A TEAM member at Darlington Building Society’s Tubwell Row branch is shedding the pounds to raise pounds for cancer charity, MacMillan Cancer Support in memory of her friend and work colleague, Hazel Wood.

Jayne Curtis, a customer service consultant, hopes to raise £200 for the charity, which is very close to her heart having had several friends and family diagnosed with the illness, including former colleague Hazel.

Hazel worked for the Society at both the Sentinel House branch in Head Office and the Tubwell Row branch as a customer service consultant during a career with the Society that spanned over 17 years.

Jayne said: “I have a few friends who have had cancer and one who is currently fighting the disease.

“Hazel was professional, funny and excellent with the customers. She was loved by both colleagues and customers alike.

“I have seen first-hand the brilliant work that the MacMillan nurses do and it’s a pleasure to be able to help an organisation which makes the lives of thousands of cancer victims more comfortable.

“I’m extremely grateful to my colleagues who have donated towards my goal of raising £200 – and for hiding the biscuits!”

Darlington Building Society actively encourages its staff members to help local charities and causes as part of its ethos of ‘looking after local interests’.

MacMillan is a source of support, helping with all the things that people affected by cancer want and need, including those who don’t have the disease, but are affected by cancer such as help carers, families and communities.

Colin Fyfe, Chief Executive of Darlington Building Society, said: “Almost everyone has been touched by cancer in some way.

“With many of us likely to be diagnosed with the disease at some point in our lives, it’s vitally important that MacMillan can continue to provide palliative and respite care for those who need it. Well done Jayne for this great initiative.”

You can support Jayne through her Just Giving page, which allows your donation to go 25 per cent further by allowing Macmillan to claim back the tax paid on the donation. The page can be found at justgiving.com/Jayne-CurtisNoMoreFatGirl