Ref. 27760-12SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: You've raised so much money for cancer patients like John Mills who says: "Without my Macmillan nurse, I don't think I'd be here."
IN JUST eight months, the Swindon Cancer Appeal has raised £200,000 - meaning better care is on the way for people such as John Mills.
The appeal is now a third of the way towards hitting the £600,000 target.
The money will improve the lives of the growing number of people like John who are living with cancer.
John, 63, was diagnosed as having prostate cancer last year, and his condition has slowly deteriorated.
But his Macmillan nurse Ann Yates has given him the strength he needs to live life as best he can.
John, of Birch Street, Kingshill, was thrilled with the appeal's success. The aim is to reach the target by 2006.
He said: "I really didn't think it would raise so much so fast.
"The articles in the Advertiser have made people realise just what cancer does.
"Without my Macmillan nurse I don't think I would be here.
"She gives me the strength I need to be able to live a life."
Money from the appeal will provide the people of Swindon and Marlborough with two additional Macmillan nurses, who will be based at the Great Western Hospital.
One of the nurses, a specialist in gynaecological cancers, has already started work.
The appeal will also provide a consultant in palliative care, who will work at the hospital and the Prospect Hospice in Wroughton.
All three posts will be funded for three years, after which the NHS will take over.
Macmillan nurse Vanessa Davey, who specialises in palliative care at the GWH, said: "Well done to everyone who has helped.
"It is amazing we have come so far, and I really appreciate everyone's support."
Macmillan's campaign manager in Swindon, Graziella Campisano, said that the response had been staggering.
Graziella said: "I have been totally overwhelmed by the lengths people have gone to in support of the appeal.
"We have done so well to raise such a large amount in such a short amount of time.
"The whole community has pulled together to help."
Tamash Lal
To make a donation to the appeal online, click here.
Tell us about your fundraising event, click here.
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