I AM writing to ask your readers to grab a bucket as part of our winter of collections from October to December in support of the Big Bucket Collection, a national fundraising event run by CLIC Sargent, the UK’s leading cancer charity for children and young people. This year we are aiming to raise £200,000.

CLIC Sargent has been offered the chance to hold a number of Big Bucket Collections in Oxfordshire (10 dates in total), including in Didcot, Cowley, Abingdon, Henley and Bicester throughout October to December.

I was wondering if Oxford Mail readers could give a little time, with friends, family or colleagues, to help out on the day? If they could spare a few hours to help, it would be great if they could get in touch.

We are particularly looking for chief bucketeers to act as co-ordinators for local collections, so anyone who is interested should get in touch with CLIC Sargent (details below).

The Big Bucket Collection starts in October and ends in December, which is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This December, CLIC Sargent is highlighting the impact of cancer on pupils at secondary school. Staying in school can be difficult for children and young people undergoing cancer treatment. It may be hard for them to keep up with schoolwork and stay in touch with friends, which can make them feel isolated and stressed, especially during exam times.

CLIC Sargent does all it can to help, but right now they can only support two out of three children and young people coping with cancer. That’s why the money that local volunteers help to raise is so important.

If you can spare a little time to help make a big difference, please contact the CLIC Sargent team on 0845 121 2495 or visit www.clicsargent.org.

uk/bigbucketcollection to find out more information and to find a collection venue near to you.

Thank you for your support.

CLAIRE SHOVELTON, CLIC Sargent, 11a Windmill Road, Headington, Oxford