VISITORS to the Blue Planet Aquarium in Cheshire Oaks have helped to raise more than £400 for the Christie charity.
The money was raised by voluntary donations by the public to have their faces painted.
A cheque for £437 was handed over to Christie charity mascot ‘Christie Bear’ and community fundraising officer Toni Kennedy by Blue Planet Aquarium’s mascot Charlie the Clownfish.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank both the staff and visitors to Blue Planet Aquarium for their extremely generous contribution,” said Toni.
“Donations help pay for ground-breaking cancer research, high-tech equipment and extra patient services. Face-painting is a great way for people to contribute and have fun at the same time.”
The aquarium chooses a different recipient charity every month and other organisations that have benefited so far this year include Cystic Fibrosis Trust, Claire House and the Marine Conservation Society.
So far nearly £6,000 has been raised from donations from visitors to Blue Planet Aquarium.
Blue Planet Aquarium’s Paul Renolds said: “It demonstrates the generosity of our visitors that they have now donated many thousands of pounds to dozens of good causes in recent years.
“We vary the charities we work with to ensure as broad a scope as possible and this is something our visitors feel is an appropriate and fair way to apportion donations.
“We’d also like to thank every one who has donated money as well as the amazing skills of our team of face painters!” he added.
The Christie charity raises money to fund projects at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, which are outside the scope of the NHS.
Based in Manchester The Christie serves a population of 3.2 million across Greater Manchester and Cheshire.
It is one of Europe’s leading cancer centres, treating more than 40,000 patients a year.
The Christie is also an international leader in research. Cancer research in Manchester, most of which is undertaken on The Christie site, has been officially ranked the best in the UK.