A tireless charity worker who helped to raise vital funds for the Bath Cancer Unit Support Group over the past three decades has received a special award from the Mayor of Bath.
John Carter, Mayor Cllr Patrick Anketell-Jones and Mike Taylor
John Carter spent more than 30 years supporting the charity, which provides a range of facilities for cancer patients at Bath’s Royal United Hospital, before retiring as its chairman last year.
During that time he helped fundraise for essential medical equipment including £1.2 million for a state-of-the-art positron scanner. The Bath Cancer Unit Support Group, BCUSG, has raised more than £4.8 million in total since it was founded in 1985.
To recognise his work with the BCUSG, John was presented with a citizen’s award by the Mayor of Bath, Cllr Patrick Anketell-Jones, during a special reception at the Guildhall.
Mike Taylor, who took over the chairmanship of the BCUSG last year, nominated John for the award because of his herculean efforts on behalf of the charity.
“He frequently spent 20 to 30 hours a week on work for the charity,” said Mike.
“He talked to people at the sharp end of cancer treatment: doctors, nurses administrative staff and volunteers, to find out what they needed to make their work more effective, but which the NHS could not provide. And then he worked hard to raise the money to pay for it.
“He enlisted the help of local politicians, celebrities and even members of the Royal Family in publicising the work of the charity. Without his hard work and dedication the facilities at the cancer unit of the RUH would be lagging well behind where they are now.”
The Mayor, Cllr Patrick Anketell-Jones, added: “John clearly has a very strong sense of commitment to his community. His 30 years of fundraising for the Bath Cancer Unit Support Group is an outstanding example of just how important volunteers and charities are in delivering advanced healthcare, for the people of Bath and surrounding area. His ‘Citizen of the Year’ Award was richly deserved.”
For more information about the Bath Cancer Unit Support Group and to make a donation, visit www.bcusg.org, email [email protected] or phone 07896 741233.
