A WINCHESTER business has donated nearly £18,000 to a cancer charity.

Following several fundraising events last year dental payment plan specialist, Denplan, has given £17,730.44 to Macmillan Cancer Support.

Hundreds of Denplan member dentists took part in the events, including gruelling cycle rides across the Isle of Wight and Hadrian’s Wall in Cumbria.

Steve Gates, managing director at Denplan, said the donation can be seen as an investment to help future generations.

“Over two million people in the UK are living with cancer and Macmillan predicts that this figure will double to four million by 2030,” he said.

“With statistics like this in mind, we felt it was very important as a company to unite with our fantastic member dentists across the country to raise money for Macmillan.”

Mr Gates handed the cheque to Lisa Murphy, Macmillan’s fundraising manager for south east Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

She said: “Macmillan Cancer Support would like to thank Denplan and its member dentists for their fundraising efforts over the past year. Cancer is the toughest fight that many of us will face and it is only because of the generosity of our supporters that we are able to provide the best possible care and support for local people living with cancer.

“We are very grateful that Denplan is continuing to support is throughout 2014, too.”