Home raises cash for cancer charity

RESIDENTS at a Widnes retirement home were among leading fundraisers across the country for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Those at Runnymede Court on William Street have been joined by a further 241 estates from Hanover Housing Association holding events to support the vital work carried out by the cancer charity.

Activities included raffles, coffee mornings and cake baking sessions which in total generated £50,000.

The donation represents the largest ever fundraising effort by Hanover and its residents.

Hanover chair Dr Stuart Burgess has presented Macmillan Cancer Support with the cheque.

Dr Burgess said: “This is really is a tremendous fundraising effort to help support the many friends, colleagues and loved ones who have faced cancer.

“I am particularly impressed by the enthusiasm of our residents, many of whom are retirees and pensioners.

“To be able to present £50,000 to Macmillan is testament to the Hanover network and the caring community spirit that exists – it’s a pleasure to work with such a dedicated team of people for this worthy cause.”

Upon receiving the donation, Macmillan’s senior fundraising manager Leena Sirpal said: “We are extremely grateful for the fundraising efforts from the Hanover communities across the country.

“They have raised an incredible amount of money over the last year which will benefit many people living with cancer.”

Macmillan is a leading campaigner around issues that help improve the lives of people affected by cancer.

The number of people aged 65 and over living with cancer grew by 300,000 in the five years to 2015.

By 2040 older people will account for 77% of all people living with a cancer diagnosis, an increase of 66% from 2015.