BUSINESSES are being urged to back a cancer support group in a new campaign which launched in spectacular fashion on Sunday.

The inaugural ‘Fill the Hill’ event at Holcombe Hill saw around 150 people take part in a balloon launch showing their commitment to helping Bury Cancer Support Centre

Organisers plan to return to the hill every month for the next year, each time bringing with them new supporters from across the area.

The centre opened the doors to its new headquarters at the former Abbeyfield House Care Home on Bolton Road last year and staff were so inspired by the help they received that they decided to further strengthen their ties with the local community.

The charity is completely self-funded and has to raise £120,000 per year to cover running costs.

Jan Katana, the centre’s manager, said: “We had such a lot of support from local businesses and local residents when we were refurbishing our new building that we thought we should reach out to them.

“This is just the start of the campaign, though. The hard work of getting out there and convincing even more people to support us starts now.

“It was a fabulous day. The weather didn’t look too promising once we were up there, but fortunately there was a bit of blue sky just as we were launching the balloons.

“There were a lot of people there just by coincidence that came to join in with the event.

“We made around £1,000 there on the day, which wasn’t the aim of the event at all but it was a lovely bonus on top of raising some awareness and getting the Fill and Hill campaign off to a great start.”

Representatives from 30 businesses attended the Fill the Hill launch, with plans for future events including a kite-flying contest and belly dancing.

The centre is also offering supporters the chance to win an iPad Mini by sending in their Fill the Hill fundraising ideas.

The best ideas posted on the Bury Cancer Support Centre Facebook page will be put into action, with the winner picking up the coveted prize.

The closing date for entries is June 30, and the next Fill the Hill event will be held on Saturday June 13.

The Bury Cancer Support Centre Facebook page can be visited at www.facebook.com/burycsc