BRIDGWATER turned pink in October – raising more than £17,000 for cancer research in the process.

Throughout the month, Bridgwater Friends of Cancer Research UK, in partnership with the Bridgwater Town Team, launched an ambitious campaign to turn the town pink.

With just nine weeks to plan, the team reached out to local businesses, community groups and residents to get involved – and they responded in kind.

What started as a small idea quickly gathered momentum, transforming the town into a sea of pink and inspiring a wave of fundraising activities.

Local businesses decorated their windows and hosted raffles, cake sales, and pink-themed days.

Support came from all corners of the community, including carnival clubs, churches, medical centres, pubs, Slimming World groups, dance schools, exercise groups, and the Freemasons.

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Fundraising ideas ranged from haircuts to danceathons, with businesses also placing collection pots.

Bridgwater Town Hall was illuminated in pink and the High Street glowed with pink lights each evening.

Angel Place Shopping Centre played a key role, hosting a stunning Ferrari filled with balloons for the popular Guess the Number of Balloons competition, while artisans joined in with Crafty Collective producing bespoke mugs and an art display, and West Country Candle Co creating custom candles.

Entertainment was provided by Fox King dancers and YMTC, whose performances delighted visitors, while a window display competition judged by Mayor of Bridgwater, Cllr Kathy Pearce, saw Robson Funeral Directors crowned the winner, earning them a special trophy.

In total, £17,334 was raised for Cancer Research UK, with funds divided equally between research into breast cancer, lung cancer, urological cancer (prostate and testicular), and general cancer research.

The campaign was driven by a dedicated team: Vicki Barritt (Cancer Research UK), Keith and Carol Fishlock (Bridgwater Friends of Cancer Research UK), Rose Stacey (Timeless Images), Sarah Young and Sue Rawle (Crafty Collective), Paul Moate (chair, Bridgwater Town Team), and Sally Palmer (West Country Candle Co).

“A heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported Turn Bridgwater Pink. Your generosity and enthusiasm have made a real difference,” an event spokesperson said.