SOMERFIELD supermarket staff and customers in Whittlesey have raised a massive £7,700 to help improve the lives of people living with cancer. The community minded store has come top of the charity fundraising league outshining six other stores in the area

SOMERFIELD supermarket staff and customers in Whittlesey have raised a massive £7,700 to help improve the lives of people living with cancer.

The community minded store has come top of the charity fundraising league outshining six other stores in the area including March, Chatteris and Wisbech.

Manager Keith Grass has paid tribute to his staff who are the driving force behind the fundraising and customers who always give so generously.

Mr Grass said: "On Christmas Eve we were all dressed in pyjamas and the staff are always thinking of silly things for us to do and the people of Whittlesey are tremendous when it comes to giving."

"While we predominantly raise money for Macmillan Cancer support we also get involved in local charities. A trolley dash raised £1,200 for the church and we have the Scouts bag packing."

In comparison to Whittlesey the Chatteris store raised £1,416.00, March store raised £1,247.00 and Wisbech store raised £831.60.

Pete Williams, head of press and charity at Somerfield said: "We are very excited to have raised £2m for Macmillan. We set ourselves an ambitious target at the start of the partnership and I am very proud to see us exceed it."

Macmillan provides practical, emotional and financial support to people affected by cancer. The money raised by the people of Whittlesey will help to fund Macmillan grants in Peterborough which will provide valuable support in the community.

The Whittlesey store has held a whole variety of fundraising activities including sales promotions and gift items such as the Little Book of Treats, a collection of recipes from supporters and celebrities across the UK.

Mr Williams added: "From big picnics to sponsored head shaves and cycling challenges, the support we have had for Macmillan has been incredible. It has been fantastic to know that every penny raised will help support people living with cancer in the area.