SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: 800 employees are getting behind the effort to raise money for Macmillan. But for Jean Berwick, it is closer to her heart. ALEX EMERY reports

There's no stopping the fundraising efforts at Thames Water, which is great news for the Swindon Cancer Appeal.

Some 800 employees at the Thames Water customer care centre in Walnut Court, Kembrey Park, have taken our appeal to heart and organised a dress down day and a raffle.

Customer care worker Jean Berwick, 54, understands the importance of Macmillan Cancer Relief more than most, because her son, Robin Dunn, died from a brain tumour 10 years ago when he was aged 23.

Jean said: "I have been raising money for various charities for many years, but since Robin died I've concentrated mainly on cancer charities.

"Robin was introduced to his cancer nurse, Joan Crook, in January 1992 when his spell of remission was nearing its end. Almost her first words to him on her first visit were, 'Where do you want to die, at home, in hospital or at the Prospect?'

"Her direct approach made all the family confront the inevitable and release us to enjoy his remaining months without any pretence or misunderstanding.

"Her visits enabled Rob to talk privately with her, when he could unburden himself of his fears and any anger he had.

"I then had a chance to tell her how we all as a family were coping. I discovered that she had sons of roughly the same ages as my two Jamie is my youngest son and was 21 at the time, which must have made it difficult for her. She became a very good friend.

"I want everyone in Swindon and its environs to have access to the same care as we and Robin were lucky enough to have."

Jean will be doing the office rounds, dispensing collection cups ready for the event on May 16.

She is also organising a raffle with prizes including a wicker hamper filled with luxury items.

The Swindon Cancer Appeal total now stands at £90,165.

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