Sutton husband and wife request wedding gift with a difference
22 July 2005
A recently married couple have raised £3,000 and counting for a charity, asking their guests to donate to The Royal Marsden Cancer Campaign instead of giving the traditional wedding gift.
"We have all the kettles and toasters we need," said newly married Neil Turner. "We already live together and have a young family, so it made sense to ask for a different kind of present.
"My best friend died from a brain tumour at the Royal Marsden four years ago, and was treated so well throughout his illness that Keely and I thought it would be nice if people could donate to the hospital as an alternative to the traditional wedding list."
Neil and Keely, who were married at Brighton Town Hall on Saturday, said that their guests were exceptionally receptive to the gift list.
"Most people have had an experience with cancer, either themselves or involving someone close to them, so people were very generous about giving," says Neil.
Good progress against cancer has already been made, however every week, in the United Kingdom alone, 3,000 people die from cancer.
The Royal Marsden Cancer Campaign is a £30 million fundraising appeal launched with the aim of making an extraordinary difference in the fight against cancer.
"Thanks to the selflessness and generosity of people such as Neil, Keely and their guests, we have already opened Europe's largest drug development centre and purchased a special scanner, which is revolutionising cancer detection, treatment and research," said Fundraising and Community Development Manager, Amanda Heaton.
"However we still need to raise a further £4.5 million to get all our projects up and running, and make a vital difference in the fight against cancer," she said.
Those who wish to set up a gift list and help the The Royal Marsden Hospital to make a vital difference in combating cancer can contact the fundraising team on 020 7808 2233 or visit www.royalmarsden.org/campaign.