A CANCER survivor from Innerleithen who organised a charity night with her friends is celebrating after collecting over £2,000.

After her own cancer diagnosis in November 2016, Lauren Scott (34), along with her friends, Debbie Simpson and Vera Dobie, decided to organise a charity night to raise money in aid of Cancer Research UK and the Lavender Touch. 

The charity night took place last month at the Vale Club in Innerleithen with a live band, local DJ Lee and raffle with prizes donated by local businesses. 

And the evening has been hailed a huge success for the two cancer charities.

Debbie said: “Lauren was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer last year which completely shocked all of her family and friends. 

“We had then decided we would organize a charity event of some sort. It seemed fitting to celebrate Lauren’s recovery therefore Vera, Lauren and myself decided to mark the occasion by arranging a charity night. 

“Lauren wanted the night to be in aid of the two charities that touched home to her: Cancer Research UK and the Lavender Touch.”

Debbie added: “We held it at the Vale Club in Innerleithen who were brilliant. They let us decorate the hall and worked really hard on the night. The event was more popular than we had imagined. We were taken aback at how many people turned up on the night. 

“Cancer impacts so many people’s lives and I am extremely proud of the support we received from the local community. 

“Everyone said they had a fantastic night, so much so we hope to be able to do the same again next year.”

There’s a cause of double celebration for Lauren and her friends after she got all-clear from doctors, and the group raised a grand total of £2142.30.

The money will be evenly split between the two charities.

Heather Duff, Cancer Research UK’s local fundraising manager for the Borders, said: “We are absolutely delighted and so grateful that Debbie, Lauren and Vera organised a successful charity night to raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK.

“Cancer Research UK has made enormous progress in the fight against cancer. 

“However, we have only been able to do this thanks to the dedication and commitment of our volunteers and supporters without whom we would not be able to fund our research.”

  • For further information about Cancer Research UK’s work, visit the website: cruk.org or call 0300 123 1022.