DESPITE the bitterly cold weather, four brave volunteers, from the newly formed Launceston Group Macmillan Cancer Support, spent Saturday, January 21, outside Argos raising money for Macmillan.

The team managed to raise an impressive £247 in just one day. This was a great start to the new group’s first event. They hope the group will be able to hold an extensive programme of interesting and varied events.

Organiser Jacki Ellis-Martin said: “It was bitterly cold and took all evening to thaw out but it was a very worthwhile day and we were delighted to raise that much money.

“It was actually just a pleasure to have the chance to speak to the public and hear their personal and positive experiences with Macmillan.

“The group started out with just four members on Saturday but we have already recruited a few more and are looking to do a recruitment drive soon to increase out numbers. The group was only set up just over a week ago and our current aim is to recruit more people, we are very new but I think it is a very worthwhile cause and I hope others agree and want to join us and help raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.”

There has not been a Macmillan Cancer Support presence in the town until the new group set up a couple of weeks ago.

Local fundraising manager for Macmillan Cancer Support, Sian Ward-Edwards, said: “We rely on volunteers to help raise vital funds. We all know people affected by cancer and there is a real need for emotional, practical, and financial help.

“It is great to have a new fundraising group in Launceston that will help raise funds and make a difference.”

In Cornwall and Devon over 67,300 people are living with cancer or the side effects of treatment and Macmillan provides medical professionals across the regions hospitals to help support people.

In 2016 Macmillan provided a new cancer support centre on the hospital site in Treliske. ‘The Cove’ opened in November and provides medical professionals across the regions hospitals to help support people.

Last year Macmillan helped 1,256 people with emergency grants in Cornwall and Devon because of the financial impact of cancer treatment such as being off work and travelling to receive treatment. The money donated by fundraiser like the new Launceston group can help Macmillan deliver all these services and more in 2017.

The Launceston Group Macmillan Cancer Support currently have only a handful of volunteers but is keen to encourage and recruit more.

The group’s next event will be in Launceston Town Square, during the monthly market, on Saturday, March 11. The group is looking for helpers and people to donate items to sell during the monthly market.

Jacki added: “It is very important to us that we raise awareness of our group in order to help raise more for the cancer charity. If anyone can help at the next event or donate goods to be sold please contact me!”

If anyone is interested in helping this valuable cancer charity, contact Jacki Ellis-Martin on 01566 774902.