The group - which began as a support group for cancer patients and survivors and their loved ones - held its first raffle at Christmas in 1999, raising $4000 "in no time".

They decided to donate the proceeds to local cancer research efforts at the Mater Hospital, now known as Calvary Mater Newcastle.

"You would have thought we gave them $4 million," group president Marie Main recalled of their first-ever cheque handover to the research scientists.

From countless raffles, bingo days, country music nights and coach trips to every corner of Australia, the group has raised $667,000, which has funded vital equipment for the Mater's research teams to use in treatment and clinical trials.

The group's fundraising efforts took a hit during COVID, and between that and its ageing membership, the decision was made to fold.

Despite a slow year in 2020, the group handed over one last cheque for $12,000 at its farewell morning tea at East Cessnock Bowling Club last Friday.

Calvary Mater Newcastle representatives attended the morning tea, handing out long service badges and a rose to each of the members present.

Mrs Main said the group was grateful for the support of the Cessnock community over the years.

"The whole town has supported us - if we invited everyone who supported us we would have to get the Opera House to fit everybody in!" she said.

"When we said it was for the Mater, people wouldn't hesitate."

Calvary Mater Newcastle director of mission Mary Ringstad said the organisation had a "deep gratitude" for the group's commitment to fundraising for cancer research.

"To choose to donate to research shows a lot of wisdom," she said.

"We have benefited enormously as have our patients.

"You leave an extraordinary legacy - financial, research and the relationships that have been formed."

Anyone wishing to donate directly to Calvary Mater Newcastle's cancer research department can do so at calvarycare.org.au.