76325-14THERE are plenty of people in the town who have already proved they are willing to go the extra mile for the Swindon Cancer Appeal.

And at the end of May fundraisers are being encouraged to tackle just that a mile to raise money for Macmillan.

It's all part of the Macmillan Miles Challenge to be held from May 22 to May 29.

To enter, volunteers need to complete a mile in a chosen challenge, be it walking, running or skipping.

You could even eat a mile of spaghetti or make a mile-long penny trail.

At the Designer Outlet Village in Churchward a mile-long Star Wars treasure hunt for youngsters has been designed.

Jenny Woolliams, marketing executive at the Outlet Village, said the idea was bound to be a winner.

"During the half term, there will be hundreds of children running around the outlet village finding clues to the treasure," she said.

"The course is a mile-long and should keep them occupied while mums and dads are doing their shopping."

The treasure hunt, is on all week and will be part of a series of events throughout the half term celebrating the opening of the next Star Wars film, Return of the Sith, and there will be prizes for the winners. Ms Woolliams said: "The treasure hunt will attract boys and girls. Star Wars has universal appeal to all ages but I have no doubt that a few of the older fans might take an interest too."

The Outlet Village has helped to raise thousands for the appeal. At Christmas time, volunteers do gift-wrapping and the shopping centre also plays host to the appeal's Tree of Thought.

Entry to the treasure hunt is £2, all of which will go to the Swindon Cancer Appeal.

The appeal has the ambitious target of raising £1 million.So far the appeal has funded nurses for the Great Western Hospital and now the aim is to provide a training post for a Macmillan specialist breast care cancer nurse and a training post for another nurse specialising in gastrointestinal cancer. The money will also help to provide a Macmillan clinical psychologist in cancer and palliative care, as well as special patient grants, which are used to help those people with financial difficulties as a result of cancer.

To find out more about the Swindon Cancer Appeal call the appeal office on 01793 432252 or 01793 432253.

Anthony Osborne