Cancer Research Wales

Principality Building Society has raised over £72,000 for its 2012 Charity of the Year, Cancer Research Wales, the most ever raised in a single year since the scheme began.

As well as fundraising from staff at the 53 branches and 17 agencies, the record breaking total was boosted by donations generated from Member votes at the company’s Annual General Meeting in April which raised £20,000. The Society’s special Cancer Research Wales Charity Bond was also a hit with 625 savvy savers, adding £12,546 to the overall fundraising amount.

Staff members committed wholeheartedly to the charity, demonstrating their versatility in the pursuit of a good cause, organising activities from tackling the grueling Three Peaks challenge, Skydives, running staff fitness competitions, to charity bake sales.

Chief Executive for Principality Building Society, Graeme Yorston, said: “Our members of staff really takes the Charity of the Year to heart and this record breaking total is a fantastic reflection on their commitment.

“We recognise the importance of the work that Cancer Research Wales do. Cancer is something that touches a lot of lives, and we are proud to have been able to support this cause and assist the people working tirelessly in the heart of Wales, for ways to improve the lives of those suffering from it. We hope that the donations will make a real difference to their pioneering work.”

The charity was nominated by a member of staff at the Society and was shortlisted among 5 others and finally voted as the official charity by staff at the 53 Principality branches and 16 agencies across Wales and the borders.

Founded in 1966, the indigenous Welsh charity funds vital and pioneering cancer research at research facilities across Wales, including Cancer Research Wales’ research laboratory based at the Velindre Cancer Centre, Cardiff

Liz Andrews, Cancer Research Wales Charity Director, said: “We would like to extend a huge ‘thank you’ to everyone at Principality Building Society who helped raise this fantastic sum of money. All the money raised will stay in Wales to fund exciting research in the fight against cancer.”