A FAMILY hoping to raise money for a cancer charity in memory of dad have achieved nearly triple their goal.

The Warren family, from Chard, set their sights on raising £1,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support after nurses cared for Guy Warren in his final days.

He passed away 10 years ago, so the family wanted to ensure they raised as much money as possible to mark the anniversary.

They also received a helping hand from a famous face, as Martin Clunes stopped by to lend his support to the cause.

Guy’s daughter, Rah, who organised the event said: “Dad was our role model and such a kind and thoughtful man who thought the world of his family.

“Dad had just 19 days after his diagnosis, and through that short time, the Macmillan nurses did everything they could to support and care for dad, when our whole world had fallen apart.”

The family are no strangers to charity events, as they have held successful fundraisers in the past.

Last year they raised £900 at their coffee morning - but this year they doubled it by raising £1,952.05.

They also raised £800.25 at a Bingo night held earlier this month, leaving them with a total just shy of £3,000.

Rah’s mum, Trudi, baked 27 cakes for the sale for people to enjoy, as well as helping to serve hundreds of cups of tea, sell hundreds of raffle tickets and to hold a silent auction.

The family were grateful to have the support of Mr Clunes, who Rah has met on multiple occasions.

The dedicated daughter said Mr Clunes ‘truly understood’ the reasons the family were holding the event.

She said: “We also invited Mr Clunes and were honoured to have Martin with us for the morning.

“Martin is one of the most genuine and kind-hearted men I have ever met.

“He was absolutely wonderful at our coffee morning, and he repeatedly congratulated us on our hard work and success.

“Martin took the time to truly understand our personal reasons for raising money, in memory of dad.

“We are hugely appreciative of his kindness and generosity in supporting our event.”

The family wont stop their charity efforts here, as they plan to continue to hold events in memory of their dad.

Rah added: “Our aim was to pay back Macmillan for the care and support they provided dad in his last 19 days. To put money into reality, £1,000 pays for a Macmillan nurse to provide care and support for someone living with cancer and their family for just one week.

“Over the last three years we have raised a total of £4,124.07.

“This means that we have exceeded our target to pay back Macmillan for the care and support they provided dad.

“However, we will not stop there. We are hoping to hold a Christmas fundraiser in aid of Macmillan, as well as continue our annual coffee mornings.

“We would like to thank the many local businesses, friends and family, and local people who supported us.

“With such amazing success, I know dad must have been smiling down on us.

“Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.”