‘INSPIRATIONAL’ volunteers in Bramhope are celebrating raising more than £40,000 for Candlelighters.

Team Bramhope has generated the money for the children’s cancer charity by taking part in runs, walks and other events over the past decade.

The group was formed by the owner of The Village Newsagents, Tariq Qadeer, a decade ago to encourage customers and friends to join forces for charity.

The team has grown in the subsequent years as its enthusiasm and passion of its members increased. Recent notable events have included the White Rose Way Wander in 2018, when member Andy Taylor completed a 104 mile walk supported by friends and colleagues.

Team Bramhope was shortlisted for the Candlelighters Team Effort of the Year Award in 2018 but has no intention of resting on its laurels.

The group will celebrate its tenth anniversary by taking part in the Leeds Half Marathon on Sunday, May 12. It already has nine runners signed up but is seeking a final, tenth volunteer to help mark its tenth year.

Mr Qadir, reflecting on a decade of fundraising both for Candlelighters and other causes, said: “It has been an absolute honour and pleasure to work with, and for, this amazing charity over the last ten years.

“Jennifer from Candlelighters has just met my little nephew whose illness was the reason that I came to know about the charity and the work they do.

“I have been supporting the Imran Khan Cancer Appeal, which is the biggest cancer charity in Pakistan, and after finding out about the Candlelighters trust I decided to take up this as my main fundraising charity in the UK, as well as supporting other charities.

“I do this fundraising by organising four different events in the village every year. The Leeds half marathon has been going on for over 10 years now while the other three events are Comic Relief’s ‘run a mile’ in March, the Yorkshire Three Peaks walk in August, and a pub quiz in November. I am very grateful and humbled by the generosity, support and trust from the people of Bramhope who have not only been taking part in these events but also donating.

“With their help I have managed to raise more than £55,000 for a number of good causes. This year is going to be most challenging as I have set a target of raising £10,000 for charities, including Candlelighters.”

Senior Community Fundraiser for Candlelighters, Jen Aspinall, added: “Tariq and everyone involved in Team Bramhope are such an inspiration. They have supported Candlelighters for ten years and have raised more than £40,000 which has enabled us to do enormous amounts to support children and their families across Yorkshire facing childhood cancer.”

For more details visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/teambramhope1 .