ALTRINCHAM busking group Loose Change Buskers have hit their impressive fundraising target of £400, 000 for Cancer Research UK, almost £150, 000 of which was raised in just the past 18 months, writes Lauren Wood.

A familiar sight around the area, the Loose Change Buskers were formed in 2010 by Timperley and Altrincham musicians Bernard Dolan and John Fogel to boost donations to Cancer Research UK, after a leaflet about busking for cancer was brought into their guitar club. The group has since grown to over 30 members who perform most weekends around the borough to raise money.

Their impressive work has been widely recognised and they have been awarded both the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service and the Flame of Hope Award for their efforts in support of the charity.

Co-founder Bernard Dolan said the cause stood out to them because cancer affects so many people. He said: “All charities are good of course but everybody has been touched by cancer. A complete stranger will come up and put money in the bucket and tell you their story of why they’re donating. They’ve lost a partner, friend, mother, father. It really touches you.”

As the band members pay all of their own expenses, every penny raised goes straight to Cancer Research UK, which last year received over £2.8 million from supporters in the North West, and spent £26 million on research in Manchester alone.