Macmillan coffee mornings in Essex help thousands of people
Last year's coffee mornings in Essex funded support for 3661 people
Macmillan coffee mornings hosted in Essex last year funded support for 3661 people.
This morning even more coffee mornings are being hosted across the county, to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Whether it is just teas, cakes, or lattes, Macmillan is thanking anyone attending an event.
Greatest Hits Radio Essex News has spoken to Alex Howe, Relationship Fundraising Manager, who said that the charity is "98% funded by public donations."
"Without the people of Essex and across the country coming together on this special day we would really struggle to raise the income that we desperately need for people living with cancer."
He said that the event "puts Macmillan Cancer Support in the forefront of people's minds."
"If you work at Macmillan Cancer Support it is like Christmas Day. That's the only comparison that I can give. There is so much excitement amongst Macmillan Staff Volunteers and our incredible supporters out there.
"This year is really important, it is our 35th anniversary,
"Last year we raised over £17 million through coffee mornings alone,
"Its a really vital source of income for us,
"Across Essex that figure was down on the previous year. We know it is hard for people to fundraise, so it is important this year more than ever before that people come out and support local events,
"Maybe bake a cake for the event."
Alex spoke about the "hard work" that goes into planning these events, and also the "heartwarming" fundraising that goes on.
"If we look in Essex alone, specifically across 2024, so the coffee morning fundraising helped us to support 3661 people on our support lines. That's our telephone number that people can can call.
"In 2024, in Essex alone, we issued grants totalling over £142,000.
"That's in addition to the professionals. We had 41 professionals in funding in 2024."
Alex also pointed out the "incredible" job that a group of fundraisers in Saffron Walden had been doing for over 50 years.
"We are so grateful, thank you so much for all that you do."
Macmillan has also urged anyone needing support to contact their support line: 08 08 808 0000 between 8am and 8pm