A team of cancer charity colleagues providing support for patients, their carers and families are putting their best foot forward to help boost funds. 

The ‘Mac-nificent Five’ - part of North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust’s Macmillan Cancer Support, are on countdown to a half-marathon hike and are hoping to raise £1,500 which will be put back into supporting the community. 

The five will take on the 13-mile challenge on July 16. The route takes them along the Thames path route around Windsor and is part of Macmillan Cancer Support’s one-day mighty hikes across the country. 

Alanna Farrow, Macmillan deputy personalised care lead, Bev Williams, Macmillan personalised care lead, and Nicola Ebdon, Macmillan breast support worker all support patients served by Peterborough City Hospital, Hinchingbrooke Hospital in Huntingdon and Stamford & Rutland Hospital. 

They will be joined by members of the charity’s regional team; Lou Osborne, partnership manager and Polly Richards, partnership quality lead. 

The Hunts Post: As part of the countdown to the hike, the team has already added to its fundraising total following a bake and cake sale at Peterborough City Hospital, supported by patients, visitors and colleagues, which raised £489. As part of the countdown to the hike, the team has already added to its fundraising total following a bake and cake sale at Peterborough City Hospital, supported by patients, visitors and colleagues, which raised £489. (Image: North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust)

Alanna said: “Personalised care starts from the point of diagnosis as we know that this can have a ripple effect for carers and family members. 

“We support patients holistically; this could be offering advice and support on managing their finances, dealing with the impact on any children within the family, or people living alone who are concerned about the welfare of their pet should they require hospital treatment.” 

There are currently 150 Macmillan professionals serving the local area, and the charity is looking to increase that support.  

As part of the countdown to the hike, the team has already added to its fundraising total following a bake and cake sale at Peterborough City Hospital, supported by patients, visitors and colleagues, which raised £489. 

Anyone wishing to support the Mac-nificent Five can do so through their fundraising link: Mac-nificent five fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support on JustGiving.