A host of local businesses have pledged their support to Weston RNLI’s first ever fund-raising event – Lifeboat Week.  The theme is ‘go mad for the RNLI’ and it will run from July 30 to August 7 in order to celebrate the work of the charity and raise funds to keep the service in operation.

All money raised during the week will go to the RNLI’s Weston crew and businesses that have already signed up for the event have agreed to put up posters or flags in their window and have a collection box to raise funds.

Organisers are urging more businesses to come forward and get involved in the week-long charity event by helping in any way they can, such as coming up with a fun way to raise funds for the RNLI.

The RNLI have access to the Italian Gardens for the week and two Weston firms have already agreed to put on a circus skills workshop and karaoke session.

According to members at Weston RNLI it’s vital that they raise funds to keep the station going because the operation is entirely supported by voluntary donations. The crew work without pay, and all the money raised during Lifeboat Week will help keep the local Weston station and crew above water.

As well as businesses pulling together to raise money for the RNLI, there is also a full programme of events for the public to enjoy – a full listing of events can be found here.

If you would like your business to promote Lifeboat Week, please give Weston RNLI a call on 01934 824587 or email rnli@amiconf.demon.co.uk and to find out specific details about events log onto http://www.facebook.com/pages/Weston-Lifeboat-Week-RNLI/137264399679798

On Friday the 24th of September Macmillan Cancer Support holds The Worlds Biggest Coffee Morning and former ‘Bond’ actress, Caroline Munro is lending her support.

Caroline who was in Weston super Mare in May at the Winter Gardens, has a close ‘bond’ with Macmillan and enjoys getting involved. The Spy Who Loved me star who famously winked at 007 just before meeting her watery end, is showing her support as a way of saying thanks to Macmillan for helping her in the past. Caroline said:

“My mother sadly lost her fight with cancer but thankfully Macmillan were with us every step of the way, of what was a very difficult time. Their support not just through nursing, but with information and advice really helped the family on the journey. They do such a great job and all the services provided make such a difference. Basically they are there when you need them. To attend or host a coffee morning will make all the difference. Please, please register though I suggest you take your chosen brew stirred and not shaken!”

Macmillan’s Fundraising Manager, Ian Dore, said:

“Worlds Biggest Coffee Morning is a key date in the  Macmillan calendar and to have the support of Caroline is a delightful bonus. Its something she is passionate about and it’s yet another example of how Macmillan helps thousands of people every year. Of course we can only do that through the kind people hosting and attending such events as The Worlds Biggest Coffee Mornings. To that end, nobody does it better. ”

Caroline played ‘Naomi’ opposite Roger Moore in the 1977 bond smash, The Spy Who Loved Me. The film grossed $185.4 million worldwide  and was nominated for 3 Oscars and is often regarded by bond fans as their favourite 007 outing. This is further reflected by Moore himself stating that out of the 7 that he had shot, The Spy Who Loved Me was his favourite.

To register to host your own coffee morning supporting Macmillan Cancer Support on Friday September the 24^th, just visitwww.macmillan.org.uk/coffee

A leading cancer charity is urging people in Weston-super-Mare to raise £8.3m – by taking part in the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning.

Macmillan Cancer Support wants people across the Weston-super-Mare to take part in the event to help raise millions of pounds to fund local cancer services. In 2009 there were 19 Macmillan coffee
mornings held across Weston-super-Mare raising a fantastic £3630.

But this year the charity is hoping another 20 people in Weston super Mare will hold a coffee morning to raise £6000 to help fund local cancer services.

Currently Macmillan fund 98% of the Cancer Nurse Specialists in Weston General Hospital.

Liz Duvall of Great British Mobility in Weston – super – Mare has held many a coffee morning:

“Everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer and seen the suffering that it can bring. And who knows, any of us could be effected ourselves in the future. The work Macmillan does help’s so many people. So if each of us gives just a little bit we can help Macmillan to help others. We speak to people everyday who are struggling with either their own mobility or that of a partner or family member. It makes you feel very fortunate to still be in good health yourself.

At the end of the day, good as it is, the National Health Service doesn’t have the manpower to carry out the tasks that Macmillan fulfils. And we do need such organisations to fill the gaps between hospital care and all the other aspects of cancer patient’s lives that are affected by their illness.

We have raised money for several years for Macmillan but always had fun whilst doing it. Last year we all wore green and then donated £1.00 each for the pleasure of doing so. We also made cakes and sold them to staff and other office units on our industrial estate. We had a green raffle which all the staff donated something green to and bought raffle tickets to win it all back again. We had donations from home grown green veg to green nail varnish to green underwear, sweets and green bottles! It really does get everyone involved and the offices always enjoy taking part.”

Macmillan’s fundraising manager for Weston super Mare, Ian Dore, said:

“Macmillan is there to help from the moment someone is diagnosed with cancer and the support we provide is vital.  Our doctors and nurses offer specialist medical care and emotional support, while our benefits advisors help cancer patients get the government money they are entitled to.  Macmillan will even provide grants to people with cancer who are struggling financially.

All the services we offer are essential, and we rely on the money raised from events like the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning to fund them. So we are asking people across Weston super Mare to put a smile on their mug and help Macmillan reach more people affected by cancer in their area.”

Fundraising manager Ian Dore continued:

“The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning is a really fun event that is easy to take part in, especially as you can tailor it to suit yourself. “If you can’t do it on September 24 then pick another day, if you’re not keen on coffee and would rather have cocktails or even herbal tea then that’s fine as well. All that matters is that you take part and help us raise more from this year’s coffee morning than ever before.”

To take part in the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning on Friday 24 September go to www.macmillan.org.uk/coffee or call 0845 070 1315.
Liz Duvalls contact number: (  01934  ) 875883