Donation 'could save lives'

An outstanding total of £11,006 was raised for charity by Councillor Murray, more than doubling the £5,000 target he had set himself.

The money has been split evenly between national charity Prostate Cancer UK and Burton Hospitals NHS Foundation Charitable Funds – Prostate Fund.

And, the hospital says, the donation could save lives.

Chris Maddox, Community Partnerships and Charities Manager for Burton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This amount of money will make a huge difference to men’s lives within our local community, with the potential of saving many lives.”

During the year, Councillor Murray worked hard not only to raise funds, but also to increase awareness of the disease and the importance of early detection.

One of the ways in which he achieved his aims was to complete ten 10km cycle rides around South Derbyshire to distribute information. He received tremendous support from staff at the Civic Offices and Green Bank Leisure Centre, as well as from companies and organisations throughout the District who provided sponsorship, refreshment stops and plenty of moral support.

The cycle rides, which went to locations including Aston-on-Trent, Etwall, Hatton and Overseal and surrounding villages, were very successful in boosting the coffers.

However, the real surprise came with the Charity Gala Ball, hosted by Burton Albion Football Club at the Pirelli Stadium. It raised an enormous £5,505 in one night and left Councillor Murray almost speechless.

Other events organised to help boost the total were a St Patrick’s Day Ceilidh at Woodville Box Club, and Last Night of the Proms at Rosliston Forestry Centre.

Councillor Murray said: “I am overwhelmed by the amount raised and by the incredible support and assistance I received from so many people to make that possible. 

“Active Nation allowed me free use of their facilities at Green Bank for my cycling training, while Lloyd’s Cycles in Swadlincote loaned me a bike to complete the rides.

“To learn that the money raised could make a difference to lives is absolutely wonderful.”

Although his civic year is over, Councillor Murray is continuing to raise funds for the hospital with the intention of holding a Prostate Cancer testing session in South Derbyshire.

4 July 2017