MACMILLAN CANCER APPEAL: WITH the launch today of the Swindon Cancer Appeal, backed by the Evening Advertiser and Macmillan Cancer Relief, the town's business community has rallied to lend its wholehearted support to the three-year initiative.

The following comments and offers of help are just a few of the many that have been emailed, phoned or sent in to the Advertiser's business desk.

Kate Weston of Zurich community affairs said: "We have over 3,000 staff in Swindon who take a very active role in running our charitable activities through our own charity called Zurich Care. We will certainly promote the appeal within the Swindon area and if staff want to get involved in any way they can. Anything they raise we will match via the charity matching scheme."

James Emmett, Swindon branches manager for HSBC:

"HSBC applaud the Evening Advertiser for its bold initiative and look forward to working with them to ensure that the Macmillan campaign is as successful as possible".

Dennis Grant, chief executive of Swindon Chamber of Commerce: "The Chamber will always back initiatives like this and is particularly pleased with the nature of this one. We will put our full weight behind it."

Martin Powell of Withy King said: "Withy King Solicitors would like to commend the Swindon Evening Advertiser for its generous and inspired campaign to raise awareness of Macmillan Cancer Relief"

David Nickells, senior business manager of Lloyds TSB: "The business team at Lloyds TSB will do whatever they can to support this charity. You have our full support."

Greg Smith, managing director for Cats, a digital print service provider at Rushey Platt: "It's a great campaign and let's face it, very important to all of us. We're very team orientated here and if anyone out there has a challenge for us which we can do to raise money for the campaign, give us a call."

Julie Cameron of Honda UK: "It is a great charity and well done to the Evening Advertiser for supporting it as marvellously as this."

Rosemary Wells, Director of Business Development for The New Swindon Company: "This is an excellent cause. Macmillan Nurses play a key, and very valuable role that benefits so many people. Well done to the Advertiser to their fund raising initiative."

Solicitors, Lemon & Co, is one of the many local concerns to have chosen Macmillan as their charity for 2003.

Partner Paul Archer said: "Naturally we are fully supportive of the initiative taken by the Evening Advertiser.

"Macmillan nurses provide an invaluable service to cancer patients, helping them to focus on living whilst adjusting to any uncertainties they or their loved ones may have regarding the future.

"A charity that works to improve the quality of life for people living with cancer, providing expert care and practical support, deserves both our recognition and help and throughout the year we hope to be able to raise a worthwhile contribution to the cause."

Kevin Rowse, duty manager of Sainsbury's, Bridgemead: "Anything the local stores can offer to raise funds for this very worthwhile cause, we will happily support."

David Hornbuckle, director and general manager of Triumph International: "We applaud the Advertiser's initiative and wish the appeal every success. Cancer touches everyone's lives and the Macmillan charity does a tremendous job in helping to alleviate some of the distress."

Grazyna Kaja, Co-ordinator of Motorola Sports and Social Club, Swindon: "Macmillan is an extremely worthy cause and through their work have touched so many of us in our community. Motorola is supportive of the work of Macmillan and we will be looking at ways in which our fundraising activities can support the drive of the Evening Advertiser."

Evening Advertiser editor Simon O'Neill said: "It is an extraordinary response but not one that surprises me.

"The Swindon business community has always been astonishingly supportive of local causes and everyone at the paper looks forward to working with them to achieve our goal."

So if you would like to lend your support to the Swindon Cancer Appeal, call Graziella Campisano on Swindon 601636 or email her on gcampisano@macmillan.org.uk

Alternatively, contact Alex Emery or Tamash Lal at the Evening Advertiser, Swindon 528144 or email them at