£20,000 raised over 22 years for Macmillan Cancer Support
It was another packed-out event, attracting more than 50 people; including Anna McMorrin, the MP for Cardiff North; local councillors; community members; the local police and representatives of organisations that I have worked with over the years.
Refreshments were provided by bike-based barista GreenBeans, with a large portion of their profits from the morning donated to Macmillan. There was also a selection of homemade cakes for sale, donated by my team.
The Macmillan coffee morning has become a true community event, with local schools and businesses going out of their way to offer their support. The headteachers of Whitchurch Primary School and Whitchurch High School regularly attend and bring with them groups of pupils and Lead Students (formerly Head Boy and Girl). Local Whitchurch businesses donate prizes for the raffle which is always a big hit.
Before the pandemic the coffee mornings were held in several cafes around Whitchurch, but in 2020 it moved online, and in 2021 it was back in-person but outside at the Whitchurch community garden where it was held again this year.
Macmillan Cancer Support has been encouraging groups and individuals to hold fundraising coffee mornings for 35 years. Every penny raised each year goes towards supporting people diagnosed with cancer and their families as they navigate this very turbulent and worrying time.
Julie Morgan said: “I started holding Macmillan coffee mornings when disability campaigner and friend, Rob Cooper, suggested it would be a great way to raise funds for this important charity. He always played an active role in organising the coffee morning, right up until he sadly passed away in 2016. I know that he would have been so proud that we’ve managed to reach this landmark fundraising milestone.
“In Cardiff North we have the Velindre cancer centre and UHW so I know that Macmillan workers there do an invaluable job of supporting patients receiving treatment and their families. One in two of us are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in our lifetimes, so whether directly or indirectly, we will all find ourselves in need of Macmillan’s services.”
“Holding coffee mornings can be tremendous fun, and are a brilliant way of bringing the community together for a united cause. I would encourage everyone to get involved and hold their own coffee mornings.”
Richard Pugh, Head of Partnerships for Macmillan Cancer Support in Wales, said: “We are so grateful to Julie for raising an incredible £20,000 with Macmillan Coffee Morning events for 22 years as it helps make a huge difference for people living with cancer.
“Every penny raised helps Macmillan to provide the local services people living with cancer need enabling us to provide emotional, financial and clinical support when it’s most needed.”
For advice, information or support, people can call Macmillan free on 0808 808 0000 or visit macmillan.org.uk.