FRIENDS from across Cheshire West who set up a Macmillan Fundraising group in memory of one of their mums are celebrating raising more than £10,000.

Author Danny Daynes, from Winsford, set up the group in 2019 after his mum Erica died from oesophageal cancer, leaving him to raise his three younger siblings, when he was aged just 21.

Danny wanted to give back to Macmillan after the support he received from Leighton Hospital’s Macmillan Information and Support Centre.

The staff at the centre, together with his mum's Macmillan nurse, helped Danny as he came to terms with Erica’s death and the responsibility of looking after his two brothers, who were aged 19 and 13, and his little sister, five.

Danny said: “The Macmillan centre did so much for us.

“It was such an awful time and I have no idea how I’d have coped without them and mum’s Macmillan nurse, who was always there for us and sorted out so many practical things.”

Over the past three challenging years, the group has organised a pub quiz, virtual race night sweepstake, cake sales and a highly successful annual write-a-thon, which brings authors together virtually online from all over the world.

The write-a-thon that Danny pioneered is one of the most innovative forms of fundraising to have emerged out of the global pandemic.

Now in its third year Danny has brought together authors from as far away as USA, Italy and South Africa to write and share their work with each other over a 12-hour period.

It has attracted sponsorship of more than £5,000 and Danny already has a team signed up for 2023.

Next on the agenda for Danny and the team is to support competitors at this year’s Krazy Races on June 26 at Verdin Park, Northwich.

If you’d like to volunteer and join them on the day, visit volunteering.macmillan.org.uk/Opportunity/Details/7313.

Macmillan relationship fundraising manager, John Rullo said: “The time and effort the group have put into their fundraising is remarkable.

“They formed at what was one of the most challenging times to fundraise in our lifetimes.

“Yet their kindness and unique skills have found a way to not only continue, but to thrive.

“Macmillan Cancer Support is doing whatever it takes to make sure every person with cancer gets the help they need.

“Call 0808 808 00 00 or visit macmillan.org.uk and ask anything.”