Seventeen-year-old Courtney Hardwick, winner of the Idlewells Centre Mother’s Day balloon-release competition, presents a cheque for £250 to her chosen local charity, Amazon Breast Cancer Support Group.

Courtney’s balloon travelled the furthest of 500 released on Mother’s Day and was found two weeks later in Tonbridge, Kent.

It won Courtney a £50 cash prize and £200 to donate to a local charity.

The finder of the balloon, Arthur Rabbit, also donated his £50 prize to the charity.

The Amazon group is celebrating 20 years of fundraising to support breast cancer patients at King’s Mill Hospital, Sutton.

Over the years it has raised £160,000 for equipment that solely benefits the King’s Mill Breast Care Unit and Welcome Treatment Centre.

“We’re delighted that Courtney chose to donate to us,” said Amazon secretary Geoff Stafford.

“It’s always lovely to see young people involved and a pleasure to meet a thoughtful girl like Courtney.”
Geoff’s wife, Janet, was one of the founding members of Amazon.

To find out more about the group, call 01623 622515 (ext 3884) or go to one of its open meetings in the Amazon Lounge at King’s Mill.

Pictured are Caitlan, Amanda and Ellie Buczek, Courtney’s mum, Mel, Keisha Buczek, Courtney Hardwick, and Janet and Geoff Stafford.