York have been doing their bit to boost funds for Macmillan Cancer Relief's special appeal in the city.

The York Appeal, which was launched last June, aims to raise £400,000 to fund two new Macmillan nurses and a Macmillan GP for the area.

As part of the fundraising bid home carers from the City of York Council used their lunch break to raise money with a sponsored run around Knavesmire.

Gail Pountain and her colleagues went on the run at York racecourse. The event was expected to raise hundreds of pounds for the appeal.

Gail has personal experience of the work of Macmillan nurses as she lost her father to leukaemia. The women were also joined by some of their children, who were off school for the half-term holiday.

Nestl Rowntree workers held a quiz and raffle and gave the appeal a £600 boost.

The finance department at the factory organised the event and presented a cheque to Macmillan Cancer Relief's York Appeal co-ordinator, Alex Emsley.

There is still a chance for everyone to do their bit by getting involved in Bring A Pound To Work.

York employees from across the city from bar staff to barristers, are being encouraged to take part in the event on June 19.

Businesses participating will have the opportunity to receive a visit from a presenter on Minster FM - the York-based radio station which is teaming up with Macmillan - and a charity representative who will collect the donations live on air.

Alex said: "This event is very exciting for the people of York.

"Being able to bring local businesses, Minster FM and the Macmillan York Appeal together is a great way to add to the current appeal."

Radio Investments, which operates 22 radio stations across the UK including Minster FM, hopes to raise £250,000 from their stations nationwide to help Macmillan Cancer Relief provide more specialist cancer care services for cancer patients.

To join in, simply telephone, fax or email your company's details to Alex Emsley, Macmillan York Appeal Office, 3 Fawcett Street, York, YO10 4AH, phone 01904 756402, fax 01904 654668, email

minsterfm@macmillan.org.uk

Updated: 09:49 Friday, May 30, 2003