Macmillan Cancer Support and Boots UK yesterday announced that their partnership has passed the £10m mark since it was formed in 2009.

The money has been raised by Boots colleagues and customers through a number of fundraising activities including: a 2014 scaling of Mount Kilimanjaro, various triathlon and 12-hour static bike challenges as well as an annual ball with all proceeds going towards funding Macmillan nurses. The sale of Macmillan ‘bespoke merchandise’ at Boots stores has also raised £3m alone.

Lynda Thomas, chief executive at Macmillan Cancer Support said: “With 2.5 million people in the UK now living with cancer the phenomenal fundraising of Boots colleagues and customers will ensure that we can be there for even more people when they need us most.”

The partnership also involves the training of Boots Macmillan information pharmacists and beauty advisors to provide face-to-face support for Boots customers suffering from cancer.

Peter Bainbridge, director of pharmacy for Boots UK said: “Every day in our stores our specially trained Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacists and Boots Macmillan Beauty Advisors are helping to support people with the impact cancer has on their daily lives. 

“As a result we know first-hand what a difference such a significant sum can make to the lives of people living with cancer, ensuring they can access the support they need at a time when they need it most.”