This year sees Marie Curie Cancer Care mark its 50th anniversary and organisers are appealing for continuing support from the public to continue their work.

EastEnders actress Barbara Windsor is a long time supporter of Marie Curie Cancer Care and is throwing her weight behind a campaign to recruit more volunteers and encourage donations to shops in Romford and Upminster.

Barbara said: "Apart from wonderful customers Marie Curie shops rely on two things - volunteers to keep them running and generous donations of good quality books and clothing.

"The shops are busy, friendly places and volunteers don't need previous retail experience - just a few hours a week of their time could make such a difference."

The shops all over the country, including Romford and Upminster, help to fund 11 Marie Curie centres dedicated to the specialist care of people with cancer. They also enable the Marie Curie Research Institute to continue with important research into the prevention and early detection of cancer.

Barbara added: "Actions speak louder than words. Please give some time or donate some goods - both will contribute to the essential work of Marie Curie Cancer Care."

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