CREDITON’S fundraising group in aid of the charity, ELF (Exeter Leukaemia Fund) is celebrating another successful year having again surpassed their own target.

Thanks to the support of the people, groups and businesses from Crediton and the surrounding area, the group has raised £11,131 during 2015 through a range of events including quiz nights, bingo, a charity walk, concerts and a recent comedy night with Johnny Cowling, which raised £1,500.

Crediton ELF are especially grateful to local organisations who have raised funds themselves including the Waie Inn, Copplestone Community Café, Susan’s Flowers, bingo players at Newton St Cyres and Bow and the Crediton Town Band.

This money will help treat and support patients and their families affected by leukaemia, lymphoma and other life-changing blood disorders from across Devon and the South West.

Treasurer, Angela Catlow, who launched the group, said: “Crediton ELF are very grateful for the continued encouragement and generosity from everyone in the Crediton area who have helped achieve this year’s great fundraising result and since we started two years ago, the amazing total of £24,527.

"The start of 2015 was a difficult time after we lost volunteer John Bye who, with the devoted support of his wife, Margaret, bravely battled non-Hodgkins Lymphoma for some years.

"John and Margaret, also volunteers at Hayward’s School, were appreciative of a further aspect of Crediton ELF’s work, being a support group for local patients and their families.

"The genuine friendships, fun and kindness make this team very special, all led by our self-effacing Chairman, Nick Cordwent who himself has fought off this illness with inspirational courage, optimism and true Devonian grit.”

Crediton ELF have already started busily planning events for 2016 and these will include more bingo and a quiz night, car treasure hunt with cream tea, skittles, a charity walk, an inspirational talk from para-badminton champion, David Follett, a Summer fete and concerts.

Everyone is warmly welcome to attend all the planned events and further details will appear on the website: www.creditonelf.btck.co.uk or “like” the "Facebook" page: Crediton ELF, for updates.

If you are interested in joining as a volunteer, meetings are held at 7pm on the first Tuesday of each month at Club Crediton, Searle Street, where you can find out more, without commitment.

Alan Quick