If your wardrobe needs decluttering, there’s no time like the present, as Conister Bank has launched its fourth annual Handbag Appeal in aid of Manx Cancer Help. The premise is simple: donate your good quality new or pre-loved handbags to the bank’s fundraising team, and they will resell them at the Royal Manx Agricultural Show (Friday 11th – Saturday 12th August).

The Handbag Appeal has raised over ?10,000 since it was first set up, with every penny raised going directly to the charity. Manx Cancer Help provides free, specialist emotional and psychological support to people affected by cancer, both patients and their loved ones.

The appeal is led by Conister’s Kerry Waddington, who, as a cancer survivor, endorses the invaluable role that Manx Cancer Help plays in the Island’s community: “Manx Cancer Help understands that cancer has a psychological, as well as physical, impact, not just on the person diagnosed but on the their families and friends. Being able to receive confidential support from trained professionals, whether during diagnosis, treatment or recovery, can make an enormous difference to those affected by cancer.

“Our Handbag Appeal is a real group effort which brings everyone together in support of a cause which is a cornerstone of our community. So many people each year generously give up their handbags, while others help us to run the stall at the Royal Show. Our raffle is also a key part of the event, with many local businesses donating fabulous prizes – including designer handbags!”.

Gareth Nicholson from Manx Cancer Help comments, “Working with the Conister Bank team on the Handbag Appeal is always great fun, and helps us to raise much-needed funds. We are very grateful for the support we receive from them as it enables us, in turn, to support those amongst us who need it most. Over the next year, we plan to extend our reach to enable us to provide more services to a broader group of patients, and we’re really looking forward to engaging people through a wide range of fundraising projects and events”. 

Everyone who wants to donate a handbag – or several! - can make a drop-off at any of the Sure IOM shops in Douglas, Peel or Ramsey, or at Conister Bank’s reception in Clarendon House, Victoria Street, Douglas.

Photo - (l-R) Gareth Nicholson, Kerry Waddington, Andy Bass.