WHEN Alan Clarke fell ill with cancer his friends were so impressed with the hospital care he received they decided to raise money for the Macmillan Windmill Appeal.

Within a month the Clarke Group, as they called themselves, had raised an amazing £6,800 for the appeal by organising raffles and a charity entertainment night at Layton Institute.

Group member Judy Lancaster explained: "Alan has received wonderful care in hospital in Blackpool, Manchester and Preston and it inspired us to raise money for the appeal. I cannot quite believe how succesful we have been.

"First we organised a raffle and we sold so many tickets we had to do two reprints selling 12,000 in all.

"People were extremely generous and so many people donated gifts we were able to hold another bigger raffle.

"The entertainment night at Layton Institute also went very well. All the artists agreed to appear free and as soon as we got Johhny Casson to top the bill tickets sold instantly. "We hope our efforts will benefit people in future who have cancer and will receive treatment locally."

Alan, of Foxdale Avenue, Layton, worked for BNFL for 20 years and is currently undergoing treatment.

The Macmillan Windmill Appeal received a further boost from the Blackpool branch of the Nationwide Building Society when employees handed over a cheque for £2,200.

The money has been raised by branch employees with a variety of events over the past year.

Branch manager Lisa Hartley said: "We've had a great deal of fun raising the money and employees have put in a lot of time and hard work.

"I'd like to thank friends and members who have supported us over the past year."

Don't forget to contact The Citizen if you are arranging a fundraising event. You should also contact Ramesh Gandhi or Elaine Fossett at the Macmillan Windmill Appeal office on (01253) 303121.

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