A JUDGES' Special Award was handed out to officers from Basingstoke CID for their huge fundraising efforts after a colleague was diagnosed with cancer.

A team of 10 officers formed a fundraising committee after Detective Constable Ian Jones announced he had the condition. His friends and colleagues followed Det Con Jones' treatment and soon realised that Basingstoke hospital was in need of a specialist cancer unit.

The committee set out to raise £10,000 to help the hospital build a specialist unit. However, less than a year after the committee was set up, the figure stands at well over £100,000.

The committee members have thrown themselves into fundraising and officers, friends and family have followed suit.

Parachute jumps, charity golf days and a gruelling Three Peaks challenge have all helped to boost the total amount raised for the Wessex Cancer Trust Brighter Days Appeal.

Det Con Jones is currently in remission after his treatment and has returned to work - but the fundraising goes on.

Superintendent Paul Netherton, head of Basingstoke police, said: "I recognise the enthusiasm and dedication this team has made to help Basingstoke become a better place for everyone.

"Identifying the need for a new Oncology unit was just the start and helping a charity who were already working hard in the borough to increase facilities for those in desperate need was the next stage. Their efforts mean an investment in the long-term future for the people of Basingstoke."

Article first published on Thursday, April 1, 2004