A new voluntary group has been launched in Wanstead with the aim of raising hundreds of pounds for a cancer charity.

The Marie Curie Cancer Care Wanstead group was founded last month to organise events in the local area while also encouraging residents to donate.

It is currently appealing for help in finding a space where it can hold meetings once a month, for an hour on a Tuesday, free of charge in the Wanstead area.

Jill Playford, secretary of the Wanstead group, said they were keen for others in the community to get involved.

She said: “It’s a great way to meet new people whilst raising important funds for Marie Curie.

"We’re raring to go and welcome other local residents interested in joining our team.”

Fund-raising events run by Marie Curie include its 'Great Daffodil Appeal', which features the sale of decorative pins to raise money and awareness, and the charity's nationwide Blooming Great Tea Party, which encourages supporters to collect donations from get-togethers at their homes.

Jess Francies, a community fund-raiser co-ordinator at Marie Curie Cancer Care, added: “The new Fundraising Group in Wanstead will make a huge difference locally by helping to raise the vital funds needed to support Marie Curie Nurses, who provide free care to people with terminal illnesses in their own homes”.

Call Jess Francies on 020 7599 7338 or email jess.francies@mariecurie.org.uk for more information about the new group.