Nationwide Building Society and Macmillan Cancer Support are celebrating 20 years of partnership, with the Society’s members and employees raising over £6.5 million for Macmillan since 1993.

£6.5 million could pay for the support of 1,200 Macmillan nurses for a year, helping people, and their families, living with cancer receive essential medical, practical and emotional support so no-one has to face cancer alone.

Nationwide’s fundraising efforts are more vital than ever since Macmillan’s ‘Cancer’s Hidden Price Tag Research’ identified that four in five cancer patients are hit with an additional average cost of £570 a month, as a direct result of their illness.

Graham Beale, Nationwide’s chief executive, said: “Reaching the milestone of 20 years in partnership with Macmillan is a proud moment for Nationwide and has been made possible through the energy and commitment of our employees and members through their generous donations and fundraising activity over the last two decades.

“Macmillan is a fantastic charity dedicated to improving the lives of thousands of people, and their families, living with and beyond cancer every year, through its total commitment to supporting people affected by cancer.

“I am particularly proud of all that we have been able to achieve together in the last 20 years, and would like to thank our employees and members for their amazing contributions.”

Ciarán Devane, Macmillan chief executive, said: “I’d like to offer a huge thank you and congratulations to Nationwide’s members and staff on a fantastic 20 year partnership. Thanks to their incredible fundraising efforts, Macmillan is able to offer a range of vital support to more people affected by cancer.

“We will not achieve our goal of ensuring no-one faces cancer alone without the great and continued support of partners like Nationwide.”