Littlehampton Scouts lend a helping hand to CancerWise

More than a dozen Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts from the 7th Littlehampton Air Scout Group relished in a rare opportunity to join forces over the weekend and lend a helping hand to Chichester-based good cause, CancerWise.

The fundraisers held their own sale inside the Scout Hall, in Southfields Road, raising an impressive £320.66 in just a few hours.

It was all in support of CancerWise’s #cancerwiselove2 campaign, set up by former Littlehampton mayor Emma Neno, who is the fundraising manager for the charity.

Emma, whose two children Charlie and Sophie attend the 7th Littlehampton Scouts, said: “I was so shocked with the amount of money raised because it was only a little fair.

“The weather was awful. I was a bit worried about it because it was such a horrible day.

“But I was totally blown away with the amount of money raised.

“Everyone worked incredibly hard.”

Children and Scout leaders manned the stalls for the best part of five hours on Saturday.

They sold everything from donated toys and goodies to raffle tickets, books and scrumptious home-made cakes.

Emma admitted she was very impressed by the bakery skills on display from the Scouting group, adding: “I was a bit embarrassed by my cookies. Everyone’s cakes looked really, really great.”

One of the day’s surprise top-sellers proved to be the humble cup of coffee.

“We had parents who were watching the football match on Southfields coming in and getting a coffee to keep warm,” said Emma. “So this was really successful.”

Saturday was the latest event in Emma’s #cancerwiselove2 effort.

The campaign aimed to encourage businesses, schools, community groups and individuals to get stuck in and do something – anything – for charity.

So far there ideas have included wacky dress-up days, bake sales and gruelling fundraisng runs, which combined have raised more than £2,500.

Emma, who is a town and district councillor, added she was delighted by the support shown by the local community.

“It was one of those light bulb ideas that came to me while in bed,” she explained.

“I couldn’t sleep and my mind was just racing. But it came to me at 3am in the morning.

“I had hoped a couple of businesses might get involved but I never expected the response we have had.”

Emma wished to thank the Scouts for all their support, along with all the other fundraisers who have backed the initiative.

CancerWise supports those who are directly affected by cancer.

To find out more about the campaign or CancerWise’s services, see www.cancerwise.org.uk or call 01243 778516.