A Middlesbrough-based social club has raised nearly £29,000 to support patients being treated for cancer at The James Cook University Hospital.
Staff and members at Beechwood, Easterside and District Social Club have been supporting the hospital for more than 50 years. Its latest venture saw the club raise £28,855.50 over the course of a year for the hospital’s radiotherapy unit – where 68-year-old entertainment manager Harry Dunn has recently received treatment for prostate cancer.
But Harry’s not the only person at the club who has received prostate cancer care at James Cook. A number of staff and members of the club have also been affected, including 61-year-old secretary Mick Smith.
Harry and Mick, both from Middlesbrough, recently visited the hospital’s radiotherapy unit on the club’s behalf to make their generous donation.
Harry said: “Everyone’s affected by cancer and there’s been loads of lads at the club who have or have had prostate cancer. If you haven’t had it yourself, you know someone who has.
“We just want to say a big thank you to all our members and the committee. We couldn’t do this without them.”
Mick continued: “As soon as you mention James Cook, our members all want to get involved because they’ve all used it. Harry will organise a show for a charity night and it sells out straight away.
“Clubs like this one aren’t just about having a drink. It’s a community and we couldn’t support charities like we do without our members.”
The social club, which is located just over the road from the hospital, was awarded ‘Charity Club of the Year’ at Club Mirror’s 2025 Club Awards. The staff have run a number of charity events over the last 12 months for their latest cause – and members have been keen to get involved as well, taking on charity cycles, walks and more.
Claire Huntley, radiotherapy services manager at University Hospitals Tees, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Mick, Harry and everyone at Beechwood, Easterside and District Social Club for their continuous support of James Cook.
“Their latest donation means we’ve been able to purchase a fourth bladder scanner, meaning less waiting time for patients who are coming to us for treatment. The difference this will make for patients, like Harry, is so invaluable.”
Our Hospitals Charity
Our Hospitals Charity enhances care and the hospital environment for patients under the care of South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. For more information about the charity and its latest fundraising campaigns, please visit: www.southtees.nhs.uk/charity