Melanie helps raise awareness of Remember A Charity Week

Melanie Gibbens, a Macmillan supporter from the North West has played a key role in helping Macmillan Cancer Support raise awareness of a major campaign, ‘Remember A Charity Week’ which takes place this week.

Macmillan asked their Cancer Voices (people affected by cancer and have received support from Macmillan) to submit a photograph which illustrates how Macmillan makes good days happen. Entries are being added to the online gallery| throughout the week from Tuesday 14 September.

Melanie Gibbens who submitted this photo, says: ‘I’d lived through breast cancer, a mastectomy, chemotherapy and reconstruction. When two years later I was diagnosed with three more tumours to my shoulder and neck, I fell to pieces. On anti-depressants and losing the will to carry on, my GP contacted a local Macmillan nurse. I soon received the support I needed - emotional support from counselling to complimentary therapies, financial support from benefits advice to a grant to help me back on my feet.

'Sailing is something I’m passionate about and never thought I’d have the strength to do again. Macmillan made me focus on myself again and the things I love to do.’

When you are living with cancer, the difference between a good day and a bad day can often come down to really small things. Getting answers on something you’re worrying about. Finding out you can get some financial support. Or just having a chat with someone who understands.

Every day Macmillan helps thousands of people to have a good day. 97% of Macmillan’s funding comes from voluntary donations, over a third of which is from gifts in wills. We simply couldn't do what we do without them.