A CHANCE conversation in a cancer treatment waiting room helped inspire a Lyneham woman to raise thousands of pounds.

Trudie Clarkson accompanied her best friend to the Churchill Hospital for treatment when she met five patients from Swindon. They spoke of the torment of having to make the 70-mile round trip.

“It’s dramatic enough for the person and their family and friends to have to go through cancer, but to have to Oxford as well is bad,” said Trudie, 57, whose father, mother, aunt and uncle have all passed away after a fight with cancer.

“We spoke a little bit about their treatment and the journey they had to make,” said Trudie.

“They said that the sometimes the traffic could be really bad, taking them two to three hours to make the trip – when the treatment itself just takes a few minutes.”

The conversations left their mark on Trudie.

When her husband was elected chair of the Swindon Freemasons, she decided to do something to help cancer suffers like those she met in Oxford.

One of the duties of the chairman's partner is organising a fundraising event for the lodge. “I decided to hold a black tie event and, for me personally, choosing the charity was a very easy decision to make.”

The glitzy fundraising ball was held at Wroughton’s Alexandra House Hotel in July, with a five-course dinner and swing music from vintage acts.

“I wanted something a bit different,” said Trudie. The Lyneham woman is fascinated by the “swing” era, spending her spare time organising 1940s-themed re-enactment events.

Musicians Steve Green and the Swing Street – a 14-piece big band – gave their time for free. “They were fantastic,” Trudie said. “They came all the way from Sussex.”

Local artists gave works to be auctioned off in support of Brighter Futures.

The event made over £2,100 for Brighter Futures. “We wanted to make as much money for the charity as possible,” Trudie said.

She now plans to hold another fundraising event next year. Trudie said: “I was thinking of another black tie ball, but I think I’m going to have an afternoon tea with live entertainment.”

To donate to the Brighter Futures appeal, fill in the form on this page or log on to: www.brighterfuturesgwh.nhs.uk.