SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: Macmillan leaflets have been landing on the doormats of more than 50,500 homes over the last few days.

The mass mailing is the latest effort by supporters of the Swindon Cancer Appeal.

Appeal manager Graziella Campisano is hoping people in Swindon and Marlborough will return the forms pledging their help.

So far 250 prompt replies have been received bringing in £5,000.

Graziella Campisano, appeal manager, said: "I am thrilled that so many people replied to our mailing and we have been astonished by how generous people have been.

"It has made a huge impact on the total. We are now over a sixth of the way there and we know there is still a way to go but we are confident we are going to do it."

The mailing is a way of reaching as many people as possible to let them know exactly what the appeal is about.

"It is so important that people realise where the money is going," Graziella added, "and that every penny donated will end up helping cancer sufferers in Swindon and Marlborough.

"It's all about making a difference to local people living with cancer."

The letter explains what the appeal is setting out to achieve and includes a donation form.

It comes with a reply-paid envelope, but putting a stamp on will help the charity save vital money.

Graziella added: "We really hope people can help us reach the target of £600,000.

"The money you donate will also help patients diagnosed with cancer by allowing us to offer financial assistance to pay for the additional living expenses associated with the various conditions, and remove this burden from our patients.

"It's only with your kind donations and fundraising activities that we can hope to raise the money needed, and make a real difference to cancer care in our area."

Vanessa Davey, 31, is the clinical nurse specialist in palliative care at Swindon's Great Western Hospital.

She has become our face of the Macmillan appeal and explains her role in the letter.

She writes: "Being diagnosed with cancer turns people's lives upside down. They feel isolated and out of control.

"Macmillan nurses can give patients the support and information they need to regain control and have a good quality of life."

When your letter arrives we hope you will give as much as you can to help support this worthwhile cause.

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

Tell us about your fundraising event, click here.