Ref. 25618-5SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: Adults and children alike cannot resist cuddly, bean-filled toys.

Now the Swindon Cancer Appeal has two new bean cuddlies to add to the hundreds that have taken the world by storm over the last 10 years.

Young Madeleine Cotterill, from Lister Road, in Wroughton, is already a fan.

Eight-year-old Madeleine said: "This is my rabbit which I got from Macmillan Cancer Relief. I call him Macky.

"My mother showed me the toy rabbit and as I like rabbits and wanted to make some more money for Macmillan, I bought it with my pocket money.

"When I took Macky to school all my friends wanted to know where they could get one too.

"I told them that giving money to Macmillan was a good thing to do as they help so many sick people, and if they also got a rabbit from Macmillan they would be helping sick people too."

And it is not the first time that Madeleine, who attends Kingsbury Hill House School in Marlborough, has helped the Swindon Cancer Appeal.

In March she decided to read 18 books and loved every minute of it.

"I did a readathon for Macmillan and raised £65 which I was very proud of," she said.

"I was sponsored by my mummy and daddy, my brother Tristan, who's 11, and neighbours. Even my ballet teacher sponsored me.

"I've been learning about helping other people in religious education lessons at school and decided I wanted to do something myself."

Appeal manager Graziella Campisano, 26, said the toys were proving to be popular with Macmillan supporters.

She said: "The bean animals make a lovely little present for adults and children, and all the money helps towards achieving our goal.

"We will soon be receiving our Christmas catalogues for this year and they contain lots more exciting things that you can buy and in turn help people living with cancer.

"Individuals can also go online and buy a bunny or bear, so it is very easy to get hold of one.

"If anybody would like to receive a catalogue we are more than happy to send them out as soon as we receive them."

The toys cost £5 each, and are available from the appeal office in Milton Road, or add 42p for postage and packing if you would like one to be sent.

For more information call Graziella on 01793 601636 or visit www.macmillan.org.uk/catalogue

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

Tell us about your fundraising event, click here.