A treasure trove of roman coins, ceramics, silver celtic coins and even a piece of gold, were discovered at a metal detecting weekend rally that was organised to raise money in memory of a local man.
Rodney Cook sadly passed away in September 2017 after a brave two year battle with cancer. He was treated and cared for by staff at the Royal United Hospital in Bath.
The event, dubbed The Rodney Cook Memorial Rally has raised £27,000 for the RUH. It was organised by Gary Cook in memory of his dad Rodney and all profits raised from ticket sales, the raffle and extra donations will go to the RUH’s new Cancer Centre, who did so much to help his dad.
Gary Cook, Rodney’s son said: “When my father was suffering from cancer he was looked after more than words can even explain – the staff in the RUH’s Oncology Unit are amazing.
“They really cared for my Dad every step of the way through his treatment. That’s why we are thrilled to have raised money in his memory for the new Cancer Care Centre.
“It is all about the beginning, middle and end of your treatment. From when he was first given the diagnosis, the way that they talked to my dad, to us his family and how they looked after him was just fantastic.
“We knew that the hospital is in need of funds, so we decided to organise a metal detecting weekend rally to help raise money for cancer care in Rodney’s memory. The RUH Cancer Unit were simply amazing and we wanted to give something back.
“With the help of all of my friends at Trowbridge and District Metal Detecting Club, sponsors, land owners and close friends and family, we organised The Rodney Cook Memorial Rally just outside Cirencester.
“From the ticket sales and raffle £27,000 will be donated to The Forever Friends Appeal’s Cancer Care Campaign.”
Claudia Hickin, Senior Community Fundraiser at The Forever Friends Appeal said: ‘We are so grateful to everyone involved in the Rodney Cook Memorial Rally, a group of kind, friendly and generous people who put in so much effort to raise a substantial amount of money for a cause close to their hearts.
“We are delighted to welcome them as a Senior Community Partner, and to acknowledge their fundraising, we will be naming a room in the new Cancer Centre after them.”