A NEW volunteer fundraising group has been launched in Poole to raise money and awareness for a vital cancer charity.

Marie Curie Cancer Care got the seal of approval from Poole Mayor, Cllr Carol Evans, for its first group in the town, joining those in Verwood, Ferndown, Bland-ford, Sherborne, Weymouth and Portland.

At a launch in the Mayor’s Parlour, Cllr Evans thanked members and supporters for their voluntary and community work.

Group chairman Valerie Sawdy said: “The new fundraising group in Poole will make a huge difference locally by helping to raise the vital funds needed to support Marie Curie nurses, who provide free care to people with terminal illnesses in their own homes.

“We are keen to welcome new members and look forward to being an active part of the Poole community,” said Mrs Sawdy.

The volunteers will raise essential funds so the 88 Marie Curie Nurses working across Dorset can continue to provide free care to more than 650 people with terminal illnesses in the county each year. They will support the charity’s major fundraising campaigns, such as the Great Daffodil Appeal and Blooming Great Tea Party, as well as promoting fundraising within the local community and encouraging new supporters to join forces with them.

And they have already organised their first event, a recruitment day for Great Daffodil Appeal volunteers where local residents are invited to find out more about volunteering for an hour during the appeal in March. It is on February 9 at the Dolphin Shopping Centre. A tea party will be held on March 9 at St Paul’s Church, Canford Heath from 2pm to 4pm. Everyone is welcome.

l To join the group or find out ways to support the charity, call fundraising manager Amy Llewellyn on 01935 423987 amy.llewellyn@mariecurie.org.uk.