Communities in Swaledale and Arkengarthdale are preparing to turn pink again for a month-long programme of fundraising events in aid of Cancer Research UK.
PINKtober in the Dales will return for its fourth year with a packed programme including sponsored walks, live music, photography, food, quizzes and Halloween bingo.
The initiative is spearheaded by local fundraiser June Ashton and has already raised more than £70,000 for Cancer Research UK since it began.
Organisers say residents, businesses and visitors have again come together to organise and support activities throughout October, with the programme actually getting underway in September and concluding with a candle ceremony on November 1.
Events planned are:
- September 22 – Luna Lapin Workshop, The Buck, Reeth
- October 1 – Pink Pooch Photography, Scenic View Gallery, Reeth, 6.30pm
- October 2 – PINKtober Quiz Night, The Buck, Reeth, 8.30pm
- October 3 – ‘Walk In T’Park’, a 16-mile sponsored walk
- October 4 – BRASSY Walk t’Bridge, starting outside The Black Bull, Reeth, 3pm
- October 13 – Pink Pooch Photography, Scenic View Gallery, Reeth, 6.30pm
- October 16 – Ladies Curry Night, The Buck, Reeth, 7pm for 7.30pm, followed by a Pink Party for everyone from 9.30pm
- October 17 – Reeth Brass Band, The Pearls and The Hub Choir concert, St Mary’s Church, Arkengarthdale, 7.30pm. Tickets £7.50
- October 23 – Great Dales Bake-Off, Pooch Photography Competition and Coffee Morning, Hudson House, Reeth, 10am to 2pm
- October 24 – The Big Pink Brekkie, The Buck, Reeth, 9.30am to 11.30am
- October 31 – Spooktacular Halloween Bingo, The Buck, Reeth, 2pm, including pie and peas and optional fancy dress
- November 1 – Candle Ceremony, Hudson House Orchard, Reeth, 6pm
June said the support the campaign received each year continued to amaze her.
She added: “We may be a rural community, but we certainly punch above our weight. When people come together with passion, determination and a shared purpose, we can and do make a real difference.
“I am endlessly grateful to everyone who donates prizes and materials, sews, knits, bakes, crafts, volunteers their time, hosts events and, of course, comes along to support them.”
June was also recently presented with a national Cancer Research UK Excellence in Volunteering award in the Community Impact category.
She said: “Whilst my name may be on the trophy, it really belongs to the people of the Dales. This award is for all of us.”
Fundraising continues outside PINKtober, with local crafters making and selling handmade items throughout the year.
Further information is available by emailing pinktoberinthedales@gmail.com or contacting June Ashton through Facebook.
