The group formed in 1999 and has since raised $588,500 for cancer research.

Its fundraising activities include raffles in the Cessnock Marketplace, coach trips, bingo days and a country music concert.

Mostly aged in their seventies and eighties, the group puts in countless hours of volunteer work every year for a common goal – finding a cure for cancer.

The members concur that they couldn’t do what they do without the generosity of the people of Cessnock.

The group presented its latest donation to Calvary Mater Newcastle scientist Dr Jennette Sakoff at a lunch at East Cessnock Bowling Club on Friday.

Dr Sakoff said donations like the Coalfields group’s were critical for the cancer research deparment.

“We spend every cent on equipment – it’s not lost in administration,” she said.

This year’s donation went towards a Rotor-Gene, which allows scientists to monitor gene activity.

“It’s a core piece of equipment for many cancer research projects,” Dr Sakoff said.

The group’s meetings will resume in February. Meetings are held at Cessnock Leagues Club on the first Monday of the month at 2pm, and new members are welcome.

The group is running a six-day trip to Kiama and Batehaven, departing March 12.

For bookings or more information, call Marie on 0432 253 717.