Voted Best
ISSUE NO. 1754
14 - 20 February 2019
Newspaper in Spain 2017 & 2018
COSTA DE ALMERÍA YOUR PAPER, YOUR VOICE, YOUR OPINION
GIVING BACK: Hundreds turned out for the event where all the acts performed free of charge with Shannon (inset) saying people pitch in because “cancer touches everyone in some way.”
BIG MAC rocks By Cathy Elelman
THE latest BIG MAC fundraising extravaganza exceeded expectations. Hundreds turned out for Sunday’s mega music festival and to support Mojacar Area Cancer Support, or MACS, a charity providing invaluable assistance for cancer patients, survivors and carers across the region. This was the fifth edition of the annual event, now firmly established as one of the most important music and entertainment dates in the Almeria social calendar. An energetic demonstration of Zumba by the Alison Bramwell and Holly Newell groups got proceedings going at midday, setting the upbeat tone at the Hostal Rural venue in Turre. Then it was non-stop music all the way through to early evening, with outstanding live performances of pop, blues, soul, swing and rock ‘n’ roll on the two stages from an impres-
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sive line-up of acts. Driftwood, Carl Lewis, Altoonas, Marilyn Shipley, The Memphis Rockers, Tony Justice & Paul Ingman, Jack Law, Mad On Blonde, the Fusion Charity Band, Rio MacRae, Bryony Harrison, Pulse, Katy McAndrew, Plan Bee, The Blues Club: all performed free of charge, everyone there to do their bit and support MACS. There was plenty of festivalstyle food to keep energy levels up, and more than 30 stalls did a brisk trade in home-made crafts, vintage clothes, jewellery, and more. And thanks to the generosity of local businesses and volunteers, there were great prizes up for grabs in the MACS raffle. There is of course a very serious cause behind the fun. The numerous MACS volunteers in charge of the event organise and keeping everything running smoothly on the day, proof of the commitment of many local
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expatriates to charitable causes and their readiness to dedicate time and energy to helping others. Maggi Lake is one such volunteer. Maggi, who has lived in the area for many years, and was an original member of the Sexy Santas fundraisers, has been fundraising for MACS since 2010. She told the Euro Weekly News so many people give up their time for MACS precisely because it is such a worthy cause. “Cancer is just so wicked. Practically every family has had someone with cancer.” MACS was founded by Elaine Brown in 2007 after she was diagnosed with T-cell nonHodgkin lymphoma. Elaine wanted to create a group for cancer patients and their families to ‘bridge’ gaps in communication and understanding, and to ‘offer an ear and support.’ The group became a registered charity, and today there are six MACS shops, and many vol-
unteers, who provide a range of support services. Sadly cancer finally claimed Elaine’s life in September last year, but her granddaughter and MACS VicePresident Shannon Kay Edwards is keen to continue her amazing work. “This is our biggest event of the year. It takes a lot of preparation, but hopefully it keeps everyone entertained throughout the day,” Shannon told the Euro Weekly News. “Everyone pitches in and helps and gives their time for free. I think it’s because cancer touches everyone in some way, shape or form; unfortunately noone hasn’t been touched by cancer themselves or doesn’t know someone who’s been touched by cancer. “I think knowing that and the impact it has on people’s lives, I think it’s nice to give something back.” The total amount raised at Big Mac 5 is due to be announced this week.
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