THOUSANDS of pounds have been donated to cancer care thanks to the efforts of Northumberland hotel workers.
Staff at The Longhirst Group, which runs Longhirst Hall near Morpeth as well as a hotel in York, have collected £3,675 for Macmillan Cancer Support from various fund-raising activities.
The team organised a number of events over the past year, from comedy nights to open days and raffles, with prizes such as weekend getaways to the Longhirst hotel.
The venue also took part in Macmillan’s flagship event, The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning, in September, providing homemade cakes and goodies.
But the hard work does not stop there and staff are already planning activities for 2012, including two fund-raising balls and fun days.
Group Revenue Manager Claire Goodwin said: “The Longhirst Group is delighted to be supporting Macmillan in raising such a great amount for such a fantastic cause.
“I am really proud of the team for their continued enthusiasm and support in their fund-raising, and with plenty of events planned for 2012 we are hopeful of generating some more vital funds.”
The funds will be used to support Macmillan’s work providing medical, emotional, financial and practical support for anyone affected by cancer, including patients’ family, friends and colleagues.
It provides nurses and therapists, experts to give advice over the telephone, benefit advisors, volunteers to help with everyday tasks, campaigners to improve cancer care and an online community to offer support.
Macmillan Fund-raising Manager Erin Richardson has thanked the Longhirst Group for its support and issued an appeal for other businesses to follow its lead.
She said: “We are delighted with the support Longhirst has given Macmillan Cancer Support over the past year.
“It has helped to raise vital funds and awareness and this will directly improve the lives of people affected by cancer.
“We need more companies to get on board as we have a big challenge ahead as the number of people living with cancer grows. We need to be there to support those people and that’s why partnerships like this are so important.”
The charity can work with businesses and organisations of all sizes. Support can be given through fund-raising events, payroll giving, joint promotions or sponsorship.
Any business interested in helping Macmillan should call 0191 214 5444, or email atweedy@macmillan.org.uk for further details.