Two woman that battled and survived cancer have raised a massive £1,700 for charity with the help from local bingo players.

Sandra Telford, 51, and Ann Edwards, 47 from Carlisle, had extensive treatment for cancer and both have their own reasons for supporting Breast Care Support Group. In order to help other cancer suffers they are looking to help in the upgrading of the radiotherapy department at The Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle.

With the help of the management at the Rex Bingo in Denton Holme, the ladies organised a special event to raise the much needed funds. The support group will get a cheque for £500 and the remainder of the funds raised will go towards the radiotherapy project.

Sandra, who was diagnosed in 2009 thanked bingo players for supporting the fund-raising event with players wearing pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Week.

The mum-of-two who works as a legal secretary added: “The support we had from everybody at the bingo hall was fantastic. They got prizes from all over the place and the whole place was full of people dressed in pink. It was wonderful.”

The support group, hosted by Radio Cumbria presenter Val Armstrong, who has battled the illness, is a valuable opportunity for women to share experiences having lived with the illness.

“It’s encouraging to meet some of the older members, some had a diagnosis 20 years ago, and they’re still going strong.”

Sandra said that following the diagnosis she learnt to take life one day at a time and to think positively. She added that the oncology department at The Cumberland Infirmary had been fantastic.

In addition to operations, Sandra, has undergone chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment.