Sunderland Empire raise over 20k for local cancer care services

Sunderland Empire is delighted to announce that £21,075.40 has been raised over the past 12 months for their 2024 nominated charity, Macmillan Cancer Support, thanks to the dedication and hard work of generous staff and patrons. The cancer support charity was nominated by the theatre’s staff, a cause that has been close to many of their hearts and has been paramount in supporting staff members and their families through cancer. At least 109,200 people are living with cancer in the North East, a number which is set to rise. Sarah Goldie, Local Relationship Fundraising Manager for Macmillan Canc

Sunderland Empire is delighted to announce that £21,075.40 has been raised over the past 12 months for their 2024 nominated charity, Macmillan Cancer Support, thanks to the dedication and hard work of generous staff and patrons. The cancer support charity was nominated by the theatre’s staff, a cause that has been close to many of their hearts and has been paramount in supporting staff members and their families through cancer. The theatre have collaborated with the charity alongside Sunderland Hospital, ensuring that a percentage of the money raised would go directly to the fantastic local Macmillan services which have positively impacted and touched the lives of staff members and the local community. At least 109,200 people are living with cancer in the North East, a number which is set to rise. Macmillan provide physical, financial, and emotional support to people living with cancer. This includes expert nurses, information and support services, an online community, support line, welfare advice as well as Macmillan grants. The theatre’s charity panel, which launched back in 2022, organised a range of exciting and challenging fundraising events including walking the mighty Yorkshire 3 Peaks, Boxing Day dips, wreath making workshops, handmade Christmas decoration sales, Macmillan coffee mornings, staff socials, sponsored walks and more. In addition, bucket collections and QR code donations from giving patrons throughout 2024 and Panto season have contributed generous amounts to the final figure. Sarah Goldie, Local Relationship Fundraising Manager for Macmillan Cancer Support said, “We cannot thank the Sunderland Empire, staff, and customers enough for the incredibly kind donations and fundraising. Everyone has gone over and above to help achieve and go beyond the amount that has been raised. With more people diagnosed and living with cancer, Macmillan has never been needed more. Cancer turns many people’s lives upside down, we want to ensure everyone with cancer has access to the support they need. From visiting one of our Macmillan Information Centres, to ringing our Support line and our Macmillan professionals offering specialised care. We do whatever it takes to get every person the best support today and spark a revolution in cancer care for the future. We can only continue this work with support from events like these, you are all amazing, well done Sunderland Empire!” Marie Nixon, Theatre Director at Sunderland Empire said, “We are absolutely delighted with the incredible fundraising success we’ve achieved. It has been a brilliant partnership, and we are immensely grateful to our fabulous team and our wonderful patrons, whose energy and generosity have been truly inspiring. Their support and donations have made a real difference. We wish Macmillan every success in the future as we now turn our focus to supporting our soon to be announced charity for 2025." Macmillan are going all out to support people every day, across the UK and the North East, but they rely almost entirely on donations to keep doing their fantastic work doing whatever it takes to give people living with cancer and their families the support they need. For further information, support or just someone to talk to, call 0808 808 00 00 or visit macmillan.org.uk. To donate, volunteer, raise money or campaign, call 0300 1000 200 or visit macmillan.org.uk.