Tesco colleagues at the Midsomer Norton store were pretty in pink when they hosted a special fundraising day for Cancer Research UK.

The charity event was the brainchild of Maxine Parsons, whose daughter Lauren is having treatment for an aggressive breast cancer.

Lauren, who is 32 and mother of six-year-old Theo, is undergoing weekly chemotherapy and will have a double mastectomy in 12 months’ time.

The Midsomer Norton store was decked out in pink balloons and colleagues donned bright outfits to mark the day, which included face-painting, a tombola and raffle. Customers really got behind the event and raised £1,005.

Maxine, who is a service team support leader at the store, where she’s worked for 23 years, said: “The day went really well. I think it’s the most money we’ve ever raised during a charity event.

“I would like to thank colleagues Beckie Eschle, Bessie Eschle, Christine Wyatt, Fay White and Katherine Large for all the hard work and determination they gave to ensure the event such a success.

“We also had great support from the Midsomer Norton community and colleagues here at the store. Everyone really got into the spirit of things and was very generous.

“I was overwhelmed by how kind everyone was, so I’d like to say thank you to all those who gave money on the day and wished Lauren a healthy recovery.

“This is something that has recently become a huge part of my life because of my daughter being diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. She’s being incredibly courageous as she receives the treatment.”

In addition to the Midsomer Norton store’s fundraiser, Lauren’s friend Lauren Rupprich will be taking part in next year’s Bath Half to raise more money for Cancer Research UK.

She said: “I have known Lauren her whole life and throughout these years I have watched her overcome many different hurdles in life and flourish into the wonderful woman she is today and the most amazing mother she is to Theo.

“Now Lauren is going through very intense chemotherapy every week, fighting through this and being the bravest, strongest human being, and together we will get through this with all the support people are giving.

“Any donation people can make to this charity would be amazing, because every penny will help.”

To make a donation ahead of Lauren competing in the Bath Half, go online at: https://bathhalf2024.enthuse.com/pf/lauren-rupprich

All funds raised by Lauren and the Midsomer Norton store will go towards world-class research to help beat 200 types of the disease – including bowel cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, testicular cancer, brain cancer, children’s cancers and leukaemia.

Tesco has worked in partnership with Cancer Research UK for more than two decades, raising millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer.