P&O partners with cancer charity

Macmillan Cancer Support will be the beneficiary of fund-raising events throughout the P&O Cruises fleet this year. Officers, crew and passengers will all be given opportunities to help raise money for the charity.
Some will take part in fitness challenges involving running and rowing the equivalent number of nautical miles covered by the ships. There will be gala balls including an auction for “money-can’t-buy” items such as dinner with celebrity chefs Marco Pierre White and Atul Kochhar, and wine tasting tuition from TV’s Olly Smith. Unique keepsakes such as signed navigational charts and polished engine spares will also be on offer. Weekly coffee and cupcake mornings will be held on each sailing.
P&O Cruises managing director Carol Marlow said: “Macmillan is an incredible charity which offers emotional, medical, practical and financial support to those affected by cancer. P&O Cruises is determined to help raise as much money as possible in 2013 to help them to do this. Passengers will be able to join in with a range of fund-raising activities and I am sure they will support our efforts for this immensely worthy cause and enjoy themselves at the same time.”
Lynda Thomas, Director of Fundraising at Macmillan Cancer Support added: ”It is Macmillan’s aim to reach and improve the lives of everyone affected by cancer. But we cannot do this on our own and we believe everyone can help. This is why we are delighted to be working with P&O Cruises to raise valuable funds and awareness of our work helping to ensure that no one has to face cancer alone.”
The partnership was launched at P&O Cruises Southampton HQ this week, with Macmillan supporter and master pâtissier Eric Lanlard joining hundreds of office staff, all wearing Macmillan T-shirts. Eric baked Macmillan green cupcakes to celebrate the occasion.