WITH the launch of a brand-new fundraising day for a big Basingstoke cause, The Gazette found out more about the committee behind it.

As was reported in last week’s Gazette, the longest day of 2019, June 21, has been given the name of Ark Day - 24 hours of fundraising for Ark Cancer Centre Charity.

A group of companies and organisations came together to make the event happen.

Apollo Hotel, Clarke & Son Solicitors, Champion Group, Lamb Brooks Solicitors, Metro Bank, RewindDigital, and Rotary Basingstoke Deane, working together with Ark Cancer Centre Charity, form the Ark Day Organising Committee.

Chairman Andy Jackson, commercial manager at Champion Build said: “Ark Day is an ambitious campaign but I am confident that if we give the people of Basingstoke and Deane the tools and opportunity to get on board the Ark bandwagon, they will support us.”

Marketing manager at Clarke & Son Solicitors, Darren Lovegrove, added: “The Clarke & Son team are passionate supporters of Ark, and we have raised more than £70,000 for the charity over the last four years.

“Our team are delighted to be involved in supporting Ark Day, and we are looking forward to making a big difference by really getting behind this event.”

Head of marketing at Lamb Brooks Solicitors, Hannah Perryman, said: “Working at a firm with 65 members of staff means that sadly cancer is something that affects so many of our staff, our clients and their families.

“This cancer treatment centre is something that our town needs and I am proud to be able to help make this happen in any way that I can.”

Ark Cancer Centre Charity volunteer and owner of Perpetual Flowers, Debbie Loveridge, said: “I think Ark Day will be a fun-filled day, bringing together the whole community for one great aim – to raise money for the much-needed NHS cancer treatment centre campaign.”

Get involved

SO HOW can you play your part in Ark Day?

With the most daylight hours of any day this year, there are sure to be a myriad of events going on throughout June 21 in aid of the Ark Cancer Centre Charity.

It is hoped that people, businesses, schools and community organisations will support these and also organise their own fundraising activities.

A static sponsored cycle ride or rowathon, cake sales and sponsored dress-down days are just a few of the many ways that people can get involved.

All schools in the Basingstoke area are being encouraged to take part in a non-uniform day and wear the Ark Cancer Centre Charity colours- blue, yellow and green - for a £1 donation per pupil.

Ark Cancer Centre Charity trustee Merv Rees said: “Nearly 180,000 people live in Basingstoke and Deane. If everyone donates just £1 on Friday, 21 June, then this will make a massive difference to Ark’s £5m campaign.”

The Ark Cancer Centre Charity is hoping to build a £5m cancer treatment facility at Basingstoke hospital, and Ark Day is the latest addition generate the funding necessary to build the facility.

For more information on how to get involved with Ark Day, go to arkday.co.uk to download a pack to help plan an event.