TWO friends have founded a charitable organisation of volunteers to raise money for causes very close to their hearts.

Kathryn Crossley and Chris Higgs, both 46, started fundraising five years ago after suffering bereavements at the hands of cancer but this year they have stepped their efforts up a notch with the creation of an organisation called Doing it for Charity.

Kathryn, from Park Street, lost her mum and dad to the disease within 16 days of each other in 2000 and Chris, from Abbots Langley, lost her mum to cancer in 2006.

Kathryn, whose mum was also a dedicated charity worker, said: “We both wish to honour the memory of our parents by doing something positive for others.”

Their nominated charity for this year is Macmillan Cancer Support and they have now been joined by two friends, Diana Wrigley and Simone Deans, who bring skills in accountancy and law to drive the fundraising efforts forward even more.

The first event, called Gazebos in the Garden, will take place between 10am and 3pm on Wednesday, June 9, at Kathryn’s home at 32 Homewood Road, St Albans.

A total of 14 stalls will be selling a range of different luxury gifts including italian handbags, homemade cards and organic preserves.

The event won the support of the Hairy Bikers who have donated two signed copies of their cookery book to be raffled at the two events, the second of which will be bigger and will take place on November 17 at the Noke Thistle Hotel, St Albans.

For more information about all of the events, volunteering to help and about the organisation itself visit www.doingitforcharity.org.uk