Peeblesshire Marie Curie Fundraising Group is looking for enthusiastic fundraising volunteers in Peebles to start the new year by pledging to give a few hours of their time each month.

Townsfolk are invited to come along to an open information day on Monday, January 8, in the Buchan Room at Tontine, between 2-4pm. The group hopes to find more volunteers to join them, and help Marie Curie to raise funds to support people living with a terminal illness.

Locally, Marie Curie Nurses work night and day, in people’s homes across the Scottish Borders, providing hands-on care and vital emotional support. Marie Curie also supports people throughout their illness by giving practical information and being there when someone wants to talk. The charity is also the leader in research into better ways of caring for people with terminal illness.

According to the charity, seven out of 10 carers say that people with a terminal illness do not get all the care and support they need.

Lorna Shanlin, from Peeblesshire Fundraising Group said: “We are a small group who have great fun organising events in Tweeddale but feel we would be able to do more with some extra members. Some of our group joined because they have had personal experience of the invaluable work Marie Curie nurses do and we are all aware of the increased role Marie Curie has when dealing with patients with any terminal illness.”

Jenna Moore, community fundraiser for the Scottish Borders said: “Joining your local fundraising group is a great way to meet new people and have fun. It’s totally flexible so you can give as much or as little of your time as you like. The Peeblesshire Fundraising Group have lots of fun and laughter organising their own events and taking part in collections. They really are the local faces of Marie Curie and we simply could not continue to support people living with terminal illness without our amazing volunteers. The group have had too many great successes to mention, but a couple of highlights have been the launch of ‘Yellow Cocktail Month’ at Tontine, and a fantastic Blooming Great Tea Party held at Stobo.”

For more information or to get involved call Jenna Moore on 07720 947 331 or email on jenna.moore@mariecurie.org.uk.

If you have any questions about terminal illness and are looking for support, Marie Curie is here to help you and your family. You can call the Marie Curie Support Line on 0800 090 2309 or visit Mariecurie.org.uk/help. You can also visit community.mariecurie.org.uk to share experiences and find support anytime of the day or night.