GRAYSWOOD resident Karen Goode was overwhelmed by the generosity of local businesses when she hosted a ‘Pimm’s and Pavlova’ event at her home in aid of Cancer Research UK.

Karen, family members and friends are also running a fundraising 5k as ‘Chicks ‘n‘ Hens’ in Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life at Hyde Park in London, on Sunday, July 31.

She was inspired to put her best foot forward by her friend Sylvie Webb, who is busy fundraising for the charity following her sister’s cancer diagnosis.

Karen said: “Sylvie started it all off and asked me if I would join up in January. We decided to do a fundraising event at my home and we wanted something different to a coffee morning, so we decided a Pimm’s and Pavlova day would be fun, and a raffle would bring in more funds.

“Little did we know how generous the local businesses in Haslemere, Grayswood, Witley, Milford and Cranleigh would be and we would like to give a huge thank you to them all.

“I was really amazed by all the prizes donated. No one I approached said no, and the raffle raised just under £400.

“Our friends and family donated too, with one of our ‘chicks’ winning back a box of chocolates her dad had given to prevent them being in the house.

“We also had cakes made and donated by friends and family, and Pimm’s donated by The Park Hatch in Cranleigh, Witley Village Stores and The Star at Witley.

“We had a very successful afternoon and are still gathering sponsorship for the race, so please join the fight against cancer by digging deep.”

• To sponsor the ‘Chicks ‘n‘ Hens’ go to www.justgiving.com/sylviewebb or text HENS49 £5 to 70070.