Superstars: Macmillan Cancer Support

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Did you know, one in two people will develop some form of cancer in their lifetime? Macmillan Cancer Support estimates there are currently three million people living with cancer in the UK, which will rise to 3.5million by 2025, and 5.3 million by 2040. The increase is partly due to the UK’s growing and ageing population but also due to improvements in cancer diagnosis and treatments. Macmillan Cancer Support is a charity that helps fund and take on research to understand the needs and experiences of people affected by cancer and to develop and influence better care and services. They help shape policies and work with the government to improve lives, and provide the support, tools and inspiration people need in their journey with cancer.

Today is World Cancer Day, and we’re celebrating the Superstars who took on a social action project in support of Macmillan Cancer Support. 

When Shiam and their team got together during their NCS programme, they found that a few people in their group had been personally affected by cancer. So, for their social action project they chose to do a fundraiser for Macmillan, and create care packages for women and children in shelters. 

The team made loads of delicious cakes and set up a stall in the middle of their town centre, where they raised a whopping £665.31! About £200 of this was used to make care packages, and they even got some donations from local businesses for things to put in them. For Shiam, this was a chance to gain some new skills, and they said, “I enjoyed communicating with different businesses and local authorities in person, over the telephone and via email. It really helped me develop my communication skills!”

The team ended up creating 40 care packages containing things like shampoo, conditioner and other toiletries, tampons and period pads, pens, books, gift items, soft drinks and a water bottle, and chocolate or food. They also made motivational quote cards which were added and handmade cards with an inspiring message inside.

The rest of the money from the bake sale went towards Macmillan Cancer Support, paying for specialised nursing staff for people going through cancer treatment or terminal patients nearing the end of their lives. 

What wonderful work!

WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE WHERE YOU ARE?

Want to carry out some social action in your community but aren’t sure where to start? Take a look at a Changemaker group near you...

And if you’ve already taken part in a social action project that you’re proud of, let us know! Tell us all about it here.