CHARITY campaigners are hoping a new fundraising group in Ongar will help them collect even more cash to help find a cure for cancer.
Over the years, Barbara MacDonald, 75, of Marden Ash, and her army of almost 40 volunteers have collected thousands of pounds for Marie Curie Cancer Care.
But it is now hoped that volunteers will be able to collect even more money following the formation of the new Ongar District Fund Raising Group.
The group is being formed to help concentrate the efforts of would-be fundraisers and to help run events in and around Ongar.
Adam Walker, 25, the regional coordinator for Marie Curie, said: "Before I came to the area, Ongar was just a number with how much the volunteers collected.
"I thought it was going to be quite a large place but now I am here I can't believe how much they managed to raise from such a spread-out and small community – it is very impressive.
"Setting up the district fundraising groups is part of an effort to help organise fundraising across the region.
"Not every region is lucky enough to have a Barbara but I still feel the group will help raise even more."
The first meeting of the new group was held on Friday and, with plenty of free cake and tea on offer, it is hoped it will be the first of many.
One of its first tasks will be organising the Marie Curie Blooming Great Tea Party, a national event that has cakes and tea being consumed in abundance across the country.
"We will help raise awareness and raise funds by working with the community and businesses and organising great events," said Frances Austen of Great Stony Park.
The 69-year-old, whose daughter died of cancer nine years ago, has raised more than £6,500 for the charity after seeing the work it does first hand.
"What the Marie Curie nurses do is incredible.
"They are real help to those with terminal illness and I can't speak highly enough of them.
"Since my daughter died, my husband and I have wanted to pay them back for the work they did for our daughter.
"This fundraising group will hopefully get bigger and bigger and will help raise more and more money."
Ms MacDonald, who has lost many friends to the disease over the years, has helped to organise the Marie Curie Daffodil Appeal for many years.
She also mobilises an army of 38 collectors.
She said: "Marie Curie is a good cause and the nurses on the night shift for which it is so famous do so much for people.
"Hopefully this fundraising group will really help to raise more funds."
Mary Strange, 61 of Victoria Road, Ongar, was also present at the meeting.
She said: "I lost my sister to cancer 21 years ago.
"It is a terrible disease and it is something you never get over.
"The Marie Curie nurses looked after her and that is why I am here to give back to the charity."
The fundraising group welcomes anyone who wants to come along.
For more information, call Frances Austen on 01277 366646.
