A MONMOUTH couple were ‘humbled’ by the generosity shown at a recent fundraising event held in their former shop.

Duncan and Brenda Wills, who for 50 years had run the popular butchers ‘Le Gourmet’ in Church Street, decided to close after Duncan was diagnosed with cancer.

They wanted to raise money for Maggie’s, the cancer charity that have supported the family throughout Duncan’s treatment and opened the doors to the shop for one last time and hold a tabletop fundraiser.

However, they were ‘overwhelmed’ by the response from residents and businesses in the town who helped them to raise £4,000 in the space of just over four hours.

Brenda said that response was amazing: “People were coming up and just shoving money in our hands, it was a real party atmosphere!”

Duncan’s sister, Jane Evans, set up a stall outside the shop entrance offering free mince pies and mulled wine and within hours she had been given £600.

Brenda offered two young men some mulled wine and they turned it down saying they were driving, ”but took up our offer of a free mince pie and just gave us a £20 note” she said.

Jane Devery, Duncan’s other sister provided all the new goods to sell and businesses throughout the town generously donated goods for the tabletop sale.

Brenda was worried that the news might not get around about the sale, “but we were blown away by the front page article in the Beacon last week” she added. “It was a real boost for us and for the sale, thank you to the Beacon team!”

If you missed the event but still wish to donate, ring the Cheltenham branch of Maggie’s on 01242 250611, ask for Maria and mention you want it to go to Duncan Wills’ fundraiser.

Maggie’s offers free practical, emotional and social support to people with cancer and their families and friends. Help is offered freely to anyone with any type of cancer. Simply drop-in at any time, they will make you very welcome.