FUNDRAISING events are continuing apace around Sidmouth to boost Sidmouth Living With Cancer s mini-bus appeal fund.

FUNDRAISING events are continuing apace around Sidmouth to boost Sidmouth Living With Cancer's mini-bus appeal fund.

On Friday, Brian Black, from Sid Vale Association's Keith Owen Grant Committee, presented a �5,000 cheque to the cancer support group's founder and executive chairman, Bill Lankester, who aims to raise �35,000 to buy the bus, which can be used by the community as well as the group.

The Reverend Handel Bennett, SVA chairman, said: "We are delighted to present this amount and hope the group will thoroughly enjoy using the mini-bus.

"We hope this will encourage many others to help Bill achieve this objective of getting the bus by the end of the year.

He said the Keith Owen fund was always pleased to receive applications for grants from those seeking to benefit Sidmouth's community. (see www.sidvaleassociation.org.uk).

Keith, who left a �1.5 million bequest to SVA, of which he was a member, joined the support group two years ago, shortly before his death. He spent much of his life living in Canada.

"I am sure he would have been thrilled to bits," said Bill. "He was anxious his money be put to good use for Sidmouth and we feel honoured SVA has taken charge of the fund. This will make a terrific difference."

It has been a busy fundraising time for the group.

Last week Peter Chittenden presented a �500 cheque to SWLC following his and his wife Barbara's art sale at Kennaway House.

Members have sold more than 2,000 draw tickets for Salcombe Regis Fair and collected �550 in donations for the mini-bus.

Last week Peter Atkinson held a garden party at his home in Knowle Drive, and more than 80 enjoyed cream teas on his lawn, helping to raise �392.77.

During the afternoon Kieran Duncan, who parachuted from a plane for his 40th birthday, handed over �482 in sponsorship.

Bill said: "Everyone was enthralled with his description of how he came down. Thanks to Kieran and those that sponsored him."

On Saturday Waitrose allowed the group to hold a collection at its Stowford store, which raised �534.63.

"The public has been so generous," said Bill. "With the �5,000, which we are thrilled to receive, we are now a third of the way there, and I have every confidence that we will achieve our goal by year end.

He said other major contributors were needed to help boost the fund. Sidmouth Lions recently presented �600 to the group.

SWLC events planned for June began yesterday (Thursday) at Salcombe Regis Country Fair.

On Wednesday, June 9, there will be an open garden and coffee morning at 132 Malden Road, Sidford, from 10am to 12.30pm, which is a gold winner in Sidmouth in Bloom awards.

On Friday, June 11, from 7.30pm, an Off the Peg fashion show takes place in Sidford Social Hall, staged by friends Lynn Horrell from Peaslands and Lisa Craig from Salters Meadow, who hope to raise �1,000 for the charity's Campaign 2010 appeal.

On Friday, June 18, the group will take part in a Beetle Drive, while the following day a Victorian Tea Party will take place at Lymebourne Community Centre from 2-4pm where a real Victorian tea can be enjoyed.

The major fundraiser of the month is the Beat the Bus run from Otterton to Sidmouth and back on Wednesday, June 30.

"Come and run, or support the runners," said Bill.