An incredible 82-year-old Fulham fundraiser has raised £50,000 for Breast Cancer Now.
Fabulous Gwen Allsop was diagnosed with breast cancer in the 1990s and now wants to say thank you for the lifesaving treatment she received.
Alongside with her loving husband of 61 years, Derek, Gwen has raised at least £1,000 every year for 25 years with her now famous annual November fair – with a range of stalls such as a raffle and tombola, and stalls selling clothes, toys, bric-a-brac and refreshments – at St Clement’s Church in Fulham.
Mrs Allsop said: “I fundraise for Breast Cancer Now because it’s such a good cause.
“Too many women are dying of breast cancer, and too many little children are losing their Mummies. I thank research for saving my own life after my breast cancer diagnosis, so I’ll do anything I can to help make research happen now and in the future.
“I never had the ambition to reach £50,000 – I didn’t have a target, I just kept organising the fair and raising money because of how important it all is.
“We’ve always had such a laugh over the years, the same people keep coming back so it’s like a reunion. And all the money given is given with love.”
Each year Mrs Allsop receives a certificate from Breast Cancer Now which she proudly presents in her window and she still has her first letter of congratulations from 1993 – along with every one since.
Breast Cancer Now senior community manager Catherine Davies said: “We are so grateful for Gwen’s incredible support over the last 25 years.
“Alongside her family, friends and local community, Gwen has given huge amounts of commitment and dedication and has worked so hard to raise such an incredible sum for Breast Cancer Now’s vital research.”
