Katie Melua, joint patron of Manx Cancer Help with husband James Toseland, has become one of the first people to lend their support to the charity’s handbag appeal.
The singer-songwriter has donated one of her own handbags to help Manx Cancer Help raise vital funds to allow the charity to continue offering its vital services to Island cancer patients, their families, carers and friends.
She said: ‘Since I first became aware of the vital services Manx Cancer Help offers in the Isle of Man I have been impressed by the charity’s work.
‘James and I are eager to support the charity whenever possible, so I’m delighted to donate one of my handbags. I would ask anyone who has a good handbag they no longer use or want to donate it. It really could help make a difference to the lives of people in the Isle of Man.’
Katie’s handbag will be raffled at Tynwald Fair on July 5 on the MCH stand, plot 45, where there will also be a chance to buy other donated handbags.
Manx Cancer Help’s handbag appeal, launched earlier this month as part of its 30th anniversary activities, is asking anyone with a good quality handbag they no longer need to drop it off at any Sure store. The charity will sell donated handbags from its stand at the Tynwald Fair. Sure has lent its support by agreeing for its stores in Douglas, Ramsey and Port Erin to become official drop-off points for unwanted and unused handbags. All donations will be collected on July 1st.
Ally Martin, fundraising co-Ordinator at Manx Cancer Help, said: ‘We have been delighted with the response and support we have received since launching the handbag appeal, and I’d like to thank everyone who has donated so far, and ask anyone else who has a handbag to donate to take it to any Sure store before July 1.’
‘Once again, our Patrons James and Katie have been quick to lend their support, for which we are very grateful. We plan to sell raffle tickets from our stand at the Tynwald Fair, plot 45, and one lucky ticket holder will win Katie’s handbag. All you have to do is come along to our stand to buy a ticket and have a look at the selection of handbags you could buy.’
Established in 1983, Manx Cancer Help provides emotional support and expert counselling. It offers a series of free, confidential sessions, face-to-face and over the phone, to anyone affected by a cancer diagnosis.
