Ref. 28449-30A SILVER wedding anniversary has helped boost the Swindon Cancer Appeal coffers by £500.

Sally Stretch, 65, and her husband Michael, 63, held a party to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary surrounded by more than 100 friends at Moose Hall, in Bath Road, Old Town.

The party was also in memory of Sally's cousin Colin Grubb, who lost his battle against the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma in August. He was 64.

Sally, a former nurse, of Tudor Crescent, in Stratton St Margaret, said: "We would like to say a big thank you to all our friends who donated so much money.

"Colin's death came as such a shock to us. He was diagnosed in April and died only a few months later.

"We were very close as Colin was just three months younger than me. We grew up together."

Sally, whose 40-year-old daughter Belinda was diagnosed with leukaemia when she was 14, said: "Cancer is all around us. Belinda is a very courageous person and she is testament to the fact that people do survive cancer.

"The party on Saturday was wonderful. My friends have been a great support throughout my life. We had an excellent spread of food from my friend Joan Holden.

"We didn't force people to give money, but had a Macmillan table in the corner where people could donate if they wanted to. Everyone has been very generous."

Mr Grubb started his seven-year career in the Railway Works in the sawmills in 1954, during which time he was exposed to asbestos. He then moved on to an apprenticeship as a coach finisher.

Mr Grubb's family has already donated to our appeal. His widow Sylvia, 63, and son Gary, 35, asked friends to make donations to the appeal in lieu of flowers at his funeral in September.

The Swindon Cancer Appeal was launched by the Evening Advertiser in March last year. It aims to raise £600,000 in three years to pay for two Macmillan nurses and a consultant in palliative care at the Great Western Hospital for three years, after which time the NHS will take on the cost.

The total so far stands at £211,686.19.

To find out more about the appeal or get involved call 01793 601636.

Alex Emery