Ref. 25603-19JULY 11: BREWERY boss James Arkell has met charity workers who will benefit from the mammoth Swindon Cares fundraising drive.

Mr Arkell, who is spearheading Swindon Cares, met representatives from the NSPCC, Age Concern and the Swindon Cancer Appeal, which is raising cash for Macmillan Cancer Relief.

The three charities will all receive a share of the £10,000 which Swindon Cares plans to raise this year.

During a visit to the Great Western Hospital, Mr Arkell, managing director of Swindon-based Arkell's Brewery, met Macmillan nurses Vanessa Davey and Anne Robertson and fundraiser Graziella Campisano.

The two nurses are part of a team of clinical nurse specialists who befriend cancer patients, giving care and advice.

Money from the Evening Advertiser-backed Swindon Cancer Appeal will pay for two specialist Macmillan nurses and a consultant in palliative care for the town.

Mr Arkell told the nurses how cancer had touched his life.

He said: "My company secretary's husband, Trevor Souter, died from cancer a year ago, and I know he received tremendous support from Macmillan nurses.

"There can't be many people who have not known somebody who has died of cancer."

Vanessa, who specialises in palliative care, said Swindon Cares would provide much-needed cash.

She said: "It's just fantastic that so many big companies have come together to support such a needy cause."

After a tour of the Osprey Ward for chronic diseases at the GWH, it was off to Penhill to see the work of the NSPCC-run North Swindon Family Centre.

The centre runs programmes for parents and young children, including toddler groups, after school clubs and play sessions.

Manager Barbara Hinchcliffe led Mr Arkell around the brightly decorated playrooms, and explained that money from Swindon Cares would be used to kit out a new sensory area for children with learning difficulties.

Mr Arkell said: "I am surprised at how much activity goes on here, it's so vibrant.

"I think most people in Swindon would be unaware of the work this centre does for the community."

While at the centre, Mr Arkell also met Jacquie Sheppard, of Age Concern Swindon.

She explained why Swindon Cares was so important to her organisation.

She said: "We need to raise £100,000 every year, so this money is vital."

Swindon Cares is backed by companies and community groups in the town, including the Evening Advertiser.

A dedicated fundraising week kicks off tomorrow, with wacky events taking place all over town.

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

Tell us about your fundraising event, click here.

www.swindoncares.co.uk