The Ribble Valley & White Rose Ladies are calling for new members to join their commended fundraising body in time to meet the Duke of Gloucester at their next luncheon event on 9th September.

Staff at The Rendezvous Hotel in Skipton will be following strict security protocol for the event which is classed as a Royal visit to the town and is supported by Skipton Building Society.

Prince Richard the Duke of Gloucester carries out royal engagements on behalf of his cousin, the Queen and is President of Cancer Research, the designated fund to which the Ribble Valley & White Rose Ladies regularly contribute. A fundraising body which unites the traditionally opposed counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire in the battle against cancer, they have raised over a half a million pounds specifically for research into childhood leukaemia.

Despite the name, the charity welcomes gentleman supporters and non-members to their regular luncheon and dinner events which feature a range of inspiring speakers.

The Duke of Gloucester attended an event when the Rose Ladies reached their quarter million milestone, and the committee is delighted that he is honouring them again this autumn.

The luncheon will be a celebration of the drive and resilience of youth, with some inspirational youngsters visitors invited to meet the Duke including Yorkshire’s runner up in the BBC’s last series of The Apprentice. Claire Young will be attending the event prior to her own appearance as speaker at Ribble Valley & White Rose Ladies annual ball on 10th October.

Reminding everyone of how worthwhile and appreciated these fundraising efforts for research are, will be 13 year old Child of Achievement, Lauren Richmond from Barnoldswick. Lauren was diagnosed with leukaemia in October 1999 and will meet the Duke having successfully fought the disease with the aid of treatment.

Eight youngsters aged between 7 and 15 from Bradley Young Farmers have also been invited along to meet the Duke and will be presenting Cancer Research with a cheque for £2398, raised by Maria and Emily Stirk and their friends who began fundraising for research when their uncle, Frank Isherwood, contracted cancer.

For details on how to support the Ribble Valley & White Rose Ladies or for tickets to the luncheon on 9th September, contact Secretary, Karen Weaving on 01756 700100.