A terrific team of Newtown fundraisers were celebrating this week, after raising more than £170,000 for good causes since forming just seven years ago.

Members of the Newtown Area Marie Curie fundraising group banked a phenomenal £32,932 over a 12-month period, taking their total to £172,705 since forming in 2012, they were told at their Annual General Meeting held in The Monty Club, Newtown.

The money raised this year alone is enough to provide 183 nights or 1,646 hours of nursing care in the community.

The groups chairperson, Llinos Hughes said “I would like to thank our group members for all their hard work over the year; in particularly to Helen Edwards, who has held the role of secretary since the group first formed in 2012. Helen has been an exemplary secretary, who’s dedication and excellent communication skills has resulted in phenomenal amounts of funds being donated to our group.

"The group would like to say a huge thank you to all the public, regular supporters, local businesses and schools who have supported them throughout the year and to all of the volunteers that have given up their spare time to help raise such a tremendous amount, along with The Monty Club for allowing them to hold their monthly meetings.

"The group would also like to make a special thank you to Heather Pugh of Llanidloes who has raised a staggering £13,633 to date at events and sponsorship over the last 12 months in aid of the Marie Curie Canadian Rockies trek which she will be undertaking on 22nd June this year. This amount includes a £4,000 donation by Jackie Maginnis and members of the Modular & Portable Building Association through social events they have held."

Marie Curie Nurses provide expert care, guidance and support to help people living with a terminal illness, and their families.

Marie Curie says it aims to be there for people at the time when they need it most, and the one to one care they provide in Powys is always in the comfort of the patients own home, provided free of charge to the patient and their families.

The Marie Curie Nursing service relies heavily on public support, without which it would simply not be possible to provide the service they do, they say.

Helen will soon be stepping down from the Secretary role, and the group are currently looking to find someone to fill the position. If you would like more information about this role please contact Victoria on 07590729665 or victoria.hardy@mariecurie.org.uk or contact Llinos Hughes on 07814 834390.