MORE than 40 volunteers and supporters celebrated the retirement and closure of the Macmillan Cancer Support Shop in Tavistock with a special event held at The Bedford Hotel last week.

Amongst them was a group of the original Tavistock Macmillan Committee volunteers. They were presented with long-service awards to recognise over 40 years of dedication to the charity.

The Tavistock Committee was started by Jenny Howell in 1975 after her father lost his battle with cancer.

Jenny said: ’We had some great events over the years, including some challenging walks across Dartmoor and fun family events like fetes and hog roasts.

’We opened the shop back in 1993 and volunteers have been running it ever since. It has always been good fun getting together to raise funds and the cause is close to all our hearts.

’We will remain involved with the charity as my daughter Sarah is planning to continue organising events in the area.’

The local fundraising manager for Macmillan, Sian Ward-Edwards, said: ’Collectively the committee and shop volunteers have raised nearly a quarter of a million pounds, which will have helped thousands of people affected by cancer.

‘We are so grateful to their support and humbled by their dedicated to the cause. It has been lovely to bring everyone together and thank them personally for their contribution.

’We will still have a presence in Tavistock and are looking for more volunteers to get involved. Anyone that would like to get involved with helping raise funds for people affected by cancer, can contact me on [email protected] '

A sponsored walk in Tavistock is being organised to raise funds for Macmillan on Sunday, April 30 and anyone who would like to take part can contact Sarah on 07790 906246.

Picture by James Bird