PAC’s 21st anniversary to go with a bang!

LOCAL charity Positive Action on Cancer (PAC) is celebrating its 21st anniversary with a special Fireworks Ball and everyone is invited.

PAC has been providing free, professional counselling to anyone affected or bereaved by cancer or other life-threatening illnesses for 21 years and the team is celebrating in style.

On Saturday 7th November, 6.30pm – 11pm, PAC is hosting a Fireworks Ball in the walled garden at Orchardleigh House. You will be welcomed by a string quartet and a glass of bubbly, followed by a five-course meal and of course a firework display. There will also be music and a luxurious auction with an opportunity to win items such as a Mulberry handbag and a helicopter ride.

Ruth Knagg, bid writer  at PAC said,  “We have had a challenging but great year. Very recently we received a grant from the Big Lottery Fund which we are very excited about.  We will receive £239,000 over the next five years to expand our services to the wider community. We will be able to extend our availability and will be running evening sessions to accommodate those who can’t get to us during the day.

“We will also be developing our Skype counselling sessions. Children and young adults sometimes find it hard to communicate how they are feeling, so we hope the new service will help them talk to speak to us.

“We would like to say a huge thank you for all the support we’ve received over the last 21 years. We’ve had ups and downs but the support has been constant.

“The number of people that use our services has increased by quite a lot recently and I think it’s because a lot more people are surviving cancer now, but still need support. Our services are also open to anyone affected by cancer, family and friends of those who have been diagnosed or passed away. They don’t always get to say what they are thinking and quite often don’t really understand what is going on, so our counsellors are on hand to support them as well.”

Director Melissa Hillier said, “It’s been a tricky year as it can be for smaller charities but with the  perseverance and hard work of our dedicated team, we continue to grow and develop our services.

“The grant is hugely significant for us as over the next five years we will be able to reach more people throughout Somerset affected by cancer. We know that the number of people we have helped is just the tip of the iceberg and there are a lot more who need support.

“The support from the local community is incredible and the money raised in the last year is amazing. We are very blessed to have so many amazing people rasing money for PAC because it allows us to continue providing the services needed.

“21 years is a huge achievement so we wanted to have a really big party to celebrate. It’s an opportunity for us to say a huge thank you to everyone for their continued support. We look forward to the future of the charity and developing and strengthening the services we provide.”

Tickets for the Fireworks Ball cost £60 per person or £400 per table of eight. For more information and tickets call 01373 455255 or email fundraising@positiveactiononcancer.co.uk to reserve your tickets now.