Derbyshire residents asked to raise a mug for Macmillan

Macmillan healthcare professional, Maria Leadbeater, is calling on the people of Derbyshire to get involved in Macmillan’s Coffee Morning and support the charity to care for people living with cancer.

Maria provides vital cancer information, practical and emotional support to people living with cancer at the Macmillan Information and Support Centre at the Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

The countdown to the charity’s annual fundraiser begins as Macmillan Cancer Support announces a predicted loss of around £100million in voluntary income as a result of the coronavirus crisis.

This year, the 30th anniversary of the fundraiser, the charity is asking Derbyshire to find a way to keep the tradition going.

Maria said: “Being diagnosed with cancer is frightening at any time, but even more so now when cancer is in danger of becoming the ‘Forgotten C’. More than ever, people with cancer need practical, emotional and financial support and to know that they will be able to have the treatment they need when they need it.”

“With charities like Macmillan facing huge drops in donations I’d like to ask everyone to do whatever it takes to get involved in coffee morning this year. It may have to be a little different this year but whether you host a socially distanced event in your local park, a virtual get together or something completely different – it all makes a huge difference to the lives of people living with cancer.”

Nationally, Macmillan had expected to bring in about £235m in voluntary donations, but now expects the figure to be closer to £140m.

Hannah Lumb, Macmillan’s fundraising manager, said: “Demand for our cancer support services is greater than ever, but, due to coronavirus, we are facing a significant drop in our income. The truth is that we can’t continue to be there for all the people who need us without your support. That’s why this year it’s so important to not let anything stop your Macmillan coffee morning.”

“Whether you host a coffee morning at home or at work, in the morning or evening, bake a showstopper or buy one of the limited edition products from our partner Marks & Spencer – the money you raise will enable Macmillan to continue providing these vital services. Every Coffee Morning changes lives.”

Macmillan’s work is almost entirely funded by donations and every penny raised at a Coffee Morning helps provide vital support to people with cancer.

Those looking to get involved can sign up at macmillan.org.uk/coffee. The official Coffee Morning is on Friday September 25 but supporters are encouraged to hold their Coffee Morning whenever suits them.

Whether it’s in the garden, the office kitchen, outside the community hall, at school, or on the street for your neighbours to enjoy, make sure to have plenty space and easy access.

Throughout September, Macmillan’s headline partner Marks & Spencer will be selling a selection of Coffee Morning products in M&S food halls – including a bespoke Macmillan Colin the Caterpillar cake and a specially designed travel cup and mug – with 10% of proceeds going to Macmillan.

There will also be a 5p donation from M&S for every hot coffee and slice of cake sold throughout September at the M&S Cafés.

Maria and Sian from Macmillan. Image by Steve Smailes Photography