It is almost two years since the Mazarr–n branch of MABs began. I don’t think we could have possibly foreseen at that first meeting, when just a handful of enthusiastic people attended, how big we would grow, or how busy we would get. Some very dedicated people have given their time freely and without any remuneration.

At our last meeting over 50 people attended. Two new branches from Mar Menor and Mojacar sent representatives and our president Jacqui Phillips, from Javea, was also present and gave an address at the end of the meeting.

We now have a superb training program in place, with support and training being given in all aspects of the work, so if you think this might be for you why not give us a call. (A few more men would be very welcome!) No special skills are required.

Our chief fundraiser, Ann, will be stepping down at Christmas. She has worked hard for two years and deserves a well earned break. Without her dedication and hard work we would not have been able to carry on, so on behalf of us all at MABs, thank you Ann. Also resigning is Jacqueline Land, our co–ordinator who started the Mazarrón branch two years ago and has seen it go from strength to strength. Our volunteers and the people MABs have helped in that time have expressed how grateful they are. We all wish you and Tom the very best in your new life together.

For those of you took part in the annual “RACE FOR LIFE MAZARRON”;(there were over 120 runners and walkers), congratulations! You will be pleased to know over 11,000€ has been pledged. This is the second year the race has been organised on behalf of MABs by Marion Hosking and her wonderful team of helpers. It was especially good to see so many of our Spanish friends, not only taking part – but winning a trophy. All the money raised is used solely for the Mazarrón branch. This year we were able to purchase a car. This now enables us to take cancer patients to and from hospital/ clinic appointments more easily. So thanks to each and every one of you and this includes the four legged entrants. Hope to see you next year.

Thank you also to the Ex–Servicemen’s Association Mazarrón District for their donation of 300 euros. This was in honour of a founder member, Alan Tolly, who sadly passed away last year.

Thank you to Welcome for hosting the race night at Saladillo Vista to raise funds on behalf of MABs Cancer Group. It was a hugely successful night. Thank you Maureen, Dave, Rosemary & Hayden for all the hard work you put in to raising 1,000€.

Saturday November 10th saw a coach leave Camposol with MABs volunteers and helpers from the Welcome Group, along with some of our cancer patients, who were able to make the trip to Fortuna Thermal Spa. This outing was donated by Barclays Bank in Puerto de Mazarrón. Three of their staff also accompanied us. After bathing in the lovely warm waters we enjoyed lunch in a nearby hotel. We hope everyone enjoyed their day and thank you Barclays Bank.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our supporters, who have helped in any way during the last two years. You have all made a huge difference to the lives of the people we at MABs are here to help. We wish you all a happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

If you a family member or a friend is suffering from cancer please call us on 620 422 410. We have volunteer drivers who will take cancer patients to hospital/ clinic appointments, contacts with reliable translators if needed (there maybe translator’s fees involved) and leaflets on many various types of cancers and treatments. All nationalities are welcome to contact us.

If you would like to help in any way or have any queries, please ring General Enquiries for further information. Tel 620 582 418 between 11am – 4pm

Our meetings take place every 4th Tuesday in the month at 10am above the Pizzeria Trevi, Commercial Centre B Camposol. There will not be a meeting in December.