£55k cancer target for World’s Biggest Coffee Morning (From York Press)

£55k cancer target for World’s Biggest Coffee Morning

11:25am Thursday 2nd September 2010 in

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CAFFEINE lovers in York are being challenged to raise £55,000, as the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning returns.

Fans of a cuppa can help fund Macmillan Cancer Support’s vital services by putting the kettle on as part of a national day of fundraising on Friday, September 24.

In 2009, 286 events were held across York as part of the World's Biggest Coffee Morning, raising £51,254.

This year the target has been raised to £55,000 – money that will help to fund specialist cancer nurses and grants and advice for cancer patients.

One York resident who has already registered to take part is mother-of-three Emma Birrell, who has lost her grandmother and a close friend to cancer.

Emma, 40, said: “I don’t know many people who haven’t been touched by cancer. A good friend of mine died last year and I know the support she received from charities such as Macmillan made a massive difference to her and her husband.”

Emma will be hosting a coffee morning and raffle at 26 Haxby Road on Thursday, September 23. She will also be selling Phoenix cards and Barefoot Books, with a percentage of profits going to Macmillan.

Meanwhile, Ellen Murphy, 70, of Acaster Malbis, has raised more than £10,000 for Macmillan since she staged her first coffee morning in 2003. Ellen and her late husband, Ron, were supported by a Macmillan nurse during his battle with bladder cancer.

She is now dedicated to raising funds for the charity and, with the support of family, friends and local residents, hosts an annual coffee morning, as well as events such as sponsored walks, garage sales and raffles.

In Claxton, Bill and Liz Heath will also be taking part in the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning. Their event will be held at Lawnswood on September 24, from 10am to 3pm, with a variety of stalls and activities as well as a raffle. At last year’s event, ten-year-old Jordan Thorpe caused a stir when he brought along his piggy bank and emptied all his savings into the collection bucket.

To register to host a coffee morning, log on to macmillan.org.uk/coffee or phone 0845 602 1246.