Alok Sharma, the local Member of Parliament for Reading West, has shown his support for Macmillan’s Coffee Morning.
Now in its 30th year, the annual charity fundraiser event usually sees millions of pounds donated every year to help support people affected by 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.
The coronavirus outbreak has presented a huge challenge to charities including Macmillan, and that is why this year’s Macmillan Coffee Morning is more important than ever.
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. The new Coffee Morning Challenge programme is another way to help fundraise, and it involves tackling a run, walk or cycle in aid of the charity.
Alok Sharma said: “I was delighted to support this year’s Macmillan’s Coffee Morning, and I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Macmillan Cancer Support for their continued dedication and hard work to offer personal, one-to-one care and support to people living with cancer and to their loved ones.”
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 is no exaggeration to say Macmillan and people with cancer have never needed the public’s help more than we do right now.”