TWENTY convalescent holidays, 143 food liquidisers for throat cancer sufferers, or 417 visits from cancer support workers.

That is what Macmillan Cancer Support could pay for thanks to revellers at an Oxfordshire music festival.

Organisers of the Cornbury Festival, near Charlbury, chose Macmillan as its official charity for the first time this year.

The two day event in July brought in more than £7,300 to help the organisation provide practical, medical and financial support for people with cancer.

More than 12,000 festival goers were treated to performances from acts including Squeeze Jackson Browne, The Feeling and David Gray.

As well as raising awareness and money at the festival, more than 50 Macmillan staff were on site handing out 3,000 samples of free sunscreen, spreading the message about the dangers of skin cancer, and giving out 1,000 free cakes, provided by Witney’s Fabulous Bakin’ Boys.

Festival organiser Hugh Phillimore said Macmillan had been a great partner.

He said: “We had a really good partnership with Macmillan this year.

“Cancer is something which affects all of us at some point.

“But the charity does some great work.”

He added: “The suncream Macmillan volunteers handed out came in very handy this year as we were blessed with glorious sunshine.”

In Oxfordshire, almost 3,000 people were diagnosed with cancer last year. Volunteers at the festival helped to raise awareness about another of Macmillan’s money spinning events, the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning, which takes place throughout September.

The project encourages people to get together over a cuppa and give generously to the cause.

Julian Knowles, fundraising manager for Macmillan in Oxfordshire said: “I’m delighted with the results – thank you to everyone who gave so generously.

“The event was a great opportunity to meet and talk with people of all ages and discover the positive impact that Macmillan has made on their lives.”

awilliams@oxfordmail.co.uk