ian clarkeNorfolk and Waveney's very own cancer charity has been given a major boost by businesses which have pledged at least �125,000 to help people struck down by the devastating disease.ian clarke

Norfolk and Waveney's very own cancer charity has been given a major boost by businesses which have pledged at least �125,000 to help people struck down by the devastating disease.

Twenty-five businesses in Norwich and the county have vowed to raise �5,000 each for the Big C in this its 30th year - and the charity is looking for just five more to follow suit and help push past the �150,000 mark.

Business leaders who have already signed up to the scheme joined charity bosses on Tuesday evening to launch a raffle for a new Subaru car - with all money raised going to the charity.

Sharon Hulbert, PR and corporate fundraising relations manager for Big C, said the response from the business community in Norfolk had been fantastic.

She said: 'It will make such a difference. It helps Big C get across the message that we're the local cancer charity for Norfolk and Waveney and that every penny raised by these businesses or these people is spent in Norfolk and Waveney.

'It will allow us to get equipment for local hospitals - the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, the James Paget University Hospital and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

'It also enables us to fund and expand services from the Big C Centre at the N&N, gives us more money to allocate to research, but also enables us to grow and expand what support services are offered in Norfolk and Waveney both for patients and family members. It's all types of cancer and all stages of cancer.'

Mrs Hulbert said businesses which had pledged support would also benefit.

She said: 'It's not just about thinking they've got to hand over a cheque, that's not what it's about. It's about involving employees, getting them to buy in and have fun. It's involving employees, it's good for team spirit and the ideas that are starting to flow have been brilliant.

'They can really make a difference and it's not just about helping other people - but potentially helping themselves and other family members in the future. That's what they're investing in.'

David Moar, who co-founded the charity in 1980 after winning his own battle with cancer, said he was very grateful for the way in which businesses in the county had answered the call for cash.

Mr Moar, a business development manager for Anglia Farmers, said: 'We've been amazed with the response and it's been exciting to see so many people want to take part and help us - and from such a varied group across the business community.'

Companies which have vowed to raise cash for the charity in this anniversary year includes Swiss Re, Gordon Barber Funeral Home, Norfolk Contracts, a Norwich-based IT firm, Norse and the city's Chapelfield shopping centre which will be holding a charity caterpillar crawl and other events on Thursday between 11am and 4pm.

To find out more about the Big C or to pledge your support go to www.big-c.co.uk or call 01603 619900.