MEMBERS of Bradford Muslim Women's Forum were given a guided tour of a University cancer research unit after making a donation to the Telegraph & Argus Bradford Crocus Cancer Appeal.

The Forum raised £1,000 at a fundraising dinner held at the Carlisle Business Centre, Manningham in May. The event also featured a bazaar for female entrepreneurs.

Forum members presented the cheque yesterday after being taken around the University of Bradford's Institute of Cancer Therapeutics (ICT). This features a team of researchers in the field of drug design, synthesis, screening and pharmacology.

The Crocus Appeal aims to reach its £1 million goal for the discovery and development of new cancer medicines.

Appeal cash will be spent on the purchase of a specialist piece of equipment called a proteomics mass spectrometer.

This state-of-the-art mass spectrometer will allow scientists to understand the vital role that certain proteins play in the spread of cancerous cells. It will also replace its current machine, which is seven years old.

With a clearer understanding of which proteins enable cancer progression, scientists based at the city's university will be able to design targeted cancer medicines.

A further £1,000 raised from the Bradford Muslim Women's Forum's dinner will go to the Behbud Women’s Centre in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Sabiya Khan, chairman of the Forum, said: "Cancer is something that touches the lives of many people. It's so common

"Members of our group have had experiences themselves or family or friends who have.

"We wanted to support the work of cancer therapy and give money to a local cause.

"The Forum are working on different issues. We encourage our younger members to get involved and organise events. We do lots of different things."

Professor Laurence Patterson, director of the University of Bradford's Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, said: "It's an absolutely fantastic donation and is recognition of what we are doing here.

"We showed the Forum what the Institute is all about. It also shows that the appeal is reaching out to all parts of the community.

"It's a lot of money for the community to give. Every bit helps towards our final target.

"We have had a spectrometer for seven years now and it's reached the end of its life now."

The Telegraph & Argus is working in partnership with the university, Yorkshire Cancer Research, Sovereign Health Care Charitable Trust and great public support to reach the target.

To make a donation to the Crocus Appeal, text the word CROCUS to 70800 to make a one-off donation of £5, make a cheque payable to T&A Bradford Crocus Cancer Appeal, or make a cash donation to Telegraph & Argus Newspaper, Hall Ings, Bradford, BD1 1JR or University of Bradford, Richmond Building reception, BD7 1DP. Lloyds banks in the Bradford area will also accept donations over the counter.