AS PART of Cobalt’s 50th Anniversary year, they are holding a special event at St Philip & St James Church, in Painswick Road off the Bath Road in Cheltenham, on Friday, September 5.

An opportunity to give thanks and to remember, they want to hear from anyone who would like to join them.

Celia from Stroud remembered her father was a patient in the original Cobalt building at Cheltenham General Hospital during 1970/71.

At the time the garden was being developed and her grandfather donated sacks of tulips, something he grew commercially.

She remembered visiting him there as a child.

Her mum had always supported Cobalt and Celia joined her.

Celia’s daughter Jenni recently followed suit and said “My late Grannie and my Mum have been supporters for years. I am following the family tradition”.

It was Cobalt who brought the Breast Screening service to Gloucestershire.

In the late 1980s, with support of local firm CM Downton Ltd, the mobile breast units reached all corners of the county.

Thanks to the generosity of Cobalt supporters, Thirlestaine Breast Centre became the headquarters for county breast care in October 2009.

Zena Giles, fundraiser for Cobalt said “The evening will begin at 6.30pm with the opportunity to light a candle for someone special to you, there will be music and readings, with time for personal reflection. Peter Sharpe, Cobalt’s CEO will speak briefly about our current work also our vision for the future. There will be refreshments and the chance to mix, mingle and chat, with a retiring collection, for anyone who might want to make a donation.”

Cobalt’s Medical Director, Professor Iain Lyburn said “Working closely with consultants from 2gether, who specialise in dementia care, Cobalt has the chance to be at the leading edge of dementia diagnosis and research that will make a huge difference to the lives of thousands of Gloucestershire patients and many more across the country.”

For 50 years Cobalt has played an important part in health care for Gloucestershire.

The evening being organised is a great opportunity to celebrate their past achievements and the many thousands of local lives the Charity has touched.

Zena went on to add “We hope it will be an uplifting and joyous occasion, one you will want to be part of it.

If you would like a ticket (these are free), please get in touch with the team on 01242 535922.

We look forward to seeing you there.”