A YEAR-LONG fundraising campaign has been launched at a shopping centre.

Macmillan Cancer Support launched the campaign today (Friday, January 10) with the backing of The Gates Shopping Centre, in Durham City.

The charity, which provides healthcare, information and financial support to victims of cancer, is working with the retailers at the shopping centre on a variety of fundraising projects throughout 2014.

Durham County Councillors Stephen Guy and Lucy Hovells joined Macmillan staff at the shopping centre for the launch, where an awareness table was set up at the Saints Deli and Café to give out information on Macmillan’s fundraising and the care they provide.

Awareness months are to be held at The Gates where shoppers and retailers will be encouraged to raise money for the charity.

One project needing £85,000 worth of backing is to provide nurse educators to provide training and support to Macmillan nurses to help them care for cancer victims.

Michelle Muir, Macmillan’s fundraising manager for County Durham, said: "We are working with The Gates Shopping Centre hoping to raise as much money as possible to help give the best care for cancer victims.

"We solely rely on the money raised by our fundraisers and all the money goes towards providing Macmillan’s support services."