TIRELESS fundraiser Beryl Powell is to stand down after three decades as the head of a cancer charity.
Mrs Powell, who was awarded an MBE in 1999, has chaired the Mold branch of the North West Cancer Research Fund for 30 years.
The branch has helped raise more than £500,000 since it was formed in 1951.
“After 30 years I am ready to give it up,” said the 79-year-old who lives in Mold.
“We would love to have some younger people to bring in some fresh ideas. A lot of good has been done over the years. With the charity we know where all the money goes.
“For every pound raised, ninety pence goes to research.”
During Mrs Powell’s tenureship the branch contributed funds towards the cancer research centre at Bangor University.
She joined the organisation in 1966 after the death of her father, Phillip Lloyd-Jones, from cancer.
“At the time there was no treatment, no drugs at all,” she said.
“I decided then that while there was breath in my body I would work for cancer research. A lot of people are now living with cancer, things have gotten better.”
Mrs Powell, a former business studies teacher at Ysgol Maes Garmon in Mold, lists one of her highlights as meeting the Queen during her visit to Mold in 2003.
She is still hoping to continue to work for the charity after stepping down as chairman.
She added: “I would like to thank everyone who has helped contribute to the charity over the years. I can’t thank all of the organisers, volunteers and philanthropic individuals enough for all of their time and effort.
“I have made a lot of friends. It has been emotional.”