British luxury yacht manufacturer Sunseeker is partnering with Macmillan Cancer Support to raise funds for services in Dorset through a series of sponsored events in upcoming months. Events include a sponsored hike and the highly caffeinated ‘World’s Biggest Coffee Morning’. To many of the staff at Sunseeker, Macmillan Cancer Support plays a vital role in making a difference in the county where Sunseeker has been based since the 1970s. The following is a Press Release from Sunseeker.
Press Release
SUNSEEKER INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT IN DORSET
Sunseeker International has announced its new partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support in Dorset, helping to raise funds and support people affected by cancer in the local community.
Founded in 1911, Macmillan is the leading cancer care charity in the UK, supporting people of all ages and with all types of cancer, aiming to reach and improve the lives of everyone living with the disease. Macmillan provides local support based on need, and in Dorset there are a range of Macmillan professionals from GPs to nurse specialists, acute oncology nurses, benefits advisers, information leads, and even physical activity projects helping people to become active during and beyond cancer.
Every day, 15 people in Dorset are told they have cancer and figures show the number of people living with the disease is rising. Sunseeker aims to raise as much money as possible for the charity and here’s what amounts raised could help fund:
- As little as £28 could pay for a Macmillan nurse for an hour
- £207 could pay for a Macmillan nurse for a day
- £52,420 could pay for a Macmillan nurse for a year all helping people living with cancer and their families to receive essential medical, practical and emotional support
Members of the Sunseeker team, who have personally experienced the services offered by Macmillan, gathered for the launch event to show support for the charity partnership. Chris Winwood, Production Manager commented: “12 years ago my family went through a difficult time when my father died from cancer. The advice and support that the Macmillan nurse gave to my parents whilst my father battled this illness was fantastic. Macmillan helped us to get equipment that made him more comfortable, advised on benefits that could be claimed and completed all the paperwork. The support didn’t stop for my mother after his passing, as the nurse called after to ensure she was okay.”
Sunseeker will be kicking off its fundraising by joining local events such as the Jurassic Coast Mighty Hike on 9th July and the infamous World’s Biggest Coffee Morning on the 30th September. In addition, Sunseeker will be supporting its employee’s own fundraising efforts and will be working with them to maximise fundraising potential, inviting them to be as creative and ambitious as possible.
Chrissie Wathen-Neal, Fundraising Manager for Macmillan in Dorset said: “By 2020, nearly one in two people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, and Macmillan wants to be there for every one of those people and their loved ones, from the moment they’re diagnosed, through their treatment and beyond – but we can’t do it alone.”
Chrissie continues: “98% of our income comes from public donations, so Macmillan relies on the generosity of those who fundraise for us to help pay for vital services. We are delighted to be partnering with Sunseeker; with their valued support we can help reach and improve the lives of more people affected by cancer in Dorset.”
Phil Popham, Sunseeker’s CEO, said: “We are very proud to announce our partnership with Macmillan. Sunseeker already supports the annual Macmillan Dorset bike ride and will continue to do so. We are fully committed to helping raise as much money as possible for this vital cause and we aim to make a real difference locally.”
