A fun-packed day of community activities raised well over £7,500 for cancer research in memory of a former steward at Hythe Cricket and Squash Club.
The club, based in Ladies Walk, Hythe, organised the day in memory of Pam O’Donovan, who worked alongside her husband Chris and died from breast cancer in March 2021.
It was an ambitious day of sports-based events that included racket ball, cricket, football, short mat bowls, rowing, boxing, table tennis and pétanque, alongside a 24-hour squash marathon.
To make sure there was something for everyone, the day-long fund-raiser included live music, yoga, a raffle, barbecue, coffee morning and evening disco, all of which helped swell the coffers to take the fund-raiser well beyond its initial target of raising £6,000 for Cancer Research UK.
The club was supported in its fund-raising efforts by Hythe Swimming Club and Hythe Tennis Club, both of which organised events in the run-up to the event on 2 July.
Organiser Dave Hall described it as “an amazing achievement for the Club”, and thanked everyone who took part, including “members and their families, guests, other sports clubs, local businesses, entertainment teams and bar staff”.
He added: “This truly indicates what a community we have here in Hythe. The raffle alone raised more than £1,800. I am delighted that we succeeded in bringing everyone together to enjoy a special day with activities for all ages.”
Hythe Cricket and Squash Club is planning to continue to raise funds for Cancer Research UK throughout the year, ending with a celebration event in December.
Ahead of the event, Cancer Research UK’s fundraising spokesperson for Kent Sherrill Hawker said: “The Cricket and Squash Club is an absolute inspiration, and we can’t thank them enough for playing a part in helping to beat cancer.”