Kent Cancer Trust is a unique organisation, unique in that it is wholly Kent based and unique in that it is the only charity in the county which integrates cancer research, clinical treatments and public information.

The charity has four main aims:

1. To relieve the suffering of cancer patients and improve cancer care within the Kent area

2. To develop and train cancer clinicians, medical staff and students

3. To promote research into the cause and treatment of cancer through new and kinder treatments

4. To increase public awareness and education about the cause and treatment of cancer

Pledges of support, donations and school fundraisers – just some of the ways you have responded to the launch of our Kent Cancer Trust appeal.

Within 24 hours, we had already received phone calls with promises of support.

Hazel Hobdell, 61, from Herne Bay, phoned to say: “I didn’t know anything about the Kent Cancer Trust and the fantastic work they do until I read it in the paper.

“My husband and I both give £2 a month to Cancer Research UK.

“Now I am going to give my £2 to the Kent Cancer Trust.”

Hazel was touched by Jack McGrath’s story, the nine-year-old from Thanet who was diagnosed with leukaemia when he was just four, and had to have three years of chemotherapy.

Hazel said: “I was diagnosed with cancer last year after finding a lump in my neck. I had 41 glands removed two days after my 60th birthday. I then had chemotherapy and radiotherapy which finished in February.

“I now go for monthly check-ups and so far so good. Cancer is rife now, my dad and brother both died from it. You have to help.”

And it seems the children at Palm Bay School in Thanet agreed.

Their end of school production Goodbye My Friend raised £164 for the Kent Cancer Trust.

Head teacher Mark Cowell said: “All year six pupils took part in the performance, which involved scenes about their time at school and memories of the teachers and teaching assistants.

“After we read the story about Jack, who is one of our year four pupils, we decided to donate the money to the KCT because it is a fantastic charity.”

KCT fundraising manager Stuart Minty said: “The response has been phenomenal.

“We had everything from a group from Whitstable offering to do a walking quiz night and a Ramsgate couple wanting to skydive, to a woman buying a mosaic tile on our website for £25 in memory of her husband.

“All we ask now is that you don’t stop. This is just the beginning and we want to raise lots.”

“Thank you for your support.”