A GROUP of Witney fundraisers is celebrating another successful year in which they brought in £20,000 for the Abingdon-based charity Against Breast Cancer.

As they plan this year’s events, the ladies of the Witney Fundraising Team of ABC looked back on the successful fundraising of 2009.

Chairman Jeanne Chattoe, of Woodstock Road, said: “£20,000 is a magnificent amount of money, especially when you consider the country is in recession.

“Once again, the people of Witney and surrounding villages have given us their wholehearted support, for which we are so grateful, and we are looking forward to that continuing in 2010.”

The major fundraiser of the year was Witney in the Pink Day, held in October which, along with associated events during the month — National Breast Cancer Awareness Month — raised £6,300.

This popular event, when the town is turned into a sea of pink balloons with stalls, street entertainment and a tin collection, takes place again this year on Saturday, October 2.

Other events included a fashion show, which raised £1,000, a raffle at the Grand Spring Sale at Sudeley Castle in Gloucestershire, bringing in £1,300, a gig night at Fat Lil’s club in Corn Street, raising £522, and £425 from Christmas shopping coach trips.

Special thanks went to team member Laura Hounam, whose jewellery sales and bead hospitals held throughout the year brought in £5,600, and to Sandra Bird, from Witney, who organised a coffee morning and bingo and raised more than £800.