Peterborough Guides go the distance for cancer nurses with mile-long paper clip chain

Brownies and Guides from Peterborough have given Macmillan Cancer Support a real boost thanks to their colossal pre-lockdown mile-long chain of paper clips.

The huge effort by Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers of the Thorney District took a fortnight to complete and ultimately raised more than £450 for the cancer charity, which is now experiencing an unprecedented surge in demand for its services.

Other units were also inspired to go the distance by the Mile for Macmillan badge, with members of Girlguiding Anglia trekking more than 2,000 miles over the course of the organisation’s one-year partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support.

Altogether, members of Girlguiding Anglia (GGA) have scooted, danced and baked their way to raising in excess of £31,000 over the course of their partnership, which will enable Macmillan nurses to provide more than 1,060 hours of vital care and support.

So far more than 200 Rainbow, Brownie and Guide units across the region have risen to the challenge.

A number of Cambridgeshire units, including 1st Hampton Guides near Peterborough, signed up to the most popular element of the challenge, which encouraged members to take part in the cancer charity’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning fundraiser.

Tracy Foster, region chief commissioner for Girlguiding Anglia said: “Girlguiding Anglia have been proud to partner with Macmillan, and we are also very proud of our members who have taken part in the challenges and raised funds for this worthwhile cause.”

Nicki Gibson, Macmillan partnership manager, said: “The Macmillan Challenge has been a fantastic way for Girlguiding Anglia to raise money for Macmillan over the past year. We’re really grateful to all Girlguiding Anglia members for getting behind our campaign and raising money that could help fund many Macmillan nursing hours.”