- A Macmillan Coffee morning will take place on the 25th September.
- The event is a big fundraising effort to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Antony Higginbotham MP has joined supporters from Macmillan Cancer Support for a virtual Coffee Morning to show their support for the long-standing event.
Now in its 30th year, the charity fundraiser usually sees millions of pounds donated every year to help support people affected by cancer.
Every 90 seconds someone in the UK is diagnosed with cancer. The money raised helps fund Macmillan services like the 6,400 famous Macmillan Nurses or their free support line, that makes sure people with cancer can get the physical, emotional and financial support they need.
This year is more important than ever to support Macmillan’s flagship Coffee Morning, one of the UK’s longest-running fundraising events. Due to coronavirus the event is facing a staggering 71% income drop of £20 million, the cost of more than 350 Macmillan specialist cancer nurses in England for a full year. A fundraising fall of this magnitude could risk more than 80,000 cancer patients missing out on support from a Macmillan nurse next year.
Speaking about their support for the annual fundraising event, Antony Higginbotham MP said:
Every one us of will have a story to tell about the impact of cancer. And that’s why it’s important to support the vital work that Macmillan Cancer Support do. Their personal, one-to-one care and support for people of all ages living with cancer is outstanding.
I’m proud to raise a mug today to support their virtual coffee morning, to encourage donations and help let people know that whilst it might be different, virtual and socially distanced this year, coffee morning is still going ahead.
Steven McIntosh, Head of Policy, Campaigns and Influencing at Macmillan Cancer Support said:
Between the disruption caused to diagnosis and treatment and the fear of increased risk of becoming infected with coronavirus, there has never been a more worrying time in recent history to receive a cancer diagnosis.
At Macmillan we are determined to be there for everyone affected by cancer, but it is safe to say we are facing the hardest year in our 109-year history.
The demand for our services and support is huge and this comes at a time when we are experiencing a dramatic and sustained drop in our income, 98% of which comes from events like our coffee morning.
It’s no exaggeration to say Macmillan and people with cancer have never needed the public’s help more than we do right now.
Macmillan is encouraging people to take part however suits them, from having a socially distanced Coffee Morning safely in groups up to 6, to setting up a virtual Coffee Morning online.
Those who prefer to take part in more active fundraising events can also sign up for the first ever Coffee Morning Challenge, tackling a run, walk or cycle to raise cash. Whilst others are taking to social media and raising a mug for people living with cancer, while making a donation and using the hashtag #raiseamug.
However you choose to support Macmillan Coffee Morning, you can visit https://coffee.macmillan.org.uk for hosting ideas, games and baking inspiration.
For information or support relating to cancer, call Macmillan’s Support Line on 0808 808 00 00 (8am to 8pm Monday to Friday) or visit www.macmillan.org.uk.
