The past year has been both a terrible year full of sadness and a great year full of hope.

It's been terrible because we've lost our friend and colleague Russell Bulgin, and that's why we are supporting Professor Cunningham's Research Fund at the Royal Marsden Hospital his year.

Tragically we also lost our friend, Yvette d'Arcy, former PR for Renault and Nissan and WOMAC committee member just before the party. She was first diagosed with cancer more than 10 years ago, and campaigned hard with WOMAC to raise money for the Let's Hammer Cancer appeal at the Hammersmith Hospital where she was treated. But despite such sad news, it has been a fantastic year. For one thing we have Lynda Shewan from the SMMT press office back with us after her treatment. She sorted out the tickets for the party with her usual energy, and came along looking fantastic. It's wonderful, too, that despite all the tough times and budget cuts, the motor industry is still supporting WOMAC as it always does. Thanks to you, last year the Royal College of Surgeons was able to carry out potentially life-saving research into treatment to stop the spread of bowel cancer. Thanks to you, WOMAC has helped Kingston Hospital transform the experience of its cancer patients. And thanks to you, 20 sick kids have enjoyed wonderful outward-bound holidays with the Youth Cancer Trust. On top of that, we had were able to help The Lucy Fund open a conservatory for patients on top of the Royal Marsden Hospital. This year we hope to raise as much money as we can for Professor Cunningham's Fund at the Marsden, and Willen Hospice near Milton Keynes. (Link to charities page) Our next event will be a stall at the Knowle Hill Steam Fair August 10/11. If you can help us by offering tombola or raffle prizes, by donating unwanted branded clothing, buvolunteering to help on the stall, or by raising money for this year's charities, please contact us. Best wishes Liz Turner