Last of the great charity stalwarts

Photo: Darren Robinson

DEDICATED: Iris Last.

A VOLUNTEER who has helped to raise tens of thousands of pounds for Cancer Research UK has been nominated for a Pride in Oldham Award.

Dedicated Iris Last (74) got roped into the charity’s Chadderton and Oldham committee 28 years ago and explained: “The first time I went to help a friend who was on the committee.

“They were doing a coffee morning and I said, ‘Do you want me to come and give you a lift?’. It just stemmed from there.”

The unstinting group has handed over more than £500,000 for cancer research since it was formed in 1969.

Each year it pledges to donate £25,000 to a different aspect of cancer research, and fund-raising events range from casino nights to chocolate tasting.

Mrs Last, who also finds time to volunteer at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice, Royton, has been treasurer for eight years.

She organises an annual garage sale for Cancer Research UK at her home in Haigh Lane, Chadderton, with her husband, Roy (76). It has become a much-anticipated part of the social calendar and this years’ event raised a record £2,295.

“I just feel if we can raise the money to help somebody who has got cancer it is so worthwhile,” said Mrs Last, a former pharmacy dispensing assistant.

The grandmother-of-five personally writes to thank people who make a donation to the committee.

She also runs a craft group at Healds Green with a friend and is a founder member and treasurer of Chadderton Floral Art Society which celebrated its Golden Jubilee this year.

Mrs Last was nominated for a Pride in Oldham award for her “unstinting dedication and kindness” but said modestly: “I am very surprised and shocked. It’s lovely.”