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Launch of Dine for Macmillan

19 May 2011

Celebrity Chef Lesley Waters (centre).

Celebrity chef Lesley Waters is lending her support along with local produce supplier Somerset Local Food Direct and the Hive Beach Café Burton Bradstock, Dorset to help launch Dine for Macmillan across Somerset and Dorset.

'When I heard about this new foodie fundraiser I knew I had to get involved,' said Lesley. 'There can be no better way to raise money for one of Britain’s best loved charities than to have fun with your friends and family over a delicious meal.'

Macmillan local Fundraising Manager, Claire Coles explains: 'Dine for Macmillan is a really enjoyable event that’s so easy to take part in. There is no right or wrong way to get involved, all you have to do is host a meal and ask your guests for a suggested donation instead of bringing flowers or chocolates. We’re thrilled Lesley has agreed to be our foodie ambassador, she is so passionate about food and cooking, we’re hoping this will rub off on our hosts and get people inspired to share a meal together!'

Dine for Macmillan caters for all tastes, all cooking abilities and all pockets. It can be a formal dinner, a simple supper party, a fabulous themed feast, a big breakfast, a picnic in the park or a takeaway... You can even ask your favourite pub or restaurant to run a Dine for Macmillan event.

Claire continues, 'The beauty of this event is that you can hold it any time you like, as many times as you like. Why not make it a regular social event? Everyone can get involved, from budding chefs who want to show off their cooking skills to those more at home with a microwave meal. All that matters is that you take part and have fun doing it.'

It really is easy as pie. If five guests all donate £5 a head, just one dinner party could fund a Macmillan benefits advisor for just over an hour, helping people affected by cancer understand what benefits they are entitled to and how financial grants can ease their money worries.

Somerset hosts have an extra treat in store

Local food supplier, Somerset Local Food Direct has put their name and support firmly behind Dine for Macmillan.

'When I heard Macmillan was launching a foodie fundraiser, I knew we had to get involved,' says Roger, from Somerset Local Food Direct.

'It’s a perfect fit. People having a meal together raising money and our own Somerset based local food Delivery Company. It’s a fabulous cause close to so many of us; we didn’t need to think about it

'We want to encourage people to support Macmillan and raise money for people with cancer,' said Roger. 'So we are offering an incentive – the first 20 people from Somerset who register to host their own Dine for Macmillan party will receive a £20 credit to spend on our website, www.sfmdirect.co.uk.'

Claire continues, 'We’re thrilled Somerset Local Food Direct has offered to support Dine for Macmillan with such a fabulous offer for people wanting to have a party for us. The variety of products available online is outstanding, everything from Somerset grown fruit and veg, locally caught fish and organic poultry, through to locally home made cakes, deserts and puddings. The perfect ingredients for your special Dine for Macmillan party.'

Interested in holding a Dine for Macmillan event?

Find out more at www.macmillan.org.uk/dine

Once registered, hosts will receive a Dine for Macmillan fundraising pack which is crammed with menu ideas, hints and tips for making the party a real success.

Follow tonight's launch on Facebook and Twitter

You can follow tonight's launch event as it happens on Twitter. You'll also be able to see a selection of pictures afterwards on the Macmillan Somerset Facebook page.

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Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7UQ.