Ref. 25663-37SWINDON CANCER APPEAL:THE skies could not have been bluer or less cloudy when scores of people gathered for a garden party.

The green lawn of Valerie Nix's Lawn garden was the perfect setting for the party in aid of the Swindon Cancer Appeal.

And Mrs Nix, 65, of Wardour Close, was delighted the current spell of hot weather coincided with her fundraiser.

The former Tesco checkout operator said: "Everyone was so generous and it was a lovely day. Friends and neighbours had donated £100 before we even started the party.

"We charged £1 on the door, which included a drink and piece of cake, but people insisted on paying for their drinks too, so it was wonderful.

"We have a lovely garden which we like to share. It's a nice way to raise funds for charity, particularly when the weather is good."

Mrs Nix, who was helped by her husband Alan, 69, has held garden parties before and always found them to be a success.

As well as a relaxing cup of tea or coffee in the beautiful surroundings, the party also provided a bring-and-buy sales table, a plant stall and books for sale.

"It was lovely this year because we saw some new faces who had read about the party in the Evening Advertiser and came along," Mrs Nix said.

"Some people like to look around gardens at the different flowers and trees. It's nice for us to see new faces.

"We invited people into the front and back gardens, and had put up seating on the patio and the gazebo.

"I'm feeling a bit tired after it all."

Mrs Nix now has the task of totting up all the donations following Saturday's event.

Appeal manager, Graziella Cam-pisano, said: "I'm so pleased the weather was lovely for the party. It sounds as though everyone had a wonderful time, while raising a lot of money for Macmillan Cancer Relief.

"Please keep your fundraising ideas coming in. I love hearing how you are planning to raise money for our appeal."

If you have an event organised in aid of the Swindon Cancer Appeal let us know.

Contact Graziella at the appeal office, in Milton Road, on (01793) 601636, or call reporter Alex Emery on (01793) 528144, ext 265.

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

Tell us about your fundraising event, click here.