A CHARITY branch has managed to raise over £20,000 since it was formed 18 months ago.

The Meirion and Dwyfor Group for Marie Curie recently celebrated their first official AGM, where it was announced that they have raised £16,507 in the last 12 months, bringing their total funds raised since forming 18 months ago in November 2016 to £20,276.

The group would like to take the opportunity to thank all of their volunteers, coin coll­ectors and supporters, as well as the general public, local businesses and organisations, and schools who have supported them during this fulfilling journey.

Fundraising group member Dinah Pickard said: “We are so proud to be supporting our local Marie Curie nursing services, and take comfort in knowing that the money we raise is used locally and is having a positive impact in our own community.

“The funds we have raised since forming have paid for over 1,013 hours of nursing care for local people, which has provided much-needed support to families and carers at a time when they need it the most.”

Marie Curie provides expert care, guidance and support to help people living with a terminal illness, and their families get the most from the time they have left.

Locally, Marie Curie nurses work night and day, in people’s homes across the Conwy area, providing hands-on care and vital emotional support in the comfort of the patients own home. The charity also leads research into better ways of caring for people living with a terminal illness.

The local group meet monthly at The Royal Sportsman Hotel in Porthmadog where they welcome anybody who is interested in learning more about what they do, or is interested in becoming involved.

Group chairperson Debbie Bacon said: “We are always looking for new members to join our friendly team or help out at our events.

“We are also keen for local businesses, schools and organisations to consider choosing our local group as their charity of the year, which would really help us get the fundraising momentum rolling in the area.”

For more information or to get involved, call Victoria Hardy on 01745 352910 or email victoria.­[email protected]

You can call the Marie Curie Support Line on 0800 090 2309 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) or visit mariecurie.org.uk/help.

You can also visit community.mariecurie.org.uk to share experiences and find support any time of the day or night.