North Wales MS Mark Isherwood joined the Macmillan Cancer Support in Wales team at the Senedd last week to mark the charity’s annual Coffee Morning fundraising event.
The event also offered an opportunity to find out more about how the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact on people living with cancer, as well as worrying new research from the charity on the gap in Wales’ specialist cancer nursing workforce.
Macmillan’s annual Coffee Morning usually sees millions of pounds donated to help support people affected by cancer.
The money raised helps fund Macmillan services to make sure people with cancer can get the physical, emotional and financial support they need.
Like so many charities, Macmillan has seen a huge fall in its fundraising income as a direct result of the ongoing impact of Covid-19.
The charity’s flagship Coffee Morning – which is one of the UK’s longest-running fundraising events – is faced with a staggering 71% income drop for the second year running (£20m).
Speaking about their support for the annual fundraising event, Mr Isherwood said:
“Macmillan, alongside our NHS and other partners, works tirelessly to do whatever it takes for people with cancer. They are doing so at a time when the disruption caused by Covid-19 means demand for the charity’s services is high, while its income is down.
“I’m very proud to help support Macmillan’s coffee morning, and to help let people know that this important fundraising event is still going ahead. I would encourage anyone to get involved, and to organise or contribute to a local coffee morning in the way that suits them best.”
Richard Pugh, Head of Services for Macmillan Cancer Support in Wales, said: “We would like to offer Mark a heartfelt thanks for their support.
“More than 98% of Macmillan’s funding comes directly from donations, and thousands of people could miss out on vital care from our famous nurses without the public's continued support for our Coffee Morning fundraiser.
“It’s no exaggeration to say Macmillan and people with cancer have never needed the public’s help more than we do right now. There is no single or right way to hold a coffee morning – it can be whatever you make it, and it can be held when suits you best. We really hope people will pull out all the stops to do just that.”
Macmillan’s Coffee Morning this year falls on 24 September but local events can be held throughout the year.
However you choose to host your 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.