A TULLIBODY man has asked people to continue supporting a vital charity as its work has now become more important than ever before.

Graham Mathieson says Macmillan Cancer Support still needs funds as it maintains its services throughout the Coronavirus (Covid-19) Pandemic.

The charity provides an extensive range of support to cancer patients from the moment of diagnosis to well beyond the end of their treatment.

And 42-year-old Graham told the Advertiser why the charity means so much to him personally.

He said: "I lost my dad to cancer a couple of years ago, and my partner lost her step-dad to cancer as well."

Both relatives received support from Macmillan, and Graham said: "I always said to myself I was going to do something to get the word out that Macmillan are always willing to help."

And to support the charity as it provides that help and assistance, Graham set up an online fundraising page where people can donate towards the organisation.

He also hoped to complete a 26-mile hike later in the year to encourage donations – but the current Covid-19 Pandemic looks set to put paid to that plan.

However, he opted to keep the fundraising page going to get the word out that the charity still needs donations at this time.

He said: "As we are in a state of lockdown this has got to be the hardest time for [families] dealing with cancer.

"Family members that would be taking care of the of them can't as they may infect [them] with this virus, so will not be taking there supplies to them.

"Macmillan Cancer Support need your help raise funds so they can get the medical care to them."

And if anything, Graham believes coronavirus makes Macmillan more vital than ever before.

He said: "I think it's going to be more important now, because even though the way things are going with people losing their jobs, the money isn't going to be coming in as much.

"So it's going to be hard for them to raise funds.

"It's going to be really tough, but if everybody donated a pound it would help massively."

To help Graham's efforts, vist www.justgiving.com/fundraising/graham-mathieson2020