A CHARITY which has fund-raised for two successful years has ceased, leaving behind a number of happy memories, friends and a legacy of hope for the future.

The Darwen Friends of the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust has finally ended its fundraising activities and bone marrow donor recruitment drive. It cited outside commitments as the reason.

But over the past two years, spurred on by a hardcore membership of eight, the group called on friends, families and the caring community to raise £4,484 - and boosted the amount of registered donors in Darwen.

Liz Royle, Chairman of Darwen Friends said: "We've come as far as we can and it's been great fun doing it. We've made a lot of friends, have loads of happy memories and achieved what we set out to do.

"It is sad to finish but it has been incredibly hard work. However if we have raised awareness of what the charity is all about then it has all been worth it."

Liz helped form the branch in February 1994 soon after her husband Gary donated his bone marrow to a Swiss man who has since made a complete recovery from leukaemia.

An endless stream of money-making events, including Gary abseiling down Blackpool Tower, charity football matches and a highly successful donor clinic at Darwen Health Centre followed.

Liz added: "On behalf of our members I would like to thank everyone who has shown such generosity over the past two years. Unfortunately other commitments have greatly reduced our available time but Darwen Friends will still be active at national events."

Hilary Ashcroft, chairman of the Blackburn Friends, who have been a constant source of inspiration and information for Liz, said: "The group has worked extremely hard for the charity over the past two years and although they are calling it a day, the charity will always remain very close to them. Their dedication should not go unnoticed."

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