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A bid to send a terminally ill local TV reporter on a cruise with his husband has ended up raising around £25,000 for a local cancer charity.
After Channel TV’s Gary Burgess opened up about being diagnosed with six to 12 months to live, a JustGiving campaign was set up to send him on a dream cruise with his husband, Alan.
Within mere hours, it managed to hit its £10,000 goal.
But Gary said that, as the pair could afford the holiday themselves, the money should instead go to charity.
Like so many, Macmillan Jersey have been so touched by @GaryBurgessCI story. Gary’s openness about his cancer prognosis, and living his best life for his foreseeable future. We are so blown away by the generosity of Gary, Alan and the general public! A heartfelt thank you pic.twitter.com/1eMVZEZEZQ
— Macmillan Jersey (@Macmillanjersey) December 9, 2020
Fundraising hasn't stopped since then and the target has now changed to £30,000, with around just £5,000 to go until that target is smashed too.
The charity has since thanked the public for their generosity, saying it is particularly important given the pandemic.
"The need for our cancer support services was perceived more important than ever, with shielding restrictions for many, people separated from family and friends near and far, and the loss of opportunity to meet others and share experiences to help it feel a less lonely experience," Pam Aubert, Cancer Support Service Manager, explained.
Paul Savery, Macmillan's newly appointed Chair, added: "My thanks to Gary for such a wonderful gesture; it will make a real difference and support the great work going on.
"The cancer support team at The Oasis are continuing to improve access to cancer support and wellbeing services during these challenging times. In November, a home visit service was launched so that those support conversations could happen safely in people's homes. There are plans underway to reintroduce complementary therapies and group support services in the New Year, and a new virtual support group page is to be launched on Facebook to help people connect with others in the way they feel most comfortable.
"Macmillan Jersey aspires to do all it can to increase its access and offering, ensuring cancer isn't the forgotten C at this time."
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