A CHARITY manager is on a mission to set up a Macmillan fundraising committee for Harwich residents.

Last year, three people every day received a cancer diagnosis in the Tendring area.

Macmillan Cancer Support receives no Government funding and relies on donations to provide support to one in four people diagnosed with the disease.

These statistics are the driving force behind a new fundraising initiative that is being led by the new Macmillan fundraising manager for the east of England Alex Howe.

Alex is looking to set up new fundraising groups across the Tendring and Colchester area.

The 37-year-old, who lives in Dovercourt, said: “As a local resident, it was incredible to see and hear during the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning last week just how much Macmillan means to the community and to learn about the support provided locally.

“At the moment, we are able to be there for one in four people who need us, but we want to do more to ensure we’re able to help all those living with cancer from the point of diagnosis.”

Macmillan Cancer Support offers a broad range of services in the Tendring area.

Trained advisers provide access to Macmillan grants, a small, one-off payment to help people with the extra costs associated with a cancer diagnosis.

This can include anything from travelling expenses, to clothing, help paying the heating bills or even a relaxing break.

Alex added: “Part of my role is to raise awareness of the services that Macmillan provides in the local area, but I am also looking to establish the very first Macmillan fundraising committee for Harwich.

“It is a really fun and sociable way to help raise funds in the area.

“I will work closely with the new committee and help the team to organise a few fundraising events each year.

“The time commitment is completely down to the individual and we will look to meet once a month initially to work on fundraising ideas.

“There are so many benefits to volunteering with Macmillan - you will learn more about the work that we do and strengthen our supporter base, so that we can help even more people living with cancer to live life as fully as they can.”

For more information about joining the new committee, call Alex Howe on 07809 554 963 or email ahowe@macmillan.org.uk.