Schools, churches and community groups are all getting behind the Telegraph & Argus Bradford Can...Cancer Research Appeal.

The T&A's most ambitious and important campaign to date has captured the imagination of Bradfordians who want to put the city in the front line in the battle to find treatments and even cures for cancer.

If £1 million can be raised, it will trigger a further £5 million in funding from the Cancer Research Fund and just weeks into the appeal the fund total has already topped £50,000. It is set to go through the roof when money starts to flood in from community organised events.

In the coming weeks and months there will be a raft of bonfires, raffles, sponsored walks and non-uniform days taking place across the city to raise money for Bradford Can...

Each year Margaret Robinson and Pat Molloy, both of Queensbury, help organise a Canberra Dance at Queensbury Conservative Club.

This year following the recent death of their friend and fellow organiser Bob Cannon, they have decided to donate all the proceeds to the Bradford Can appeal. "It is time we raised money and found a cure for this terrible disease," said Margaret. "I don't think there is family out there who hasn't been touched by cancer."

The dance, which is a rock and roll night, takes place on Friday, November 30, and starts at 8.30pm. Admission is £2 on the door or tickets are available from the club.

Feversham Primary School in Bradford will get on board in the week following half-term when they will be busy stashing cash in cans for the appeal.

Nursery teacher Elizabeth Hemsworth will hand out 500 film canisters which the children will fill with money and return.

"Nearly every family has been touched by cancer and I think this appeal is something our parents will support," she said.

On Friday, children at Ladyroyd School in Bradford will take part in a dress-down day to raise money for the appeal.

Pupils at St Anthony's Roman Catholic Church and Primary School in Clayton are also keen to get on board and their first event will be a bonfire on Sunday, November 4 starting at 6pm. Admission is free and there will be a bar and refreshments on sale to raise money for the appeal.

Organiser Alice Isitt said it would be the start of a six month fund-raising effort. "Raising money to find a cure for cancer is a necessity," she said. "This is a local appeal and we hope we can do well." Future events include a table-top sale and a sponsored walk.

Great Horton Methodist circuit has got involved in fund-raising with a harvest festival in aid of the appeal and more events are planned next year.

Cancer Research Campaign senior fundraising manager, Claire Marshall, said: "We have got off to a flying start.

"We have had so many calls from people who are supporting the campaign and we hope lots more will get involved and organise events to raise money.