Ref. 25070-41SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: The Swindon Cancer Appeal got off to a roaring start last year and the town's generosity looks set to be repeated in 2004.

There is an exciting calendar of fund-raising events planned for the next few months, which should send the appeal total soaring.

The wheels are already in motion for another Castle Mountain Bike Ride in aid of Macmillan Cancer Relief.

Last year's event saw 300 people from across the town pedal their way to raising more than £7,700 and money is still coming in.

Bike ride organiser Jill Greenaway, of Brecon Close, in the Lawns, said: "Sponsorship money can dribble in for quite a long time after so the total could go up. I'd like to thank all the marshals, our main sponsors and the folk who sponsor the riders.

"Special thanks goes to Skurrays who have been our main sponsor for seven years. Our sponsors now are Mitchell Cycles of Shrivenham Road and Swindon Cycles Super Stores of Beechcroft Road."

This year's bike ride will take place on Sunday, June 6. The route follows the Ridgeway in a loop of the Downs, and riders can choose whether to try a ten, 15 or 25-mile cycle.

Last year John Cox won the title of top fundraiser and a new mountain bike worth around £150 from Mitchell's Cycles.

Mr Cox, 61, of Raybrook Crescent, Rodbourne, raised £1,016 to help cancer sufferers after winning his own fight against the disease.

John, a forklift driver with Jewson Builders' Merchants, in Kembrey Street, underwent six weeks of chemotherapy for bladder cancer.

He has also had a heart bypass, and an operation on his leg arteries for a condition that left him almost crippled.

Swimming fans will be able to do their bit for Macmillan too. The Butlins Swimathon will take place at the Link Centre, West Swindon, from March 13 to 21.

Meanwhile residents in Park North and Park South have boosted the appeal coffers with their £1,000 donation.

The cash was raised from raffles and in collection buckets on Christmas Eve. The total raised so far stands at £211,768

Shonagh Lowe, 14, of Cranmore Avenue, in Park South said residents were happy to help our appeal. She said: "It's a good service so we wanted to raise money. Lots of people made donations."

For more details on the bike ride call Jill Greenaway on 01793 521630. The Link Centre, in Whitehill Way, can be reached on 01793 445566.

For details any events, or to register your own, contact appeal manager Graziella Campisano on 01793 601636, or visit the appeal office at Ambrose House, Milton Road, Swindon.

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

Tell us about your fundraising event, click here.

Alex Emery