SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: OLD and young joined forces at the Harry Garrett Court sheltered housing complex in Wroughton to support our Swindon Cancer Appeal.

While youngsters took part in a sponsored bike ride around the Willow Walk centre, residents enjoyed a fundraising coffee morning inside, with raffles and stalls.

Meanwhile, two cyclists Steve Bell and Nicky Butcher took part in a 40-mile sponsored bike ride.

The whole day raised more than £500 for the Evening Advertiser's appeal in aid of Macmillan Cancer Relief.

Steve, 42, who is the caretaker at Harry Garrett Court, was raising money in memory of his wife Sharron, who died from bowel cancer at the age of 40 in 2000.

While father-of-two Steve was out on his bike, his grandson Joshua, three, was riding around the housing complex on an electric buggy. Children rode around the building as part of a Macmile event. To take part in Macmile, fundraisers have to cover a mile in any way they can.

Joshua's mum, Kelly Wallace, 20 Steve's daughter said: "My mum got wonderful care at the Prospect Hospice. My dad is raising money to try and ensure other cancer sufferers get the same level of care."

The pair managed to raise around £400 between them.

The fundraising day, on Saturday, was organised by June Jones, who manages the centre.

She decided to support the appeal because she lost a close friend, Andy Brown, of Rodbourne Cheney, to cancer. Andy, a painter and decorator who regularly worked at Harry Garrett Court, died from cancer at the age of 44 in 2001.

June said: "I'm really pleased the day has gone so well, everybody has enjoyed themselves. It's really nice the children were involved."

June's granddaughters, Roanne, nine, and Rebecca, seven, took part in the Macmile event.

Roanne said: "I did it because I was friends with Andy, and I wanted to raise money for the appeal."

Also taking part in Macmile were Jessica, Isabelle and Amber Squire.

Their mother Jan, 36, of Willow Walk, Wroughton, is currently fighting breast cancer.

Where you can make a donation

Macs News Whilestone Way

Coleview Express Nythe Road

Alldays Stores Kingsdown Park

Fitness First West Swindon

Key Stores Stratton St Margaret

Swift Shop Beechcroft Road

Key Stores Clive Parade

Slumblers Cricklade Road

AK Newsagents Cricklade Road

Ferndale Newsagents Ferndale Road

Baileys Newsagents Ferndale Road

Hawkins Street Post Office Rodbourne

Longs News and Booze Rodbourne

Vowles Highworth

Dillons High Street, Highworth

Co op Swindon Street, Highworth

One Stop Newburgh Place, Highworth

Shell Garage Highworth

Esso Garage South Marston

Texaco Garage Queen's DriveUpham Road Stores, Upham Road

Cross Keys Public House, Wanborough

The Drug Store Wood Street, Swindon

Duncan Self Drive, Ermin Street, Stratton

Even Swindon WM Club 44 Percy Street

Morris St WM Club Morris St, Swindon

The Post Office Shop Cavendish Square

The Talbot Inn Victoria Rd, Cirencester

Unwins Wine High St, Wootton Bassett

The Wheatsheaf Newport St, Swindon

Wroughton WM Club Devizes Rd, Wroughton

Lloyds Chemist Victoria Road/Cross Street

Ferndale Rd Working Men's Club Ferndale Rd

Hair Care Cavendish Square, Swindon

Motor Care Cavendish Square, Swindon

Alexon Shop Outlet Village, Swindon

The Piggy Cafe, Lyneham

The Party Box, 13 Apsley House, Wootton Bassett

Royal Mail, Dorcan Way, Swindon

The Duke Hotel Church St, Hilmarton

The Florist Shop, Wootton Bassett

Nike Shop Outlet Village, Swindon

Tesco, Ocotal Way.

Sainsbury's, Town centre