The villages of Sileby and Quorn have once again shown their immense community spirit, pulling together to raise a spectacular £8,178.04 for Cancer Research UK. The funds were collected during the annual 'Turn Sileby & Quorn Pink' event held throughout October.
A Legacy of Giving
This incredible effort is part of a much larger story of local generosity. The fundraising initiative began back in 2015, and this latest contribution pushes the running total to a staggering £43,944.47 raised for the vital cause. The campaign is driven by a deeply personal story. Organiser Liz, who continues the work with her husband Barry, started the effort in memory of her first husband, Roger Wells, who began fundraising in January 2015 before sadly losing his battle with cancer in June 2020.
Liz shared her astonishment at the result, stating: "It wasn't easy to raise £8,178.04 in such a short space of time, so we were all astonished when we counted it all up." She expressed immense pride in every business and individual who contributed, both online and via collection boxes.
How the Communities Came Together
A remarkable 42 local businesses, retailers, and community groups officially took part in the 'Turn Sileby & Quorn Pink 2025' fundraiser. Each participant paid a minimum of £10 to join the campaign, with organisers supporting them with collection boxes, banners, and bunting.
Many went above and beyond, hosting their own creative fundraising events. The community effort was widespread, with activities including:
- Quizzes and Bingo at The Horse & Trumpet and the 1912 Club in Sileby.
- Bake sales and raffles from Sinclairs Estate Agents, Oasis Hair, and Glenn Lewin Butchers.
- Afternoon teas and coffee mornings at Cafe Nineteen, Sileby Library, and Dudley Court.
- A poignant display at Aunt Maud's Closet in Quorn, where customers' messages for loved ones were paired with pink ribbons on a mannequin.
Celebrating the Top Fundraisers
Following the event, special recognition was given to the highest-raising establishments in each village. In Sileby, Cafe Nineteen was celebrated for raising the most money. Over in Quorn, the top fundraising honour went to Od'Thorpes Cafe, which boosted its total through sales of special pink drinks.
The initiative also awarded prizes for the best decorative displays. The title for the winning display in Sileby went to Boys To Men, while in Quorn, Aunt Maud's Closet was recognised for its creative and moving window display.
This year's phenomenal success demonstrates the power of community fundraising and ensures that Roger's legacy continues to make a significant impact in the fight against cancer.
