A CANCER survivor from Chipping Sodbury is urging people to make fundraising their New Year’s resolution.

Kathy Bailey, of Kestrel Close, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 and later developed lymphoedema following a mastectomy.

Kathy suffered terrible pain but was helped by a specialist nurse from Macmillan Cancer Care and is now in remission. Following her battle with cancer, Kathy decided to launch a support group to the charity in the Yate and Chipping Sodbury area.

Late last year she held her first event, a rock gig organised with help from her son guitarist Paul Mundy, which raised £735 for Macmillan. Now Kathy is hoping more people will come forward to join the support group and help organise events.

"Raising money for Macmillan is such a rewarding thing to do," she said. "Fundraising locally creates a wonderful community spirit and I’ve met so many new and inspiring people along the way.

"I am starting up a fundraising group in Chipping Sodbury and would love as many people as possible to join. You can do as little or as much as you like. All ideas are welcome."

Macmillan Cancer Support provides practical, emotional and medical support for cancer sufferers and their families.

Area fundraising manager Anna Cairns said: "Fundraising groups are essential for Macmillan.

"Not only do they bring in a huge amount of income for us, but they spread the word about what we do.

"Every year there are 11,000 people diagnosed with cancer in our area and Macmillan wants to reach all of them to at least offer them help. Word of mouth is one of the most effective ways of doing this."

She added: "I can’t emphasise enough how great fundraising and volunteering can be.

"It’s so rewarding and not only do you gain brilliant experience, but you meet some amazing people, many of whom become friends.

"Kathy has got some fantastic ideas and is hugely motivated to make her fundraising group work. She’s wonderful to work with."

Anyone who wishes to join the Yate and Sodbury support group is asked to call Anna Cairns on 0117 9670975 for further information.