ilse laid on tea for all 25 of the day's helpers. Bob and Ilse are already planning next year's fayre which looks set to be even more successful. Ends Issued by Anne Statham PR tel: 01625 526479/521279 |
General Charitable Fund Registered Charity No 1049751 |
