Bristol Cancer Charity Launch Appeal For Fundraisers

Thursday, March 11th 2010 12:00

Macmillan cancer support in Bristol have launched an appeal today to find people to take part in their 'Raise at Blaise' Walk this Spring.

The Raise at Blaise walk will start and finish at Blaise Castle Estate on May 16th. There are 2 routes to choose from, one of 2 miles or one of 9. Organisors say both circular routes will take in some of Bristol's hidden gems, including a deep wooded limestone gorge, ancient monuments and some of the most romantic landscapes in the West Country.

Kaeti Morrison is Fundraising Manager for Macmillan in the Bristol area: "Macmillan services in the local area are funded by the people of Bristol and the surrouinding areas because, although we are a national organisation we have lots of different services in the lcoal area, we have Macmillan Nurses, Macmillan Doctors, Speech and Language Therapists. We have a new service that's just been funded with Macmillan in partnership with Citizens Advice Bureau that is at a cost of £650,000 over 5 years and that is going to enable people with cancer to
access the many benefits that they're entitled to.Without the support of local people taking part in events such as this we wouldn't be able to continue funding services such as that."

To take part either sign up:
online at www.macmillan.org.uk/raiseatblaise
or by phone 0117 967 0975

People taking part are asked to raise at least £25 each and pay an entry fee of £8.

People who've used Macmillan services in Bristol in the past are backing the appeal for locals to take part in the event. Nigel Yea is a school teacher in Yate. He was diagnosed with Oesophageal cancer last year: "People in the Bristol area have a first class NHS system but it's not enough. There are so many other issues, there are emotional issues, there are financial issues, and that's where Macmillan come in. They're always there, they're always available and they do have answers to questions. I think when you have cancer, obviously being able to talk to somebody and get support is important but more than that I think it's more important that the partner in your life has a life line they can go to as well. "

He added: "Get involved. What you must do is pledge your support, sign up for the event, take part on the day, have a fantastic day and do something for an organisation which one day might be doing something for you."