The cash keeps rolling in

A supermarket giant has teamed up with the Swindon Cancer Appeal to help keep the cash rolling in.

Asda WalMart, in Haydon Wick, has pledged to support our appeal for three months, as we aim to raise £600,000 for people living with cancer.

And this week shoppers and staff at the huge superstore gave their approval and their cash at the launch of the partnership.

Macmillan Cancer Relief committee members donned our special appeal t-shirts while manning a stall full of appeal goodies.

The supermarket donated hundreds of small teddy bears and children's books, which are available from the appeal office, in Milton Road. The bears, which will make ideal Christmas gifts as they come clad in Santa Claus hats, cost £2, while the books cost £1.50.

Joyce Arthur, 50, Asda Wal-Mart events co-ordinator, said: "We are delighted to support such a worthwhile cause. I know a lot of people who have been affected by cancer. We like to support local charities that help local people.

"We will be discussing ways in which we can help the appeal, but we have already asked the scouts to come in and do charity bag packing."

Meanwhile a quartet of women are steeling themselves for a 100ft abseil from the top of the W H Smith building tomorrow. Karen Wilson and her Thames Water colleagues, Sue Bickerstaff, Donna Romain and Nickie Daly, are hoping to raise £1,000 between them.

The amount they manage to get in sponsorship will be matched by Thames Water.

Karen, 37, a customer relations adviser, said: "My nan Alice Pitt died from cancer five years ago so any chance I get I raise money for cancer relief. And my best friend, Tracy Leonard, was diagnosed with breast cancer a week before Christmas and is receiving chemotherapy at the moment.

"The specialist care and advice Macmillan Cancer Relief gives to patients in the form of nurses, doctors, consultants and patient grants is invaluable."

Despite admitting she feels sick with nerves, Karen has been fundraising with gusto, helped along by her daughters Sophie, 11, and Heidi, seven.

The girls attend Ferndale Infant and Junior Schools where donation boxes have been put in their classrooms.

Sue, 45, a technical advisor, said: "The appeal is important because it makes the lives of people who are suffering more comfortable."

Specialist debt agent Donna, 31, said: "I am looking forward to it, but am quite nervous. The bit I'm dreading the most is going over the edge."

Debt collector Nickie, 29, said: "I feel very nervous as I have never attempted this before and don't like heights very much, so it is a challenge.

"My dad had asbestosis, an incurable type of cancer, and nothing could be done to help him so I am keen to raise money for such a good cause."

It costs £10 a person to register, and a minimum of £100 sponsorship is required.

It's not just individuals who can make a difference to the appeal.

Businesses are being urged to splash out in this year's Great Swindon Duck Race, sponsored by Nationwide. The annual event, organised by the Rotary Club of Swindon Old Town, raises about £7,000 for charity.

Firms can sponsor a drake for a £50 donation, or individuals may buy a duck for £1. Ducks can be bought at WB Photographic, in Victoria Road, Old Town, Spot on Models, in Fleet Street and Burden Electronics, in County Road.

The ducks will be thrown into the River Ray on Monday at the Wootton Bassett Road recreation ground.

Rotarian David Jackson said: "Nearly everybody knows someone who has been affected by cancer. What makes this appeal so worthwhile is that it is supporting local services. We would like to hear from businesses who want to sell ducks."

The winning duck will net its owner £750, and there is a second prize of £100.

The first drake across the line will win a crystal trophy. Call David Pratt on 0845 2255787 for more information.

And it's not just racing ducks that are helping raise money for our appeal. Blunsdon House Hotel hosted a sell-out festival wooden horse racing night.

More than 200 people took part in the evening, betting to raise cash.

Appeal manager Graziella Campisano, 27, took part and said everyone had a great time. "It was a lot of fun," she said. "I had a table with my mum and aunties. I couldn't stop my mum betting! Everyone went to a lot of effort to arrange the evening. It's really appreciated."

The race night made around £4,000.

The appeal total was also boosted by residents at Laurel and Lupin Court, in Clays Close, Stratton. They made the most of the Easter weekend and raised £100 for the appeal with an Easter raffle.

Cyclists are in training for the annual Macmillan Castle Mountain Bike Ride, which will be held on Sunday, June 6. The route follows the Ridgeway in a loop of the Downs, and cyclists can choose a 10, 15 or 25-mile ride.

Last year, despite a heavy rainstorm in the afternoon, 300 riders raised more than £7,700, and returned to base looking like they had been swimming, not cycling. The event cannot accept riders under the age of 12, due to a change in public liability insurance.

For more information call event organiser Jill Greenaway on 01793 521630 or visit www.castlesbikeride.co.uk

To make a donation to the appeal online, click here.

Tell us about your fundraising event, click here.

Alex Emery