A VOLUNTEER who gives up at least four days a week to collect money for a cancer support charity has raised a total of £45,000.
Last year Duncan Owen-Elmer’s dedication to fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support earned him a Proud of Barnsley award after he was recognised for all of his good-will.
Duncan started fundraising two-and-a-half years ago with the aim to raise £53,000, which is enough money to fund one Macmillan nurse for a year - and he’s only £8,000 away from hitting his goal.
“I’ve finished this weekend with £45,000, it’s £53,000 to fund one nurse and I’m still aiming for that,” said 66-year-old Duncan.
“When I’ve reached that total I’ll be going to raise money for nurse number two.
“I first started collecting two-and-a-half years ago but the fundraising has boosted a lot over the last year or so.”
Duncan’s main means of fundraising is taking part in bucket collections in different supermarkets across Barnsley - as well as the occasional special event such as a Neil Diamond tribute act which is taking place next month.
When in fundraising mode, Duncan can be seen wearing a bright green wig and a matching green Macmillan T-shirt - he can’t be missed.
“I’m out four or five days a week doing bucket collections,” added Duncan, of Ward Green.
“I really enjoy doing it, I’m out meeting different people and a lot of them like to have a chat with me once they know who I’m collecting for because they might have family and friends who can relate to the Macmillan nurses, so it’s nice to let them know what Macmillan actually offer.
“The reason I started collecting was because my first wife unfortunately passed away with brain cancer and from the first time that Macmillan were aware of it and even after she passed away they were very supportive and couldn’t do enough so I wanted to give something back because they were fantastic.”
The latest event to raise funds for Duncan’s appeal is Neil Diamondo Live - a tribute act that celebrates international superstar Neil Diamond.
It will take place at 7.30pm on Saturday May 11 at Swaithe Main WMC - where a raffle and bingo will also be held - and tickets can be purchased on the door.
Talking about the upcoming event, Duncan said: “Somebody from Hyde is wanting tickets for the event, it shocked me that someone is coming all the way from Hyde to see the act.
“The club only holds around 300 people so we’re hoping to get the venue filled.
“I arranged the event with Neil myself and then my colleague David arranged the venue and Eileen sorted out the raffle and prizes.”
