A NEWLY retired assistant manager has raised more than £2 million for Cancer Research UK.

Judith Jackson is from Hexham and retired from her role as assistant manager from the charity shop in Hexham on Christmas Eve.

During her time at Cancer Research she has raised a total of £2.1 million by taking part in numerous charitable events.

Her daughter, Amanda Whitfield, said she believed her mother deserved recognition due to her contributions to the community.

“I couldn’t believe it when she told me how much she’s raised, it’s an amazing achievement,” she said.

Judith will have a retirement lunch at The County Hotel in Hexham on Tuesday, March 15 where she will celebrate her achievements with colleagues from Cancer Research.

The charity's area manager visited Judith a week before she was due to retire, with a box of chocolates, a card, and flowers from the head office of Cancer Research as a thank you.

“I think she’s amazing, she’s served the community so well,” Amanda added.

Judith started working at Cancer Research in 2003 after working at Hexham-based business Matthew Charlton.

Judith said she got involved with Cancer Research when she had to work part time whilst caring for her parents, and thought she could support a worthwhile cause.

Amanda said her mother is looking forward to enjoying life and looking after her grandchildren, among other things.

“I’ve got mixed emotions about retiring. I’ve enjoyed what I’ve done, but I’m looking forward to gardening, keeping active, swimming and going to the gym,” Judith said.

She continues to volunteer at Cancer Research one day a week, as she says that she wants to continue supporting the worthy cause: “Cancer doesn’t stop,” she said.

Some of her achievements include completing the Race for Life five times, the Relay for Life at Hexham Racecourse where she helped to raise £15,000, and was also well known for vintage fairs at Hexham Trinity Methodist Church.

For the last 10 years she has sold Christmas cards at Stocksfield Community Centre to raise money for Cancer Research.

She participated in the Car Boot Challenge in 2003, when volunteers turned £100 into £240 at Sedgefield Racecourse.

Judith said: “Everyone in the community has been supportive, as are the customers and donaters.”

“I hope I’ve helped some people. I’m sure I’ve contributed to supporting research and helping to prolong lives.”

“It was very hard work, long hours, and I’ve volunteered just as many. I’ve met really nice people and I couldn’t have done it alone,” she added.

Amanda said her mother always ‘came back with a bargain’ when she worked at Cancer Research, made friends and supported people in need.

“She’s always worked in customer service, and she’s always been good at it. A lot of people in Hexham know her.”

Judith also made and decorated the cake for the Christmas raffle at the shop, and helped to sell soup on Halloween in Hexham Market Place for Corbridge Steam Rally in 2019.