Active charity supporter nominated for Breast Cancer Campaign's Fundraiser of the Year award

An active charity supporter has been nominated for Breast Cancer Campaign's 'Fundraiser of the Year' award after raising more than £7,500 to help the charity continue funding vital breast cancer research.

Shirley Hallam, 68, from Tyne and Wear, Soroptimist International President of Tynemouth, Whitley Bay and District, has been a dedicated supporter of Campaign over the past year, managing to gain the support of a range of local businesses and working strategically with North Tyneside Council to help raise awareness of breast cancer research in the community.

Fundraising activities included: 70 Soroptimist members attending their Regional meeting wearing pink, and eating a pink meal created by the chef at the Beaumont Hotel; a Pink Pearl Auction in Whitley Bay's Trojan Rooms; Whitley Bay Lighthouse and the water at the local leisure pool being turned pink for the first time; Whitley Bay Football Club supporting the charity by wearing pink shirts for their match against Chester le Street and later auctioning them on eBay. Local retailers responded to the challenge by creating a pink charity ice cream for local restaurant Picasso's and cup cakes were sold by local baker Carters. Whitley Bay Chamber of Trade held a best dressed pink window competition and a town trail.

Shirley said, "I'm delighted to have been nominated for Breast Cancer Campaign's 'Fundraiser of the Year' award. It is a charity I am proud to support to help raise awareness about breast cancer and help fund the life-changing research aimed at beating this killer disease. I appreciate that all monies raised during my Presidential Year (2009-2010), go locally to metastasis research at the University of Newcastle. In October 2010 the Breast Cancer Campaign - researching the cure events will be rolled out to North Shields, Tynemouth and Wallsend and we will hold our Pink Pearl Auction for the second year."

Pamela Goldberg, Breast Cancer Campaign's Chief Executive said, "Our awards ceremony publicly recognises the amazing achievements and contributions by our fundraisers and supporters over the last 12 months towards Breast Cancer Campaign's research. Their support is essential to helping us achieve our mission of beating the disease and I wish Shirley and everyone else who has been nominated the best of luck."