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A wine-tasting evening held by a monthly not-for-profit business networking group has raised funds for Teenage Cancer Trust.

The Friday Network, which meets every month at the Old Red Lion pub in Horseheath, presented a cheque for £460 to the charity on Friday, January 21.

The networking group, founded by Kate Anstee from The Time Finder Agency Founder in Castle Camps; Jenni Bradnam from Travel Counsellors in Kedington; and Denise Lindsell from Hardcastle Burton LLP in Royston, brings together 20 business people a month.

The group, which sets itself apart from other regular networking groups by not charging a membership fee and being not-for-profit, has welcomed over 40 different businesses from Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex over the past year.

The wine-tasting took place at Birdbrook Community House, in December. The wine was donated by Birdbrook-based C2C Wines and a light buffet by Ashdon Catering in Ashdon.

Teenage Cancer Trust has been chosen at the Friday Network’s charity for 2011 and another wine-tasting event will take place in June.

Denise Lindsell from Hardcastle Burton, said: “We were extremely pleased with the turnout for our first fund raiser for Teenage Cancer Trust with many people from the local business community coming along to show their support and enjoying a wonderful evening tasting wines and food from local businesses. We had so much fun that we are planning another in June.

“We have chosen the Teenage Cancer Trust as our charity to support this year. Almost everyone has at some time known someone affected by cancer but it is particularly distressing when young people are diagnosed.

"Teenagers who should be thinking about going out with their friends, studying, and looking to the future are suddenly hit with devastating news and they and their families are looked after and supported by Teenage Cancer Trust.

"We are delighted to be supporting this charity in its very important work.”

Teenage Cancer Trust focuses on the needs of teenagers and young adults with cancer by providing specialist teenage units in NHS hospitals designed to give teenagers and young people the very best chance of a positive outcome.

As well as state-of-the-art facilities to keep patients occupied during long stays in hospital, the units provide an environment where teenagers can meet others in a similar situation.

Helen Bearfield-Smith from Teenage Cancer Trust said: “It is fantastic that the local business community are supporting Teenage Cancer Trust.

"It is our third year of fund raising for the construction of the first Teenage Cancer Trust unit in East Anglia at Addenbrooke’s Hospital and I am delighted that the Friday Network has chosen to support the charity with further fund raisers this year.”

The group’s next meeting is on Friday, February 18, at Abington Hall from 12.45pm to 2.45pm and will feature a tour of the hall and a talk on its history. Tickets are £16 and can be booked online at www.fridaynetwork.com