A GROUP of friends from Binfield organised a fundraising event to boost a children’s cancer charity.
Their Race Night at Binfield Primary School (organised by Vicki Dobson, Mary and Stuart Wharpshire, Chris Ray, Jan Watkins, Kathy Hogan, Jan Stedman and Jean Harvey) generated more than £5,000 for Abby’s Heroes.
The charity supports children with cancer and their families across the South Coast, including in Berkshire, offering financial and practical help, and helping families to make lasting memories.
The Binfield friends had already held a number of successful fundraising events, including: Binfield Family Fun Day, bucket collections at Tesco in Warfield, Christmas Wreath Workshops, and a Race Night in 2025.
Calling themselves Albert’s Army, they decided to support Abby’s Heroes when Vicki Dobson’s grandson Albert was diagnosed with a rare form of leukaemia.
The youngster was admitted to Southampton General Hospital, initially staying there for five months.
Vicki said:“When Albert went into hospital it was a very difficult and emotional time.
“The only chink of light in our lives was the support our family received from Abby’s Heroes.
“I really felt they were here for us when we needed support, guidance and a shoulder to cry on.
“When I told my friends about the help Abby’s Heroes had given us, they all wanted to do something practical to support the charity.
“So we were all delighted to fundraise £5500 for Abby’s Heroes, which enables the charity to continue to support children with cancer and their families.
“We are very grateful to everyone who has got involved.”
Kathy Hogan said: “It was a fantastic night, with so many of our family, friends and the local Binfield community attending in large numbers.
“We were all delighted with the success of the night – there was such a wonderful atmosphere, and it showed the power of community, and how kind people are.”
Stuart Wharpshire added: “”I was delighted to play a small part in the event’s success, it really felt like the whole village came out to support Albert, Vicki and Abby’s Heroes.”
Community fundraiser for Abby’s Heroes David Fawcett said: “Vicki is an amazing person, and without her hard work, commitment and sheer strength this and the other events would not have happened.
“As a charity we are extremely grateful for her ongoing support.”
The Race Night was attended by more than 100 people, and was supported by: David Cliff Property, Binfield Primary School, Khori Noor, Advantage Print, Peach Dental, We Repair Tech, Daphne’s Coffee Shop, Primavera, Sportsguide Ltd and Pentre.
For information, visit: abbysheroes.org
