A FAMILY Festival which saw over 350 people brave the rain has added £2,818 to the total raised in the Stand Up To Cancer campaign.

Organised by the staff at the Cancer Research UK shop on Sinclair Street, the festival on Sunday was a new addition to the campaign and, according to assistant manager Alison Sturgeon, could become a regular feature.

Around 360 individuals braved the rain and packed into Helensburgh Rugby and Cricket Club to enjoy the array of events and to Stand Up To Cancer.

Despite a small number of people pulling out of the festival at the last minute the determined organisers decided to go ahead anyway – and were delighted with the response from those who attended.

Alison told the Advertiser: “The people who attended said they had a great time, and asked us to do it again next year!

“We set up not expecting anyone to come, but it’s testament to this incredible community that so many not only took part but left with smiles on their faces, clutching crafts, toys and cakes.”

Children enjoyed making crafts with Lorna Gittoes from Creation Station. All ages enjoyed the Drakes of Hazzard display of sheepdogs and duck which Mark Wylie donated to the day, and Billy McCune, local butcher, kept everyone fed with the delicious barbecue he and local butchers Callaghan’s and Sommerville’s donated.

Cakes and raffle prizes ensure there was lots to do and see and musicians trecked through the mud to ensure entertainment was on hand. Helensburgh’s Louis Page was joined by Crowded Croft and Helensburgh Rock Choir who took to the stage while the Animal Man and juggling stilt walker, who made his way through the crowds, proved popular.

The team at Cancer Research UK, Helensburgh have extended their thanks to every single stall holder, customer, performer, sponsor and supporter for standing with them.

Thanks are extended to Stuart King of the Helensburgh Rugby Club, Graeme Lang of the Helensburgh Cricket Club, who hosted and helped organise the event; Jonathan Trayte, Gordon Black and Dougie Black of the Rhu and Shandon Gala Day who provided all the equipment, experience and assisted with the event; Fiona Baker from Friends Of Hermitage Park; the Helensburgh Round Table who helped and sponsored part of the event; shop volunteers, Holly Sturgeon, Orla McNeill, Gillian Massie, Val McCallum, Janet Black, Rachel Sloan, Ann Anderson and Suzanne Logue who ran the stalls and shop manager Mark Cavana who dressed as the best mascot and high fived every child.

Alison added: “We reduced the entry fee and crossed our fingers that anyone would turn out in such weather but my goodness, what an amazing team effort. The ladies’ rugby game was cancelled so the ladies’ team donated their £75 pitch fee.

“Bouncing Scotland allowed us to cancel the bouncy assault course and sumo suits at the last minute without charge and Speedy Hire donated their generator. Kevin Page and Dougie Black provided the PA system and everyone worked so hard to make it a success. Thank you so much to everyone.”

The £2,818 raised at the event brings the overall total for the Stand Up To Cancer campaign so far to £6,275.65 with more events still to take place.

Alison added: “Many thanks to every single person who has supported us over the years, whether by donating money, clothes, helping us fundraise, volunteering or purchasing from our shop.

“We have been operating for 28 years and have raised well over £1 million for Cancer Research UK within that time.”

Anyone interested in volunteering, donating or taking part in any of the shop activities, or who would like more information on the SU2C campaign is asked to call mark or Alison on 01436 674547 or pop into the Cancer Research UK Shop at 2A Sinclair St, Helensburgh.