YORK’S fundraising committee for Macmillan Cancer Support raised a staggering £85,939 in 2015.

The money will help fund the charity’s work supporting the growing number of local people affected by cancer.

The funds were raised from a variety of activities including public collections, coffee mornings and high profile events such as hosting a marquee lunch at the annual Macmillan Charity Raceday at York Racecourse in June. Committee members also give their time generously by volunteering at annual sporting events such as the Yorkshire Marathon and York 10K.

The committee have been established in the York area since 1975 and continue to meet regularly to share fundraising ideas and to organise events and collections.

Jan Drinkall, chairman of the York committee, said: “Raising so much money is challenging but very rewarding and is achieved by a group of willing volunteers who give their time so generously. It’s definitely a team effort.”

The money raised will be used to help fund Macmillan’s vital cancer services including their specialist nurses who work tirelessly within hospitals and out in the community to make sure patients get the medical, emotional and practical support they desperately need.

Macmillan’s Fundraising Manager for York, Hayley Cooke, said: “With more people living with cancer than ever before, the need for our work is constantly growing. Thanks to our loyal committee, their fundraising efforts from 2015 will go a long way to helping us be there for people when they need us most.”

If you would like to find out more about volunteering opportunities, or would like to join the York Committee, please contact Hayley Cooke on 07894 936 353 or email Hcooke@macmillan.org.uk