A charity has been forced to close its doors because of a lack of members willing to take over the key roles.

The Redbridge branch of Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research will shut after nearly four decades of raising money for the fight against blood cancer.

The group, which has raised more than �2million since it began in 1973, is to close because of a shortage of members wanting to join the committee.

President of the branch Poppy Baker said: “Unfortunately we are losing the treasurer to Norfolk and there was no one else who wanted to take over the role.

“We are all getting older and it seems younger people have different sorts of commitments.”

Over the last couple of years the branch has tried to attract members but has been unsuccessful.

Mrs Baker, of Clayhall, added: “It is very sad for all the members as we have all made lots of friends and we really have put the fun in fundraising.”

The 84-year-old originally got involved after her daughter was diagnosed with leukaemia in 1965.

Over the years the branch has arranged many fundraising events including the hugely popular children’s bikeathon, fashion shows, fetes and collected regularly in Exchange Ilford.

“You name it, we’ve done it,” she said.

The charity also opened a shop in 1991 in Green Lane, Goodmayes but that closed under similar circumstances.

The nearest branch following the closure will be Brentwood.

Members want to thank everyone for their support and asks for their continued help with the charity.

The final meeting will take place on October 9 at 2.30pm at St Peters Church Hall, Aldborough Road North, Newbury Park.