A CHARITY which provides specialist health care, information and financial support to people affected by cancer says it is in danger of losing one of its most effective fundraising groups.

MacMillan Cancer Support said John and Ann Day, formerly of Thornton Stud, in Thornton-le-Street, and Colin and Barbara Gell, of Thornton-le-Moor, have stepped down from the charity’s Thirsk fundraising committee after more than 30 years’ service.

Over the past 20 years the quartet has helped raise the charity’s profile and £32,700 by organising events such as dances, lunches and fashion shows.

Mrs Day said volunteering for the charity had been very rewarding.

She said: “When you add up how much you have raised, you see people enjoying themselves at your events, and you know you are making a big difference, it really makes it all worthwhile.”

Sally Millington, the charity’s fundraising manager, said: “We really do appreciate all of their hard work and, understandably, it has come to a time for the current members to step down.”

Mrs Millington said new volunteers on the committee would be involved in organising collections, supporting fundraisers with their activities or running events.

She said: “They can do how much and whatever they might like to, while acting as a representative of the charity in their local area, helping us to raise awareness and vital funds to help people affected by cancer."

Meanwhile, the charity is seeking volunteers to help collect donations at a Thirsk Racecourse flat racing meeting on Friday, August 2, between 12.30pm and 2.30pm, and from 4.30pm and 6pm.

For details, call 07801-307058 or email smillington@macmillan.org.uk