A Bradford-based fundraising team is celebrating a record-breaking annual total as it continues to support the fight against cancer.

The Bradford Cancer Research UK group, led by skin cancer survivor Andy Jackson, 43, raised £63,000 in the year up to February 2014, beating the previous year’s total of £48,000.

Mr Jackson, who was diagnosed with a non-malignant melanoma in February 2012, co-ordinates a team of ten core volunteers, who have worked together to raise more than £150,000 over three years.

Alongside their own events and campaigns, the group is also supported by ‘In Memory’ collections from funeral services and received more than £15,000 from individual fundraising projects last year.

Mr Jackson, of Holme Wood, said: “I get an enormous sense of pride being part of the team, which is full of amazing volunteers. With it being my home city, it is really special to see the generosity of the people of Bradford.”

The team helps to support anyone who is raising money for Cancer Research UK in the BD post code area, and also works with businesses, groups, schools and colleges to collection donations and promote awareness of the disease via its information stand.

About three people are diagnosed with cancer every hour in Yorkshire and The Humber, and the team hold regular collections at supermarkets and train stations across the Bradford district, with local companies and events such as Redcats UK and the Keighley Film Festival also lending their support.

“People’s donations really are vital, as there are research studies going on all the time, including here in Bradford,” said Mr Jackson. “Even if it is just a local business contacting us to say they will take a goblet for collections, that’s great, as every little helps.”

The team runs a website designed to support events across the Bradford district, including free advertising, different ways to donate, volunteering opportunities and information about the work it undertakes.

Mr Jackson received a special commendation in Cancer Research UK’s 2012 Flame of Hope Awards, to acknowledge outstanding contributions in fundraising and volunteering, and Nicki Embleton, Yorkshire spokesman for Cancer Research UK, said he had “worked tirelessly” since first volunteering for the charity in 2006.

She said: “We are extremely grateful for the incredible amount of money Andy and his team raise each year, and for the way he promotes the charity in the Bradford area.” she said.

For more information, visit crukbradford.org.uk.