Somerfield raises £2 million for cancer charity

SIDMOUTH Somerfield has helped with the supermarket s national campaign to raise money for a cancer charity, which has now hit the £2 million mark. Supermarket staff have raised money for Macmillan Cancer Support since March 2007 through fundraising in-st

SIDMOUTH Somerfield has helped with the supermarket's national campaign to raise money for a cancer charity, which has now hit the £2 million mark.

Supermarket staff have raised money for Macmillan Cancer Support since March 2007 through fundraising in-store, sales promotions and gift items.

Darren Payne, Duty Manager at Sidmouth High Street Somerfield, said: "People have been pretty generous with their donations and have been handing over spare change.

"We've sold badges, picnic mats and games as well as other products for the charity."

In 2007 the store raised around £500 and the 2008 figure is expected to be around £1,500.

Pete Williams, head of press and charity at Somerfield, said: "We are very excited to have raised £2 million for Macmillan. We set ourselves an ambitious target at the start of the partnership and I am very proud to see us exceed it."

The money raised by Somerfield stores will help to fund a range of cancer services throughout the country.

Ciarán Devane, Chief Executive for Macmillan Cancer Support, said: "This is a phenomenal achievement and is a testament to the commitment of Somerfield staff and customers to improving lives in the local community.