The things you'll do for a good cause (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

The things you'll do for a good cause

SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: The race to raise cash for the Swindon Cancer Appeal is gathering pace. TAMASH LAL looks at some of the events which are being organised to raise funds for the appeal.

BUSINESSES are being urged to splash out to help improve the lives of cancer patients. For a donation of £50, companies can sponsor a golden drake in this year's Great Swindon Duck Race.

Organised by the Rotary Club of Swindon Old Town, the annual event raises around £7,000 for charity,

And this year, all the cash will be flowing into the coffers of the Swindon Cancer Appeal, which is fast heading towards the halfway mark.

The Rotarians have chosen our Macmillan appeal as their charity of the year, and a variety of fundraising measures are planned.

The aim is to raise £10,000, and the fundraising kicks off on Wednesday night, when firms can sponsor the golden drakes.

Business people who want to take part should head to the King's Arms in Wood Street, Old Town, from 7pm. Anyone who can't attend the meeting on Wednesday, but still wants to sponsor a drake, should call Steph Trinci at Swindon Chamber of Commerce on 01793 642225.

The Rotarians are hoping 100 companies will take part.

Graziella Campisano, appeal manager, will be at the event, giving a talk on the life enhancing work of Macmillan nurses.

The ducks will be thrown into the River Ray on May Day Bank Holiday, May 3, at the Wootton Bassett Road recreation ground. The winning firm will received a magnificent crystal trophy.

Rotarian David Jackson said: "It is important for local companies to support the appeal, and this is their chance.

"Nearly everybody knows someone who has been affected by cancer, and what makes this appeal so worthwhile is that it is supporting local services."

After the corporate race, there will be another race, which is open to anyone.

The winning duck will net its owner £750, and there is a second prize of £100.

Last year, the race was held in aid of new equipment for the Great Western Hospital.

The Swindon Cancer Appeal aims to raise £600,000 to provide two specialist Macmillan nurses and a consultant in palliative care.

The cash will pay for the positions for three years, after which they will be funded by the NHS.

Although it was only launched in March year, the total now stands at £268,388.

Meanwhile, tickets have been selling fast for the Rotarians' sporting dinner at Blundson House Hotel on March 16. But four tables of 10 are still available. Former Welsh and British Lion John Taylor will be talking about his life on and off the pitch.

Guests will also be entertained by Garfield Morgan, who appeared in The Sweeney and Minder. Tables are £350. Randy Burden is waiting for your call on 01793 529050.

To make a donation online, click here.

Tell us about your fundraising event, click here.