A leading decorating and DIY specialist is helping to paint a bright future for Macmillan Cancer Support by dedicating the whole of March to fundraising for the charity.

Leyland SDM, which has 24 stores in prominent high street locations across London, is determined to raise at least £20,000 through its ‘March is for Macmillan’ campaign. Customers at each of the stores will be invited to increase the value of their shop by £1 to make a donation to the charity. A similar fundraising push generated more than £24,000 for the charity towards the end of last year.

Paul Gerreli, Marketing Director at Leyland SDM, said: “Macmillan is facing an expected loss of £175m in fundraised income in the next two years because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“It is absolutely vital we continue to support Macmillan so that they can carry on delivering first-class services for those with cancer, both now and in the future. We’ll be asking our customers to help us help Macmillan by adding as little as £1 to their transaction.

“Our customers were extremely generous in 2020 – and I’m sure they will be once again because everyone is aware of the fantastic work Macmillan does.”

Macmillan is the UK’s leading cancer support charity, with an ambition to be there for everyone from the moment they are diagnosed. The charity has worked to intensify its offering during the pandemic.

Julie Holland, Macmillan’s Senior Fundraising Manager for London, said: “For more than 100 years, we’ve been there for people with cancer when they needed us most. Today is no exception.

“We are delighted that Leyland SDM is joining our fundraising efforts so we can keep providing physical, financial and emotional support to the millions of people that count on all of us so that cancer does not become the Forgotten ‘C’.   

“Cancer is not going anywhere. And neither can we.  Whether you want to donate, fundraise or volunteer  – call 0300 1000 200 or visit macmillan.org.uk. “

Established in 1985, Leyland SDM started trading with a single store in central London, supplying local tradesmen as a Specialist Decorators’ Merchants with paint and decorating materials. Today the business has grown to become one of the most recognisable and trusted decorating and DIY retail brands in central London.

Visit www.leylandsdm.co.uk for more information.