This week Clwyd West MS Darren Millar raised a mug in support of Macmillan’s Coffee Morning and is encouraging people in Conwy and Denbighshire to do the same.
Darren joined staff and volunteers from Macmillan Cancer Support in Wales at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay to mark the charity’s annual Coffee Morning fundraising event.
The event was an opportunity to find out more about how Macmillan in Wales is supporting people living with cancer, as well as meeting with inspirational Macmillan volunteers, fundraisers and professionals.
Macmillan’s annual Coffee Morning usually sees millions of pounds donated to help provide specialist health care, information, and financial support to people affected by cancer.
This year, the cancer charity is celebrating its 33rd annual Macmillan Coffee Morning which sees millions of pounds raised in events organised in homes, schools, workplaces and community spaces.
Speaking about his support for the annual fundraising event, Darren said:
“The news of a cancer diagnosis can be devastating, and it is a sad fact that one in two of us will face cancer in our lifetime.
“Every cup raised supports Macmillan’s incredible work in Wales so that Macmillan can keep doing whatever it takes to help people living with cancer.
“This year every penny counts, so whether you raise a few pennies or pounds in your Macmillan Coffee Morning it can still make a difference. We’re living in challenging times but Macmillan Cancer Support, alongside our NHS and other partners, work tirelessly to do whatever it takes for people with cancer.
“I’m proud to help support Macmillan’s coffee morning, and to help let people know about that this important fundraising event. I would encourage people in Clwyd West to get involved, and to sign up to organise a Coffee Morning or contribute to a local coffee morning in the way that suits them best.”
Richard Pugh, Head of Services for Macmillan Cancer Support in Wales, said:
“The Macmillan Coffee Morning at the Senedd is a special event. It is fantastic to be able to meet our Members of the Senedd and update Members on our activities and future plans to support people living with cancer in Wales. We would like to offer Darren our heartfelt thanks for his support.
“A cancer diagnosis can, in a moment, turn someone’s life upside down. We’re living in challenging times which can exacerbate the impact of a devastating diagnosis. The financial and social impacts from global events such as the pandemic and the energy crisis mean that in our communities in Wales, people living with cancer need Macmillan’s support now more than ever before.
“More than 98% of Macmillan’s funding comes directly from donations. Without this collective generosity, thousands of people could miss out on vital care from our nurses, or much needed financial support through our Macmillan grants, or be unable to freely access trusted information and support in-person, online or at the end of the telephone.
“As always, there is no single or right way to hold a coffee morning for us – it can be whatever you make it, and it can be held when suits you best. We really hope people will pull out all the stops this year. I’d say to people in Wales – ‘Let’s do coffee and let’s do it for those who can’t.
Macmillan’s Coffee Morning this year falls on Friday 29 September but local events can be held throughout the year.
However you choose to host your Macmillan Coffee Morning, you can visit https://coffee.macmillan.org.uk for hosting ideas, games and baking inspiration.
For information or support relating to cancer, call Macmillan’s Support Line on 0808 808 00 00 (8am to 8pm Monday to Friday) or visit www.macmillan.org.uk.