Quack off the mark (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Quack off the mark

Watching the ducks sail by at this year's duck race, which raised £10,000 for the Macmillan appeal Pic ref: 77685-239THE Swindon Cancer Appeal is going from strength to strength with a boost of £10,000 recently received from the organisers of a duck race.

Thanks to the generosity of the people of Swindon, nearly three quarters of a million pounds has been raised in just over two years.

The original target for the Adver-backed appeal was £600,000, but was extended earlier this year after our hardworking readers helped the appeal hit that amount a year ahead of schedule.

The total so far is £738,191.19.

Helping to reach that was Swindon Old Town Rotary Club which raised in the region of £10,000 with their Famous Duck Race in May.

Rotary Club president Tony Wall said: "It went really well,. the best year we have had. The support we have received has been fantastic."

The club sold 5,600 plastic ducks for the race at Westcott Recreation Ground. Mr Wall said: "The thing about the duck race is it is pocket money, everybody can do it. It is a good way people can show their support."

And the rest of the town has been playing their part too.

Other recent events included a Midsummer Night Dream Ball, which raised £1,410, a hog roast in Wootton Bassett, which raised £2,300, and Valerie Nix's garden opening, which raised £240 for the appeal.

The Swindon Cancer Appeal is hoping to provide a training post for a Macmillan specialist breast care cancer nurse.

In addition we want to provide a training post for another nurse specialising in gastrointestinal cancer.

Money raised is also going to provide a Macmillan clinical psychologist who will specialise in cancer and palliative care.

For more information about the Swindon Cancer Appeal call the appeal office on 01793 432252 or 01793 432253.

Stephanie Tye