FUNDRAISERS in Worcestershire working to bring in cash for Macmillan Cancer Support pulled out all the stops last year enabling the charity to plough £366,073 into services for people in the county living or beyond cancer.

And the charity’s local fundraising manager has issued a heartfelt message of thanks to all the local people who contributed to that mammoth effort.

Jenny Goddard, Macmillan area fundraising manager in Worcestershire said: “Because of all your support, in 2015 Macmillan was able to commit £366,073 in Worcestershire, helping to support the 24,000 people living with or beyond cancer in the county. That means there are now around 100 Macmillan professionals working in Worcestershire.”

Jenny added that the Worcester and District Committee for Macmillan alone raised £29,076 in 2015.

“I just want to say a personal ‘Thank you’ to everyone who hosted or attended coffee mornings, volunteered their time, took part in challenge events, braved the shave, went sober for October, put a pound in a collection box, or held their own events to raise money for Macmillan.”

One of the latest additions to the team is Claire Murphy from Worcester and Macmillan dietitian at Worcester Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.

She said: “Cancer impacts each and every one of us either directly or indirectly at some point in our lives and Macmillan strives to support cancer patients in any way that the can.

“I am so proud to be able to represent Macmillan and to hopefully live up to the name by providing my patients with appropriate dietary advice and support.

“My role involves supporting those who are struggling to maintain a good nutritional status, whether it is due to poor appetite and weight loss, sore mouth or taste changes, nausea, vomiting or altered bowel habit.

“Dietitians provide scientific, evidence-based dietary advice and are constantly updating ourselves with the latest evidence in best practice.

“The best part of my job has always been the people I meet. People living with cancer are such a vulnerable yet inspiring group of individuals and any small piece of comfort or reassurance I can offer them is always so well received and appreciated.

“I find my job incredibly rewarding and hope that I can continue to help and support people thanks to Macmillan.

“I’ve taken part in Macmillan coffee mornings before, which have the dual benefit of raising money and giving us an excuse to eat delicious cakes. Believe it or not – dietitians are partial to their cakes and biscuits too.”

Jenny added: “Macmillan’s ambition is to reach and improve the lives of everyone living with cancer. By 2030, the number of people living with the disease will have doubled, so it is a huge task to support each and every one of those in some way.

“With the support of local fundraisers and volunteers, we can keep supporting posts like Claire’s and team up with partners like Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust to provide the best cancer care possible here in the community.”

Anyone interested in organising a fundraising event for Macmillan Cancer Support or getting involved in a group or committee please contact Jenny Goddard on 07850 772981 or email jgoddard@macmillan.org.uk

Anyone who has questions about cancer can call the Macmillan Support Line free on 080 808 00 00 from Monday to Friday from 9am to 8pm or by visiting www.macmillan.org.uk