Almost £20k raised for Mairi Semple in 2021 despite Covid

Despite two years of Covid restrictions limiting fundraising opportunities, the Mairi Semple Cancer Fund managed to raise more than £18,000 during 2021.

This was possible through donations and fundraising, with continued support from the Kintyre community.

The Mairi Semple Cancer Fund was established in 1977 to provide relief for residents in the Kintyre area suffering from any type of cancer.

The purpose of the fund is to provide financial aid to assist those receiving treatment which can be used for any purpose that supports them best.

Macmillan nurses refer those diagnosed to ensure the support is fully recognised and accessed.

Support is given to everyone who requests it, with funds being issued in confidence and no receipts of how money is spent is required.

The fund also aims to make grants where possible to cancer research projects.

Four dedicated committee members recently retired after serving a combined 125 years, each contributing between 25 and 40 years of efforts to the fund.

New committee members have come forward to fill vacancies but there is still space to join the committee at the fund's AGM on Monday April 25.

The charity has had a good start to 2022 with more than £650 being raised at a pub quiz and pool competition organised by Cheryl Lang.

The committee also has a charity walk planned for Sunday March 20, a football fun day planned for Saturday June 18, and a golf competition at Dunaverty Golf Club organised for Sunday August 14.

The fund is also looking to host a walking treasure hunt in the summer for both visitors and locals to enjoy.

The committee is looking ahead to ensure the fund can continue to support local residents as the community emerges from the Covid pandemic.

Macmillan Cancer Support estimates that across the UK there are currently around 50,000 ‘missing diagnoses' since the pandemic hit, meaning there could potentially be an increase in the number of referrals to the fund.

Fiona Macalister, Mairi Semple Cancer Fund treasurer, said: ‘We are very grateful to the Kintyre community for continuing to donate to the fund despite limited fundraising opportunities in recent years.

‘We are looking forward to hosting events this year which will hopefully boost the fund and offer great days out for the community.'

The recently retired Mairi Semple Cancer Fund committee stalwarts who served 125 years between them. Standing, Tommy Graham (40 years) and sitting, from left, Jill Lines (25 years), Helen Steel (35 years) and Sheena McFarlane (25 years).