ACTRESS Jenny Agutter joined forces with the County Gazette in a fundraising project for Marie Curie Cancer Care 25 years ago.
Jenny, who was born in Taunton, appeared on the newspaper's front page for the launch of its “major campaign” on October 2, 1998.
The County Gazette chose to support the charity over one year and aimed to raise £20,000 to support the work of its nurses across the county.
Jenny met appeal organisers, nurses, volunteers, and County Gazette staff at the fundraiser's launch at the Castle Hotel on Tuesday, September 29, 1998.
The Railway Children actress first got involved with the charity at its 50th anniversary celebrations in Bath earlier that year.
“After that I had a call out of the blue from John (Flanagan), who organised everything, and I agreed to come down for the launch,” said Jenny.
“I know of the work that Marie Curie has done and feel it's an extraordinary organisation.
“The nurses take up the work that can't be provided by the NHS and do invaluable work at a time when people really need it. It takes incredible dedication.
“They need all the support they can get and it's important for people to know about them. I hope to be involved in the appeal during the coming year.”
She added: “Although I was born here, I have no early memories of the town - my father was stationed here at the time of my birth, but we moved away soon after.
“But my husband and I often stay in the Castle Hotel on our way down to Cornwall and the West Country has always been a draw for me.
“Taunton is a hub of activity and there is clearly a lot going on.”
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