Ref. 29448-11SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: Today is the first birthday of the Swindon Cancer Appeal.

For 12 months Swindon residents have been digging deep to ensure people living with cancer are given the best possible care and support.

The appeal was launched this time last year with the aim of raising £600,000 within three years to provide two specialist Macmillan nurses and a consultant in palliative care.

And already £350,200 has been collected way ahead of the target.

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

If the appeal continues with this momentum and enthusiasm, we will reach our target well ahead of schedule.

The success of the appeal so far proves that Swindon and its organisations have lost none of their dedication to raising money for good causes.

Townsfolk young and old have taken our appeal to heart. Throughout the last year people in Swindon and Marlborough have been busying themselves with all sorts of weird and wonderful events to fill the appeal's coffers.

Swindon businesses have been generous too. Nation-wide has been a major supporter of the appeal and has donated more than £100,000.

Celebratory balloons and a giant birthday cake adorned the Intel offices.

The technology giant, in Pipers Way, decorated the cake with a cheque for £35,000 their latest contribution to the appeal.

Last year the firm donated £30,000 to swell the coffers.

John Fowler, 51, IT customer engagement manager for Europe, said the company was delighted to be backing such a worthwhile cause.

He said: "It has come at a very poignant time as two of our long standing members of staff lost their battles against cancer recently.

"I have lost several members of my family to the disease, and it seems that everyone knows someone who has been affected by it in some way."

The £35,000 was from Intel's corporate fund but Mr Fowler said they hoped to engage staff in fun activities this year.

He said: "We supported the Macmillan coffee morning in September and will do so again this year. We are also thinking of doing the Three Peaks Challenge and organising some more fun events for employees to take part in."

To make a donation to the appeal online, click here.

Tell us about your fundraising event, click here.

Alex Emery