SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: THE Swindon Cancer Appeal has got off to a flying start.

Your cheques have been flooding into the Appeal office in Milton Road, proving that Swindon folk are among the most generous in the country.

After only three days, more than £500 had been sent in with the coupons that appear in the Adver.

Appeal manager Graziella Campisano said she was overwhelmed by Swindon's generosity. She said: "I have never before seen such generosity in other parts of the country.

"I am amazed at the immediate response but I'm not surprised. Swindon people are so big-hearted and are always ready to help others in less fortunate situations.

"We are grateful for every single penny. Please continue sending in your cheques. We know

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that it is going to be hard work to reach the target but I know that we can do it.

"The lives of so many cancer sufferers will be improved with all the money we raise.

"I look forward to reading about more fundraising ideas as they continue to arrive in the office."

Celebrities from the world of film, television and sport have also given their backing to the Swindon Cancer Appeal.

Former England rugby captain Phil De Glanville praised the Evening Advertiser's biggest appeal to date.

The rugby centre, who also played for Bath RFC until he retired two years ago, said: "People who have cancer deserve a lot of love and support.

"The Adver's appeal will greatly benefit the people of Swindon. Macmillan nurses care not only for the cancer sufferer but the carers too. I wish you all the best with this valuable campaign."

ITN newsreader and kidney cancer sufferer Nicholas Owen appealed to readers to give generously.

Nicholas said: "I congratulate the Evening Advertiser for running such a worthwhile campaign for the Macmillan nurses.

"This appeal will really change people's lives and I urge readers to dig deep for such a good cause".

The anchor for ITV lunchtime news, who last month became an honorary patron for Kidney Cancer UK, needed an emergency operation in July to remove his cancerous right kidney.

His doctors weren't able to tell him how long the tumour had been there or what caused it.

Nicholas says he is now well on the road to recovery.

Former Beatles producer Sir George Martin lost his close friend and the band's guitarist George Harrison to cancer in December 2001.

He said: "There are not enough words to express my respect and admiration for the work of the Macmillan nurses who do so much to sustain people who are suffering with cancer in all its terrible forms.

"I have personally witnessed their tender care of dear friends and relatives who were terminally ill and best of all have seen the serenity and peace of mind they bring to all their patients.

"I wish the charity good luck in raising the £600,000 over the next three years which is needed to fund three new positions for a gynaecology cancer specialist, a specialist nurse in urology and a specialist consultant in palliative medicine."

And Barbara Windsor, who plays breast cancer sufferer Peggy Mitchell in Eastenders, has sent a signed photograph along with words of encouragement.

The former star of the British Carry On films said: "I wish you every success with the campaign. My thoughts are with all of those affected by cancer and with the carers who do such a selfless job in bringing comfort and relief to those suffering."

She added that she hoped the signed photo could be used to raise money for our appeal.

To make a donation online, click here.

Tell us about your fundraising event, click here.