Ref. 29637-08SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: Celebratory balloons and a giant birthday cake adorned the Intel offices to mark the first birthday of the Swindon Cancer Appeal.

The technology giant, in Pipers Way, decorated the birthday cake with a cheque for £35,000 its latest massive contribution to the appeal.

Last year, the firm donated £30,000 to swell the coffers, which today stand at £350,530.

John Fowler, 51, IT customer engagement manager for Europe, said the company was delighted to be backing such a worthwhile cause.

He said: "It has come at a very poignant time as two of our long-standing members of staff lost their battles against cancer recently.

"I have lost several members of my family to the disease, and it seems that everyone knows someone who has been affected by it in some way."

The £35,000 was from Intel's corporate fund but Mr Fowler said they hoped to engage staff in fun activities this year.

He said: "We supported the Macmillan coffee morning in September and will do so again this year. We are also thinking of doing the Three Peaks Challenge and organising some more fun events for employees to take part in."

Vanessa Davey, who is the clinical nurse specialist in palliative care at the Great Western Hospital, has helped hundreds of people living with cancer in Swindon.

That is why we made her our face of the appeal. Vanessa, 32, said: "Intel's donation is extremely generous. I can't believe so much money has been raised in such a short time.

"Everyone has worked very hard to make this appeal such a success."

Gillian Thornton, 62, has been a member of Macmillan's Swindon committee for nearly 23 years. She became the chairwoman four years ago.

She said: "Intel's donation is absolutely magnificent. Companies like Intel are really helping to boost our total, which is wonderful news."

Appeal manager Graziella Campisano was also thrilled with Intel's donation.

"This is the second donation from Intel, which means they have given the appeal a huge £65,000," she said.

"I am so grateful everyone at Intel has thought of us again."

If you have fundraising events planned call Graziella on 01793 601636.

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

Tell us about your fundraising event, click here.

Alex Emery