A PAST and present chairman of Sidmouth fundraising committee for Macmillan Cancer Support have jointly launched an urgent appeal for a new chairman and more members.

A PAST and present chairman of Sidmouth fundraising committee for Macmillan Cancer Support have jointly launched an urgent appeal for a new chairman and more members.

When Tricia Heard stands down from office at the 2010 annual meeting after three years, she needs a successor.

Now she and past chairman Alison Clarke have teamed up to appeal to locals to volunteer to enable the committee to continue raising funds to help those living with cancer and to raise awareness of the wide range of support the charity offers.

Tricia said: "I have immensely enjoyed my time working for Macmillan alongside an excellent team of committee members.

"Organising fundraising events has been very satisfying and we are all very grateful to our increasing body of supporters who have helped us raise over �30,000 in the last three years and �100,000 over the last 10.

"It is now time for a new chairman to take on the role and bring fresh ideas to our continuing programme which is in place for next year."

Alison, who still helps the committee, said: 'The Sidmouth committee meets each month and is very informal; the emphasis is on fun and there is a great enthusiasm for new fundraising ideas.

"It just needs a leader; if only for the next 12 months, until one of the existing members can take on the role.

"However, new members are also sought. If people don't come forward to help the committee there is a distinct possibility it may not be able to continue."

Macmillan's fundraising manager Calvin Lovelock said many local services benefitted from Macmillan funding, including specialist community nursing and the Macmillan GP project for East and Mid Devon.

Tricia said it was imperative to have new members "so that the committee can continue in its role as an important force for change and transformation in cancer care in the future."

She added: "Macmillan is entirely dependent on volunteers and has had a strong fundraising presence in the town for more than 30 years."

If you are interested, call Tricia on (01395) 519317 or Calvin Lovelock, on (01803) 528004 for an informal chat.