HUNDREDS of Girlguiding units have raised money for charity as part of their commitment to social action.

In Herefordshire alone, members raised £484 through a range of fundraising activities, which could help fund two Macmillan nursing days helping people living with cancer and their families receive essential medical, practical and emotional support.

Girlguiding Midlands launched their 12-month charity partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support in January 2017 with a programme of activities to volunteer, raise funds and awareness for the charity.

Pam Hill, county commissioner for Herefordshire said: "We support charities whenever we can and I know that all of our girls and leaders really enjoyed fundraising for this great cause which is very close to many of our hearts."

Chief commissioner, Girlguiding Midlands Abi Salter said "I am absolutely delighted with the outcome of the Macmillan Challenge. Thousands of girls and leaders have taken part across the Midlands and the amount raised is fantastic. Girlguiding offers a wide range of opportunities to our members and this challenge has enabled our girls to help other people as well as having a lot of fun along the way. I would like to thank everyone who has made the Challenge such a huge success."

Social action and helping others is a core part of the guiding programme and working in partnership with Macmillan has encouraged Girlguiding Midlands members to get actively involved.

Gini Smith, partnership manager at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: "We would like to say an enormous thank you to each and every member of Girlguiding Midlands who has supported our partnership. You have run, walked, danced and baked in true Girlguiding style. Together they have raised a massive £112,000, exceeding all expectations. It's been a fantastic partnership and we were delighted to see so many events taking place across the region. We can't thank you enough. "

By participating in the Macmillan Challenge, members of Girlguiding Midlands have made a real positive difference to those living with cancer through three strands of social action – fundraising, awareness and volunteering – with bespoke Girlguiding badges available for each.

Director of relationship fundraising at Macmillan, Claire Singlehurst said, "We are overwhelmed by the success of this partnership with Girlguiding Midlands. We have seen such a great commitment to the Macmillan Challenge and hope that members of Girlguiding Midlands enjoyed being part of "team Macmillan" over the last year. Thank you to everyone who took part. As the leading cancer support charity in the UK we were also able to support members of Girlguiding Midlands to talk about cancer and inspire them to make healthy choices in the future leaving a lasting legacy for years to come."