On Tuesday 6th November a cheque for £5,028 was presented to Gordon Hyde of the Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research charity by Barbara Beckett, the Artistic Director of The Miller Centre Theatre Company. The donation was raised by the Company's recent production of Calendar Girls.

On presenting the cheque, Barbara Beckett said: "It was a privilege to be involved in such an inspirational play as Calendar Girls. Everyone involved in the show gained a huge amount from doing it and made many new friends. This included those who lives have been touched by Leukaemia or Lymphoma, which gave an added spur to our efforts.

It was wonderful to have the opportunity to make a calendar and I thank the brave girls who did it because that enabled us to make a heap more money. It is a privilege and delight to be able to hand to you, Gordon, a cheque for £5,028".

In accepting the cheque, Gordon Hyde said that he was astounded by how much money had been raised. "This is a fantastic amount for us in Leukaemia Research." said Gordon.

"This money will soon be heading to the research programmes that are going on around the country. At the moment, we are trying to improve the treatment for Leukaemia, find better ways of detecting it earlier and better ways of treating it without the horrendous side effects that affect some people".

£5,028 was raised for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research, of this £3,909 came from sales of the Calendar Girls cheeky 2013 colour calendar, starring the cast, and the balance from donations made by theatregoers.

The A3 size 2013 Calendar Girls calendars can be purchased at The Miller Centre for £5 and on eBay for £8 including postage (please search for 'theatre calendar 2013').