Jumping in Puddles founder receives cancer charity award
THE founder of the Jumping In Puddles for Cancer fundraising campaign has received an award from a leading cancer charity for her efforts.
The campaign in aid of Cancer Research UK was launched by Susie Campanella last January, after close friend Gary Burgess received a terminal cancer diagnosis in 2019.
Ms Campanella was recently awarded the Pioneer of the Year Award at Cancer Research UK’s Flame of Hope Awards in recognition of her campaigning efforts.
Cancer Research UK chairman Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz thanked everyone who has already been involved and announced that £56,000 has been raised so far.
‘The story behind Susie’s campaign is one of friendship, love and determination to make a difference. It is about finding those moments of fun during the most difficult times,’ said Sir Leszek.
‘I would be delighted to see Susie reach her £1m. fundraising goal.’
One in every two people is affected by cancer, said Ms Campanella.
‘It breaks my heart to watch our loved ones taken too soon by such a cruel and unforgiving disease,’ she said.
Fundraisers are encouraged to dig out their wellies, jump in a puddle, make a donation, and upload their jump onto social media to nominate their friends, family and colleagues to join in.
‘Research is only way to eventually beat cancer and, quite simply, that needs money,’ said Ms Campanella.
‘Jumping in Puddles is a way to get the whole nation involved in helping to achieve what I believe is possible.’
The campaign has received widespread support from high-profile individuals including comedian and impressionist Jon Culshaw, actor Jake Wood, radio host Gaby Roslin, comedians Rob Beckett and Tom Allen and TV adventurer Ben Fogle.
Hand Picked Hotels will promote and sponsor Jumping in Puddles across its collection of award-winning UK and Channel Islands country house and spa hotels, helping to raise vital awareness and funds to beat cancer.
‘Supporting the community is at our heart and, as a business, we know that we are in a strong position to make a genuine difference to the lives of those affected by cancer through raising awareness and helping to fund this vital research,’ said CEO Julia Hands.
