Macmillan nurse in Milton Keynes issues plea for support as charity’s biggest fundraising event faces a 68% drop in income

    A cancer charity says it’s never needed the support of people in Milton Keynes more, as new figures reveal an expected 68% drop in income from its flagship fundraising event.

    Fay Grech-Marguerat, Macmillan Wellbeing Advanced Nurse Practitioner at Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Trust, said: “There has never been a more difficult time in recent history to receive a cancer diagnosis with disruption caused by the pandemic and fears of becoming infected with Coronavirus.

    “Worryingly the increased need for support comes at a time when our fundraised income has dropped significantly and our flagship Coffee Morning event looks like it will bring in only a fraction of what we’d hope for.

    “We’ve heard some of our supporters didn’t realise they could take part this year. While the traditional coffee morning can’t go ahead, there are still lots of ways to take part and raise money to fund services that are needed more now than ever before.”

    Last year people in Milton Keynes raised £99,000 taking part in a Macmillan Cancer Support Coffee Morning.

    The money helped fund the charity’s vital services locally, including nurses and support workers at Milton Keynes University Hospital, welfare rights advisers and direct grants to patients.

    This year, figures show the number of people planning to hold a Coffee Morning across the UK has fallen by a staggering 68%, leading to the charity worrying there will be an equivalent fall in money raised. The £27.5m raised in 2019 is expected to fall to under £8m this year - the lowest amount Coffee Morning will have raised in 11 years.

    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 being urging people to take a selfie raising a mug for people living with cancer, while making a donation.

    To sign up, visit coffee.macmillan.org.uk.

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