The powerful legacy of a much-loved and honoured community figure is being upheld by the next generation of his family.
The granddaughter of Bernard Lingen – co-founder of the region’s primary cancer charity Lingen Davies Cancer Support – directed a performance of Calendar Girls and took the opportunity to continue fundraising for the region’s primary cancer charity.
Tess Barclay oversaw the production staged by Wem Amateur Dramatic and Operatic Society and also ran a raffle and collection. £500 was raised from the performance which will go towards the charity’s £5million Sunflower Appeal to develop cancer services across the region.
Chosen specifically for its visual and thematic links to the Sunflower Appeal, the play was an ‘easy decision’ for the group, with several members affected by cancer. It also enabled the director Tess Barclay to honour her familial link to Bernard Lingen, the Mayor of Shrewsbury in 1979 who along with Frank Davies launched the original Lingen Davies Cobalt Appeal.
Tess Barclay said: “I was at the hospital and saw that Lingen Davies was doing the Sunflower Appeal, and I thought it combines these two elements beautifully because of the sunflowers from Calendar Girls. There’s also a special importance to me as Bernard Lingen who founded the Lingen Davies charity was my Grandpa, and I was very fond of him. He raised a lot of money, and I want his legacy to continue.
“We’re very proud of my Grandfather and all the work he did. We’re continuing to remember him and his name and do as much as we can for Lingen Davies. That’s why we’ve donated the money to this charity, it was an easy decision,” she added.
Claire Purcell, Head of Community Fundraising for Lingen Davies, said: “It’s always a pleasure supporting local groups with their fundraising efforts, but it’s extra special when there’s a personal story or reason behind it. We’re so proud of how far our charity has come since it was founded by Bernard Lingen and Frank Davies in 1979, and it’s really moving to know that we’re working alongside their family members to continue their powerful and far-reaching legacy.”
Last year Lingen Davies Cancer Support launched the £5million Sunflower Appeal to develop cancer services across the region. The appeal will fund the development of a Lingen Davies Cancer Centre at Telford’s Princess Royal Hospital by 2029, doubling chemotherapy capacity across the region, as well as delivering outpatient clinics, lung diagnostic and urology services.
The charity has so far raised over £562,000 for the appeal, with more dedicated fundraising activities and events planned. On Sunday, 17th May a Sunflower Sprint will take place in Telford, Shrewsbury, and Caersws with all money raised through the 5k colour run going to supporting the appeal.
Find out more about the Lingen Davies Sunflower Appeal at lingendavies.co.uk.
Tess Barclay with cast and crew for Calendar Girls performance at Wem Amateur Dramatic & Operatic Society.
