Macmillan Cancer Support is once again calling for supporters to unite in Harrogate town centre on Saturday 28 May 2016 and take part in a huge collection that will turn the town green and raise vital funds for local people affected by cancer.
Last year Harrogate Takeover Day raised over £2,500 for services at the Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre at Harrogate District Hospital, which has helped Macmillan to fund a number of new posts to support patients in the Harrogate and District area.
And with the support of local businesses including Boots, the cancer charity will be taking over the town again this year to raise even more funds and awareness.
Michaela Ryder, Fundraising Manager for Macmillan in Harrogate said:
Harrogate Takeover Day is now a firm fixture in the Macmillan diary, and the money raised really does make a huge difference locally. We are a national charity with a local heart, and believe that no one in Harrogate should have to face cancer alone.
One new post that Macmillan are funding this year thanks to the generous donations made at last year’s Takeover Day is a Macmillan Health & Wellbeing Programme Manager, Janet O’Brien.
Janet said:
My role is to help support patients living with and beyond cancer, once they have finished their treatment. In particular, we are focussing on helping patients maximize their health and wellbeing.
It is such an exciting role because it is brand new, and not something that has ever been done before in Harrogate. But as a charity we rely almost entirely on voluntary donations, and I wouldn’t be here without the money raised from local events such as the Takeover Day. So I’d urge everyone in Harrogate to get behind this year’s event!
Michaela continued:
We are looking for local businesses to take part and collectors to volunteer for a couple of hours on the day to help raise as much money and awareness for as possible.
We will be collecting at every street corner in the town providing a host of entertaining activities with our furry mascot friends, and our Boots No7 Beauty Advisor’s will also be on hand to offer beauty advice and demonstrate the support they can give to help people manage the visible side effects of cancer treatment.
Various retailers and local businesses have already pledged their support by holding coffee mornings, cake sales, raffles and even challenge events on the day to encourage donations, while others have simply agreed to display bunting, balloons and banners in the run up to the event.
If you would like to get involved in helping to Paint Harrogate Green then you can contact Michaela Ryder by emailing mryder@macmillan.org.uk or on 07474 612722.
Supporters can also donate online at www.justgiving.com/HarrogateTakeover2016 or by texting ‘HGTD66 £5’ to 70070.
