More hands are needed to bolster the efforts of a cancer support charity Macmillan
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Macmillan has a network of nine fundraising groups in the north of Scotland that help raise funds and awareness of the charity, based in Easter Ross, Inverness and the Black Isle, Lochalsh, Thurso, Wick, Skene, Grantown-on-Spey, Huntly and Speyside.
However, they have been struggling to keep up efforts during the ongoing coronavirus crisis and are now on the hunt for more volunteers.
When Covid struck, volunteers found innovative ways to keep going including holding online sales to continue helping the charity.
Together they managed to raise more than £79,000 in 2021,which will fund 225 Macmillan grants to help people cope with additional costs of living with cancer.
Shirlie Geddes, senior relationship manager with the charity, said: “There are almost 32,000 people living with cancer in the north and east of Scotland alone. But cancer isn’t about statistics – cancer is personal.
“A cancer diagnosis really will touch every part of what makes someone who they are.
“Within our north and east fundraising groups we can count on over 125 registered volunteers who fundraise in their local communities because they understand the personal impact of cancer and they know, often first hand, that Macmillan’s support is vital when you’re living with a diagnosis and treatment.”
Chairwoman of the Inverness group, Andrea Jack, said: “One thing we’ve really missed is standing outside the Glenmhor Hotel in Inverness each year, cheering the runners on to the Loch Ness Marathon finishing line.
“But we’ve still been very focused on looking after local supporters and acknowledging their generosity during the pandemic. That is such an important part of what we do for Macmillan.”
Ms Geddes added: “Since the first lockdown I’ve found myself genuinely humbled.
“Our volunteers in these groups have shown incredible tenacity and ingenuity.
“They were determined that cancer wouldn’t become the forgotten ‘C’ during the pandemic.”
People can support their local Macmillan group by getting involved with events, even just saying hi to fundraisers when out and about, and or by getting in touch with Shirlie Geddes at sgeddes@macmillan.org.uk to find out more.
