Hollyhocks Cancer Support Group thanks Stamford couple for generous donation

A cancer support group has praised a Stamford family after they decorated their house with 12,000 Christmas lights and raised more than £1,000 for the charity.

Hollyhocks Cancer Support Group thanked Mick and Carole Bell of Fife Road for their recent donation of £1,130.

For many years, the Bell’s have given back to the community in more ways than one by decorating their house.

A family tradition has seen Mick dedicate his time, care and attention to encourage locals to visit and donate to local charities over the years.

Hollyhocks was delighted to find out it had been chosen to receive donations this year.

"Heartfelt thanks go to every visitor who generously donated and enjoyed the festive lights display," said the support group in a statement.

"The donation will make a huge difference to our independent support group helping us continually improve clients experience and care.

"Choosing Hollyhocks as recipients for the donations has been a wonderful way for people in our community to see that emotional support is available for those affected by cancer."

Mick said the tradition of decorating their house had started 30 years ago with a single Christmas tree, but that it was only over the past five years that they had started raising money for charity.

"Since we started we have raised just over £5,000," he said. "This year was the second highest amount we have raised."

He said it took seven days to put up the decorations and about a day and a half to take them down again.

"I keep saying I'm going to stop but Carole won't let me," he said.

"She works at Malcolm Sargent and all the kids know about the decorations and every year around November they start asking her when the decorations are going up.

"I guess we will just have to keep at it."

Hollyhocks holds monthly meetings in Ketton and offers a safe and friendly place to meet others going through similar experiences.

People attending receive a warm welcome, enjoy complimentary therapies, with with tea, coffee and home-made cake on offer.

The friendly group comforts and reassures participants by offering a listening ear, together with mindfulness, relaxation sessions, massage, reiki and art therapy.

The group is run on a voluntary basis by Kirsty Vipond, Kay Harrington and Kate Hilliard, all of whom have had their lives touched by cancer.

Offering empathy and support, their intention is to help people through their cancer journey, whatever stage they are at or cancer they have.

Carers, friends or relatives of those with cancer are encouraged to come along too.

Hollyhocks Cancer Support Group meets every second Thursday of the month, between 10am and 12pm at Ketton Sports and Community Centre, Pit Lane, Ketton, Rutland, PE9 3SZ.