A new volunteer fundraising group has launched in Malmesbury to raise funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

The Malmesbury and Local Villages Fundraising Group celebrated its formal launch in the grounds of Abbey House Gardens, Malmesbury, before holding its first business meeting to start planning its future activities.

The group’s chairman Liz Legge, of Charlton, near Malmesbury, was eager to become a member after having first-hand experience of the nursing service.

She said: “Marie Curie nurses helped me to look after my father who had terminal cancer. They were a huge support and a great comfort at a difficult time.”

Another member, Sandra Butler, used to be a senior health care assistant for the charity, caring for many terminally ill patients in the area who were able to stay in their own homes right until the end because of the care that she and other Marie Curie nurses gave.

The Malmesbury and Local Villages Fundraising Group will provide support so Marie Curie nurses can continue to give free care to people with terminal illnesses, through supporting Marie Curie’s major fundraising campaigns such as the Great Daffodil Appeal and Blooming Great Tea Party, as well as promoting fundraising within the community and encouraging new supporters to help the charity.

To join the fundraising group for Marie Curie Cancer Care, or to find out more about the group and other ways to support the charity, people can call Natalie Taylor on (0117) 924 7275 or email Natalie.taylor @mariecurie.org.uk