SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: STAFF at finance giant Zurich have raised £1,500 for the Swindon Cancer Appeal by holding a dress-down Friday.

Employees also raised money by laying a mile long trail of coins along the corridors at the company's offices at the Tricentre in Fleming Way, Swindon.

The event, organised by staff in Zurich's customer services department, was held yesterday as part of the Macmile fundraising drive.

Organiser Lisa Monis, 29, said: "We are based on 16 floors of the Tricentre, so we covered a lap of each floor, which was around one mile.

"I think everybody was surprised at the amount of floor we managed to cover."

Most of the donations were copper coins, and Lisa, of Whitney Street, Old Town, has been busy collecting the coins by sweeping them up with a dustpan and broom.

The company holds a dress down day every month, with staff donating a £1 to a good cause to wear their favourite pair of jeans.

Lisa said: "I chose to support Macmillan this month because it is such a good cause.

"Everybody has friends or family members who have been affected by cancer, and I'm sure many members of staff here at Zurich have had their lives touched by the disease.

"The number of people who supported the appeal has been very encouraging.

"Dressing down also creates a nice relaxed atmosphere."

Meanwhile, dog lovers will be doing their bit for Macmile on Monday.

Pet owners will be walking a mile around the perimeter of the Polo Ground in Marlborough Road, Swindon.

The fundraising walk is taking place as part of a dog show being held in aid of animal charities.

Entries for the dog show will be taken from 10am, with the show itself running between 11am and 3pm.

The event has been organised by Penny Blake, a receptionist at the Drove Veterinary Surgery in County Road.

Penny's children Lizzie, 14, and Robert, 13 - are hoping to take part in the walk.

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