Cancer Warriors spread the word and support Scouts' event

The Cancer Warriors were out in force again last weekend as they supported over 200 cubs and scouts on a caving expedition.

Volunteers from the Stalybridge-based charity gave up their weekend to help the scouts take part in their adventure badge by supporting their health & safety and providing meals for all the instructors.

Travelling to Alderly Edge on Friday evening, volunteers met up with the 2nd Cheadle explorers, who were also gaining their fundraising badge, and the Derbyshire North West Scout Caving Team.

After getting permission from the National Trust, the team set up base camp at the woodlands park, complete with a mess kitchen, wild camping and a registration tent, ready for two full days of back-to-back descents into the mines and caves of the area.

During the trip, the children learnt all about rock formation, geological histories and how to look after the environment around them.

While the scouts were off caving, the Cancer Warriors team looked after the parents, carers and leaders with refreshments.

Volunteer and Head Chef, Graham Fitton, cooked over 100 hot dogs and burgers, 80 breakfasts, a chilli and a potato pie supper, while the team served over 150 brews and 200 cold drinks & snacks.

The volunteers took the opportunity to talk about Cancer Warriors and the great work carried out in raising awareness and supporting those affected by cancer.

They also introduced the latest member of the Cancer Warriors team- mascot Lenny the Lion! He attended the scouting trip to encourage the children to get involved and assist the volunteers. Lenny had the best time in the woods, getting to know the children who told him all they’d learnt over the weekend.

The scouts earned their badge, complete with the Cancer Warriors logo, as a permanent reminder of a brilliant weekend.

Cancer Warriors chairman, Derrick Evans, said: “It was such a fantastic weekend. It’s one of my favourite events and to be able to give back the support that Cancer Warriors regularly receives couldn’t be better.

“I am blessed to have the best team of volunteers anyone could ask for. For them to take time out over a weekend to support the event, look after the attendees, cook, clean and supervise; they’re priceless and I thank them from the bottom of my heart. Without volunteers, Cancer Warriors just wouldn’t exist as it does now.”

The Cancer Warriors would like to thank Phil Lilley, Mark Beddows, Roy Wood, Mark Stevens, Richard Bullock and Steve Richmond for donating their caving fees to the charity, as well as the 2nd Cheadle explorers and Gary Conner at Parfet’s Stockport for the kind donation of food and drink supplies.

The scouting weekend is just one of a host of events that the Cancer Warriors team get involved in, not only to pay back the community and say thank you for its ongoing support, but also to ensure people know about the services the charity offers and to let everyone know that they’re not alone.

If you’d like to know more about Cancer Warriors, volunteer opportunities, fundraising, events and much more, you can contact the team via cancerwarriors@mail.com and facebook.com/cancerwarriorsuk or call into their centre on Melbourne Street from 10am-2pm Tuesday to Thursday and 10am-12pm on Saturdays.