VOLUNTEERS have rallied together to form a charity fundraising group in Knutsford – and hope their efforts will help to ease the suffering of people in the area with cancer and terminal illnesses.

The Knutsford Marie Curie Cancer Care Fundraising Group launched in May, and is made up of the charity’s supporters.

The group have set out to raise funds to provide local care for people with cancer and other terminal illnesses, and have lined up a number of fundraising events in the town.

Group chairman Chris Mackey said: “The residents of Knutsford and surrounding areas have an exemplary reputation for supporting and raising monies for charity.

“I hope they will support the group to help raise the much-needed cash to continue the exceptional work carried out by the Marie Curie nurses.”

Fundraising will start with a coffee morning at the Methodist Church on July 13 from 10am to noon, and the group are inviting new volunteers to get on board.

Knutsford is no stranger to Marie Curie, and the charity has dedicated volunteers who have been fundraising for them for years.

Mary Webster is one such person, and her 14 years of fundraising efforts were acknowledged last month when she was presented with the Marie Curie ‘Volunteer of the Year’ award.

“It’s great to hear words of appreciation, but it was my good luck which gave me the opportunity to support Marie Curie,” she said.

“I am a cancer survivor. I was lucky my tumour was found early, that surgery was successful and that chemo did its deadly mopping up.

“Since then it’s been a privilege, and mostly a pleasure, to help with fundraising events.

“I say mostly a pleasure, because the odd time when you are stood out in the wind and rain it’s difficult to believe you are enjoying yourself.

“That is until you realise the alternative of being unwell at home, in a hospital or hospice or no longer around.

“It’s during those times I can truthfully say, ‘I’m lucky to be here’.”

To make a donation for the coffee morning or are interested in joining the group call Chris on 07920 180392 or email knutsfordfundraising group.mccf@gmail.com.