MACHYNLLETH’S Michael Williams has been recognised for his fundraising efforts covering four decades, helping to raise more than £108,000 for North West Cancer Research (NWCR).

Michael Williams, who is also the town’s Powys County Councillor, has been a loyal member of the Machynlleth fundraising group for the charity that supports cancer research since 1978.

Michael decided to get involved with fundraising after he saw his great-grandmother, Laura, lose her battle with a very aggressive form of breast cancer at the age of 82.

Over the last 40 years he has played a pivotal role in raising the profile of the charity acting as its press officer, as well as supporting the fundraising group’s numerous fundraising drives, coffee mornings and street collections.

The Machynlleth fundraising group, which celebrated its 60th year of fundraising this month at the Plas Dolguog Hotel, raised £3,500 for NWCR last year.

At the celebration he received a long-standing service award from the charity’s chief executive Alastair Richards.

Michael said: “Losing my great grandmother to cancer all those years ago, opened my eyes for the first time to the devastating effect that cancer can have on people’s lives.

“When I first heard about NWCR and the fundraising group through my friend and previous chairman John Daniel Jones, I knew it was something I wanted to get involved with and help in any way I could.

“I really enjoy my role as press officer, it’s great to help raise awareness of the importance of cancer research and highlight the work the charity does, what is needed and how people can help make a difference.”

Geraint Jones, chair of the Machynlleth-based fundraising group, said: “Michael has been an integral part of our group since he joined in 1978. Without him and his efforts in publicising our events and raising the profile of the charity in local newspapers, we would not have been able to raise as much money as we have over the years.”

Alastair Richards, CEO, North West Cancer Research, said: “I have met Michael at a number of fundraising events and he is an extremely dedicated individual who really understands the importance of the research we fund.

“On behalf of the charity, I’d like to say a big thank you to Michael and to all of our fundraisers in Machynlleth group.” The money they have raised over the years is impressive and thanks to their support we have been able to continue funding life-saving cancer research here in the region.”

North West Cancer Research is an independent charity which funds lifesaving cancer research at Bangor University. Over the next five years, the charity has committed to funding £13million in research across North Wales and the North West.

To find out about upcoming events from the Machynlleth fundraising group and other fundraising groups, visit http://bit.ly/NWCRhome