Solihull-based Paragon Bank has donated over £37,000 to Macmillan Cancer Support’s emergency appeal to support people with cancer in Birmingham and Solihull through the coronavirus pandemic.
Specialist lender and savings bank, Paragon, chose Macmillan as their charity partner of the year at the start of 2020, with the aim of raising around £10,000 through challenges like walking the Brecon Beacons. Covid-19 (coronavirus) put a stop to that and Paragon decided to make a generous £20,000 donation to Macmillan’s emergency appeal after hearing about how Macmillan is supporting people with cancer through the pandemic with new services.
Macmillan has responded to the coronavirus pandemic by offering vital new services to people with cancer who are feeling isolated and anxious at home. Macmillan has launched a Telephone Buddy Scheme so people with cancer can be matched with a volunteer for weekly calls for up to 12 weeks. Macmillan has also set up a dedicated coronavirus hub on its website with trustworthy information about treatment, shielding and financial help.
Paragon decided to continue their support of Macmillan by asking staff to continue their fundraising efforts by running, cycling or walking as much as they could during May – they reached a total of 10,167km and have donated another £18,000 and counting on top of their corporate donation.
Victoria Bonner, member of staff at Paragon whose been part of the Move for Macmillan Fundraiser, says: “It has been wonderful to see the staff moving for Macmillan, not only for their own mental wellbeing and physical health, but for the benefit of such a great charity. So many people took part and thank you to them for their commitment and to the generosity of the people that sponsored them. At this time, people power is prevalent, and it’s been wonderful to witness this from the Paragon team.”
Ellen Finn, Area Fundraising Manger for Birmingham and Solihull at Macmillan says: “At a time where Macmillan’s support is needed more than ever we are so grateful to Paragon Bank and their amazing staff for coming together to raise money to support people with cancer in Birmingham and Solihull in the most innovative ways.
Macmillan is facing a significant drop in our income and the truth is that we can’t continue to be there for people who need us without the support of the public. We are doing everything we can to help address the immediate and unique challenges that having cancer during this pandemic brings but we need the public’s help. As a charity almost entirely funded by public donations, we’re asking people to give what they can, so that we can continue to provide vital support to people with cancer now and in the future. If you’re able to, please donate to our emergency appeal today.”
To donate to Macmillan Cancer Support go to: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/emergency or call 0300 1000 200.
Or you can donate to Paragon Bank’s Just Giving page:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/paragon-move-for-macmillan
