In 1979 a young Grand Prix racing driver on the verge of a promising career was diagnosed as having terminal cancer and was treated at a London hospital. His name was Gunnar Nilsson. In the weeks before he died he showed immense courage in organising help for other cancer sufferers.

After Gunnar Nilsson's death, others were inspired by his example and wanted to continue his work. Led by Jean Denton, Baroness Denton of Wakefield CBE (who died of cancer in February 2001), a group of women in the motor industry founded the organisation which is now known as WOMAC (Women On the Move Against Cancer).

To begin with, WOMAC made a modest commitment to their cause: £1,000 was raised from a luncheon and the following year a similar amount was also donated to charity. By the third year, WOMAC had caught the imagination of many people in the motor industry and it wasn't long before collections were into five figure sums.

Now, each year, 'The WOMAC Party' has become a major event in the motor industry's diary. It is not only an opportunity to meet old friends but, more importantly, an occasion where everyone can contribute funds which help to fight the disease which has affected so many.

WOMAC funds a different cancer project each year. It could be to help patients at home as well as in a hospital or hospice, perhaps to provide equipment or buildings for the treatment of men, women or children. Sometimes the choice is determined by the care a friend, relation or colleague has received. Sometimes another particularly worthy cause is brought to WOMAC's attention by the medical profession. Whichever cause WOMAC supports, the overriding concern is that we raise as much money as we can to help the continuing fight against cancer. Since its beginning WOMAC has helped a variety of projects, a list of which is available here for your information.

Everyone involved with WOMAC gives their time, energy and expertise for nothing. There are no hidden overheads - no extravagant expenses. Every penny which WOMAC raises goes to the charity it supports and since the beginning we have raised more than £350,000. Obviously this is only a small contribution to the work of those involved in cancer care and research, but every little counts and WOMAC believes that it is helping in a small but significant way to bring about progress in countering and managing the disease.

Your interest in WOMAC is invaluable to us in helping to make the right moves to defeat cancer. Thank you for supporting WOMAC.

Women on the Move Against cancer is administered by the Essex Community Foundation, registered charity number 1052061.