A CHARITY which funds vital research into blood cancers has been selected as the sole beneficiary of the Mayor of Bournemouth’s charity work this year.

Bournemouth Leukaemia Fund will benefit from a host of events being held during Mayor Cllr Derek Borthwick’s time in office.

They include an autumn quiz and afternoon literary tea to be held in October, a festive fair in November, Christmas dinner in December, Burns night event in January and charity ball in March.

The charity, run by volunteers, was established in 1984 by the late Professor Terry Hamblin and Professor David Oscier to support research into the cause and management of leukaemia and other blood cancers at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

It pays the salaries of two dedicated scientists and buys specialist machinery and equipment which allows patients with all types of cancer to receive faster and less intrusive diagnosis and treatment.

Last year it donated a staggering £68,000 to the Molecular Haematology department at RBH and hopes are high that even more can be raised this year thanks to being selected as the Mayor of Bournemouth’s Charity Appeal.

It has a loyal band of volunteers but committee members are keen to involve others, particularly those who are able to run small events themselves, such as coffee mornings or taking part in challenges such as sponsored events.

The charity has been given use of a beach hut in Southbourne for three days of the Bournemouth Air Festival and is now accepting bids from those who would like to use it on Thursday August 30, 31 and September 2.

Anyone who wishes to make a bid for use of the beach hut should email their offer to bournemouthleukaemiafund@gmail.com or send it to Bournemouth Leukaemia Fund, Pathology Lab, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Castle Lane East, Bournemouth BH7 6DW.Mark the envelope Tender offer.

More details about the charity are available at facebook.com/bournemouthleukaemiafund or call Estelle Wilson on 07772 860268 or Fiona Perry-Symes on 07428 032183.