Back Cancer Research at Carluke's pink fundraiser

Erin Howitt and Rhona Struthers, both in S2 at Carluke High School, have learned hair-braiding specially to take part in Cancer Research UK’s Big Pink Day at Kirkton Church Hall.

“I have a fantastic young team coming up,” said Gill, a fundraiser for the charity for 20 years.

“There are about 12 under the age of 18 now helping.

“This event takes months to plan, and I couldn’t possibly organise this event without the most amazing amount of support from family and friends.

“Everyone in Carluke pulls together to help fund Cancer Research UK.

“We all know someone who has been lost to cancer.

“We need to fund the research to help save lives.

“I’d like to thank everyone who helps me to promote the event and everyone who helps on the day. It’s a real team effort.

“I also have support throughout the year from Alfie’s Fish Bar and Pizzeria, Jean Sinclair Shoes, Goulding’s Garden Centre and TeaTime in Lanark who sell tablet for us all year. I can’t thank everyone enough.

“It is a great family event supporting a very worthwhile charity.”

This year’s fair will include supervised activities for children including projects such as making a snowman, personalised Christmas baubles or what is described as reindeer dust to keep them busy while their parents browse at the stalls.

Goods on sale this year include a large selection of Christmas decorations donated by Silver Birch, and Gill will be selling them for only £1 each, plus candles, hand-made craft items, jams, marmalades and home baking.

Other attractions will include photo sessions, the results of whichwill be ideal for family Christmas presents

Businesses have also taken stalls, and will be selling crafts and decorations, and giving 20 per cent of their takings to the charity.

The fair runs from 10am until 2pm. Admission is £4, and that includes coffees, teas and home baking for those arriving early, or a light lunch for later visitors.

Rowan Main, a fundraising manager, for Cancer Research UK said: “Gill Murray’s charity day is a wonderful event which raises lots of much-needed funds but also raises awareness of breast cancer.”

“One in eight women will be affected by breast cancer, and last year Cancer Research UK spent £33m on research into this cancer alone.

“We’re the only charity researching all 200 cancers including the one that matters most to you.

“We receive no funding from the Government for our research, and we rely on the public’s support.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK. In Scotland every year, around 4,300 women – 12 women a day – are diagnosed with it.