The Evening Advertiser launched the Swindon Cancer Appeal in aid of Macmillan last week.

Already the support and response has been overwhelming. The aim of the campaign is to raise enough money for two new Macmillan nurses for the Great Western Hospital and a specialist consultant in cancer care who will work at the GWH and the Prospect Hospice.

Around £600,000 is needed to fund these posts for three years, after which the NHS will take over. Some of the money raised will also go towards a fund for a part-time anaesthetist.

We want you to launch your own fundraising crusade to provide better care for cancer sufferers.

There are hundreds of ways you can help improve the lives of people living with this devastating disease.

We want the whole community to get into the fundraising spirit. Schools, businesses, pubs, youth clubs, enterprising individuals and community groups can all play their part.

Anyone organising a fundraising event can get support and advice from Macmillan's Swindon office, which can be contacted on Swindon 601636 or 601637.

Coupons will be printed in the Advertiser for anyone organising an event. Fill in the details and send your coupons to Macmillan Cancer Relief, 30-33 Milton Road, Swindon, SN1 5JA. We will give publicity to as many events as possible, and try to provide coverage on the day.

If you don't want to organise an event, making a direct donation is simple. Just fill in the coupon below and send it to the Macmillan office at the same address.

Cheques should be made payable to Evening Advertiser Appeal. Cheques can also be paid into any branch of the Nationwide Building Society. Do not send cash in the post.

Donations can also be made on our own website. Log on to www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk and follow the instructions. If you would like to have a collection box contact Helen Marks in our marketing department on (01793) 528144 ext 308.