Laura Anne Jones, MS for South Wales East has today raised a mug in support of Macmillan’s Coffee Morning and is encouraging her constituents to do the same.
Now in its 30th year, the charity fundraiser usually sees millions of pounds donated every year to help support people affected by cancer.
The money raised helps fund Macmillan services to make sure people with cancer can get the physical, emotional and financial support they need.
While Macmillan’s Coffee Morning has grown over the years, the event is now under threat due to the global coronavirus pandemic.
The charity estimates it could see a £20 million drop in its coffee morning income across Wales and the wider UK, even though people with cancer need support more than ever during the coronavirus crisis.
Speaking about their support for the annual fundraising event, Laura Anne Jones MS said: “Macmillan Cancer Support is out there in our communities, offering personal, one-to-one care and support to people living with cancer and to their loved ones, and that’s why I am supporting coffee morning.”
“Like so many other things at the moment, coronavirus is presenting a huge challenge to charities like Macmillan and it is having a worrying impact on the amount of money that is being raised.
“I’m proud to raise a mug today to support the event, to encourage donations and help let people know that while it might be different, virtual and socially distanced this year, coffee morning is still going ahead.
“There couldn’t be an easier or more fun way to raise money for people with cancer – people, who in the current crisis, need the support of their local communities more than ever before.”
Richard Pugh, Head of Services for Macmillan Cancer Support in Wales, said: “Between the disruption caused to testing 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.
“We know the demand for our services is huge – there is the continued challenge of coronavirus, and as the cancer care system moves again, we can expect to see a significant backlog of people who desperately need our support.
“This demand for our services will come 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’s no exaggeration to say Macmillan and people with cancer have never needed the public’s help more than we do right now.”
Macmillan is encouraging people to take part however suits them, from having a socially distanced Coffee Morning safely from their doorstep 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.
Meanwhile social media lovers are urging people to take a selfie raising a mug for people living with cancer, while making a donation.
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.