Local Farmer’s Birthday raises an amazing £10,240.00.

Over 400 guests filled the Members Pavilion at the Honiton Showground, on Saturday 8th August, and danced the night away to celebrate the 65th birthday of local farmer Mervyn Reed.

And through donations, a raffle and an auction, Mervyn and his guests raised a staggering £10,420.00 for the Chestnut Appeal for Prostate Cancer.

Mervyn, who was diagnosed and successfully treated for prostate cancer seven years ago, is now a trustee of the Chestnut Appeal and had asked guests to donate to the charity in lieu of presents.

‘When I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, I feared that my time was limited. Now I feel everyday is a bonus and I’d like to help men who are in the same position as I was‘. said Mervyn Reed

The event, which took Mervyn many months to plan, brought together people from across the farming community.

Mervyn said ‘I work across much of the area and Im involved in many organisations and groups; including the young farmers and village life. They remember that when I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, I went through a difficult time, but since then I have been active in helping out in as many ways as I can. I think that the response I got was their way of saying thank you’.

The money raised will go towards the funding of a new Chestnut nurse at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital. This will be the second Chestnut nurse that the charity has funded at the hospital and is a great boost to prostate cancer patients.

Lesley Ann Simpson, manager of the charity said, “It was a wonderful evening of celebration, and to be able to provide another nurse following Mervyn’s party is a massive achievement. We are so very grateful to the whole community who pulled out all the stops to help”.

The Chestnut Appeal for Prostate Cancer will be celebrating ten years in 2010, ten years in which it has helped change the way prostate cancer is treated across Devon & Cornwall. They’ll be a number of key events across the year including; the chestnut cup football tournament, a sponsored cycle ride, the chestnut walk and an autumn ball.

“As charity of the year for the 2010 Devon County Show, not only will we welcome volunteers to assist us, we will also be holding a Chestnut Ball at the Showground, so if you would like to attend the ball or help in any way, get in touch with Mervyn or the charity itself on 01752 792736” said Lesley Ann Simpson.
Mervyn went on to add ‘I would like to thank the Honiton Agricultural Association for the use of the facilities on the night of the party, all those who attended and all those who contributed to help raise this phenomenal amount

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