There's a spring in our step...

Regardless of whether you are interested in Politics or not, it’s difficult to avoid the subject. We are living in an age where change is constant. Turn on the news and you’ll see back to back stories of rebellions, political shifts and the like. Recently, the subject of cancer has been massively influenced by politics in the UK, with the recent Welfare Reform Bill reading. If these laws are passed, patients living with cancer could find it very hard to financially support themselves and their family. This is why we have set up a special webpage designed for you to keep up to date with our latest campaigns, and what you can do to influence them: http://e-activist.com/ea-campaign/clientcampaign.do?ea.client.id=70&ea.campaign.id=1294. We need your support.

James Golding

We support you, too. Which is why tomorrow, we will be hosting a helpful live chat on our website with the very inspirational James Golding. After being diagnosed with cancer, James and his doctors still fought all the odds and pushed on. Sign up and have a chat with James if you’re looking for advice on how to cope with cancer, fundraising ideas, or answers to what it’s like to triumph through a cycling event! All the details are here: http://community.macmillan.org.uk/blogs/community_news/archive/2011/03/17/web-chat-james-golding.aspx

Essex has been thriving in its fundraising efforts – where a few weeks ago Mr. Simon Moon from Chelmsford has been holding events, in memory of his mother, the late Mrs. Heather Moon who passed away in August 2009. Simon has raised over £4000 so far, through events such as local auctions, pub quizzes and curry nights. His most recent auction featured prizes such as Take That tickets (which sold for £300) and Peter Kay tickets (which sold for £320). It must be said however, that the night’s greatest success was getting a Scotsman to wear an England shirt for £65!  Simon plans to support us even more throughout the coming months, by taking part in a Triathlon as well as holding a cheese and wine night. If you live close to Chelmsford and would like to attend one of Simon Moon’s events, contact us or watch this space for more information.

With Spring approaching now, we’re dusting off our walking boots and getting ready to explore the great outdoors whilst raising money for people affected by cancer. Visit this link to check out which walking events are being held near you http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Fundraising/Walkingevents/WalkingEvents.aspx. It’s all going to kick off in April, with the “Alton Water Spring Walk” in Norfolk (on the 10^th of April) being just one of the many walking events being held this year.  It is being organised by the “Rotary Club of Ipswich Orwell” and the great thing about this is that you can start at any time between 9am and noon – which is perfect if you like your Sunday lie ins! The “Rotary Club of Ipswich Orwell” donates one third of all sponsorship money raised to their chosen charity – this year it’s us! If you would like some more information, please contact the Norfolk team on 01603 724360 or email Mr. Philip Morgan directly at philip.morgan25@btinternet.com.

Now is the time to get signed up and registered for our events, because 2011 is a year for change. Whether it’s you looking to change up your own routine by doing something different and joining a Macmillan event, or whether you want to transform someone else’s life for the better, this year will be boundless in terms of opportunities.