This morning, my team and I raised a mug in support of Macmillan's Coffee Morning.
Now in its 30th year, the charity fundraiser usually sees millions of pounds donated every year to help support people affected by cancer. I know how important tackling cancer is, and ensuring full support for people living with cancer and those who care for them.
Since becoming the MP for Carshalton and Wallington, I have taken a keen interest in the cancer services available for my constituents, and the work the Government is doing to improve life outcomes for those who are diagnosed, including meeting with a number of cancer charities and supporting various cancer initiatives – such as encouraging residents to register as stem cell donors – and tabling questions to Ministers on improving cancer treatment outcomes locally.
Every 90 seconds someone in the UK is diagnosed with 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.
This year is more important than ever to support Macmillan’s flagship Coffee Morning, one of the UK’s longest-running fundraising events. Due to coronavirus the event is facing a staggering 71 per cent income drop of £20 million, the cost of more than 350 Macmillan specialist cancer nurses in England for a full year. A fundraising fall of this magnitude could risk more than 80,000 cancer patients missing out on support from a Macmillan nurse next year.
I am a huge supporter of the vital work done by Macmillan Cancer Services in our communities, offering personalised one-to-one care and support for people living with cancer and their loved ones, and this is why my team and I are raising a mug today and supporting the coffee morning initiative.
In normal times, I know that we would have seen coffee mornings across the Borough, and I am aware of the huge challenge that coronavirus continues to pose to charities like Macmillan, and their concerns about their ability to raise the money they need to fund their services.
Locally, I had the pleasure recently to visit the fantastic Royal Marsden in Sutton – one of the finest cancer hospitals in the world – and met with their Chief Executive, Dame Cally Palmer, to hear about their experiences during lockdown. I am a firm supporter of the 'It Must Be Marsden' campaign, to ensure that the services remain at the Royal Marsden in Sutton for the future.
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.
Those who prefer to take part in more active fundraising events can also sign up for the first ever Coffee Morning Challenge, tackling a run, walk or cycle to raise cash. Whilst others are taking to social media and raising a mug for people living with cancer, while making a donation and using the hashtag #raiseamug.
However you choose to support Macmillan Coffee Morning, you can visit https://coffee.macmillan.org.uk for hosting ideas, games and baking inspiration.
Whilst it might be different this year, with virtual and socially distanced coffee mornings instead of the larger group activities we are used to, I am proud to raise a mug to support the event, to encourage donations, and to champion the work of Macmillan.