Stalwart June’s still fundraising after more than half a century
Charity stalwart June Pearson has notched up more than half a century of fundraising for Cancer Research UK.
June has been at the heart of the charity’s fundraising for 55 years and in that time Oban and district has amassed more than £500,000.
To mark her achievements, Mrs Pearson was presented with a special award by Cancer Research UK’s relationship manager Lynn Stewart who said she is ‘amazing’.
‘June is just brilliant. She’s always so positive in everything she does. We are incredibly lucky to have her,’ said Lynn.
‘We have supporters who have been with us for 25 years and 30 years but June’s 55 years is quite an achievement. They are a fantastic bunch to work with,’ Lynn added.
June has been involved with the Oban and District Cancer Research UK (CRUK) committee since it was formed.
It was her mother Annie Mitchell, who was president of the Oban branch of the Scottish Women’s Rural Institute, who wanted to start it up.
Sadly Annie, who had cancer, died two months before the committee’s first meeting in January 1967.
June and her sister Anne, who has also since died from cancer, went along to that first meeting to represent their mum.
‘I can remember the first day it started. It doesn’t seem like 55 years ago. To think in that time we have helped raised more than half a million pounds for Cancer Research UK is incredible. It’s all been through whist drives, events, donations from churches, people and some legacies too. Every penny adds up and is so much appreciated,’ said June.
June is also a familiar face with collecting buckets at Oban Celtic shinty matches. Her late husband Jim also helped.
More volunteers are needed to join the committee as it powers into its next half century of good work.
‘We could especially do with help from someone who is social media savvy to help
‘June is just brilliant. She’s always so positive in everything she does. We are incredibly lucky to have her.’
us with Facebook, but the more the merrier,’ said Lynn.
Glynis Dewar, CRUK Oban’s chairperson, joined in praise for June. ‘She is a remarkable lady, always willing to help with everything. She’s also a big Oban Celtic fan and combines that with collecting buckets for us. She is an absolute stalwart on our committee.’
If you would like to find out more about joining the Oban CRUK Committee, email lynn.stewart@cancer.org.uk.