A new fundraising group has been set up in High Wycombe and Marlow to raise money and awareness for cancer charity Macmillan Cancer Support, following the closure of the well-established former committee last year.

The Gerrards Cross and Buckinghamshire South Fundraising Group, chaired by Liz King, a Macmillan volunteer for more than 20 years, has taken over the reins to become Macmillan’s leading fundraising group in the county.

The group, previously known as the Gerrards Cross and District Committee, had its most successful fundraising stint last year with £41,629 raised throughout the year.

The amount, according to Ms King, is enough to fund a Macmillan nurse for over nine months, helping people with cancer and their families to receive “essential medical, practical and emotional support”.

An average of 11 people are diagnosed with cancer every day in Buckinghamshire and the new group is hoping to raise even more money with fundraising events in 2016 including a fashion evening at John Lewis in High Wycombe, five-a-side-football and a Tough Mudder event around High Wycombe and Marlow, where people take part in a challenging 10 to 12 mile mud and obstacle course designed to test physical strength and stamina.

Ms King said: “This is a really exciting time for Macmillan Cancer Support locally and I am so pleased that we already have interest from people around the area who want to fundraise for Macmillan.”

The group is looking for new fundraisers and volunteers from the county. To get involved, contact Paresh Nar on 07710 307 047 or go to http://volunteering.macmillan.org.uk.