Two friends in Okehampton have shown the ?force? of their funraising power by helping an Exeter-based cancer charity. Lisa Blowey, who lives and works in Okehampton, raised £3,000, and Dawn Pitts, along with her team at Quinns Hairdressing, raised £2,764. The money is for FORCE, a self-funded cancer charity based in Exeter. FORCE?s work finances improvements in patient care through research, the purchase of advanced equipment and their information and support centre which is located in the grounds of the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. Founded by a group of friends in 1987, FORCE initially stood for Friends of the Oncology and Radiotherapy Centre. FORCE has gone from strength to strength and now raises more than £650,000 per year. Lisa Blowey first visited the FORCE centre in May 2006 after being diagnosed with breast cancer. It was here she met Ron Hopkins, 71, an Okehampton resident and a FORCE volunteer. Mr Hopkins has had cancer for the past five years. He said: ?I greet and comfort people at the centre. It is especially hard for people who have just been diagnosed.? Mr Hopkins, who said his glass is always half full, has his hair cut at Quinns and it was through him that Lisa and Dawn decided to raise money for FORCE. Quinns held a summer ball at Bratton Clovelly and offered a raffle prize of free hairdressing for a year, while Lisa, who after treatment has been given the all clear, held an auction and casino night for friends and family. She added that FORCE had helped her through ?a very difficult? period of her life. Meriel Fishwick, chief executive of FORCE, said: ?A diagnosis of cancer brings about many changes in people?s lives, causing distress and a variety of unfamiliar and sometimes frightening feelings. FORCE can help during this difficult period by offering a comprehensive range of support. ?Open every weekday, our centre offers a relaxed and comfortable environment where you can just drop in, sit quietly, chat with our friendly volunteers, take light refreshments or meet with our experienced staff to ask questions and discuss your needs.? More information about FORCE is available through their website http://www.forcecancercharity.co.uk">www.forcecancercharity.co.uk