Ripley Round-up: Trolley Dash Part of Fundraising Activity for Cancer Charity

Published on: 27 Sep, 2017
Updated on: 23 Jul, 2020

The Ripley Round-up becomes our third occasional column to cover Guildford’s villages.

By Chris Dick

Despite an important planning inquiry at neighbouring Wisley and the controversial changes to the A3/ M25 Junction 10, some Ripley residents have found time for some other important activity – a “trolley dash” to raise money for charity.

The trolley dash is just one of the events that have taken place over the last couple of months in a fundraising effort that has raised over a thousand pounds. The proceeds are going to Macmillan Cancer Support.

Co-op staff members (left to right) Andrew Cooper, Chloe-Rose Millington, and Nicola Milne helped Organise the trolley dash on their day off.

The idea came from a local man Nicky Dean who in February 2017 was diagnosed with terminal cancer and given 6-18 months to live at 55.

Nicky said: “What started off as a mad idea over a couple of beers one Sunday afternoon has now turned into this event that surpassed my expectations. Today would not have been possible without the help of volunteers, sponsors and those who donated prizes.

“I would like to thank everyone that has got behind this project, it just goes to show what a great village we live in. All of today’s proceeds will be going to Macmillan Cancer Support.”

Emma Blackmore who organised and promoted the event with the rest of the fundraising committee said: “The trolley dash was one of the top three raffle prizes and the tickets were being sold to raise money for Macmillan Nurses as part of the Soapbox event.”

Andrew Cooper (assistant manager), Chloe-Rose Millington (assistant manager), Nicola Milne (assistant manager), Matthew Knight (store manager), Philippa Gallacher (winner), and one of the other raffle winners.

The Ripley Co-op Manager, Matthew Knight reported that the total at the till had been £319.15.

Events, such as the trolley dash, were supported by the Ripley Bonfire Association and Ripley Scouts. A total of £1,500 was raised.

The Village Hall

Clare Porter, one of the organisers on the village hall rebuild committee, told The Guildford Dragon that residents are trying to raise sufficient funds to rebuild the Village Hall as the maintenance costs of the ageing timber building were spiralling. The target figure is £1 million pounds. One of their events, Bingo and Hog Roast, is due to take place on Saturday, September 30. A further event will be a “Sing-a-Long Grease” takes place on October 14.

Firework Event

The Ripley Fireworks Committee is preparing for its popular annual bonfire event that always takes place on the last Saturday in October. Starting with the usual funfair at 2pm there is an afternoon and evening packed with family events. The fireworks get underway at 8pm.