‘We’ve never needed the public’s help more’ – charity’s concern over flagship fundraiser

Last year, people in Lincolnshire raised £293,600 for Macmillan Cancer Support by taking part in one of its coffee morning events.

This year, however, the number of people planning to hold a Macmillan Coffee Morning in the county has fallen by 74 per cent, leading to concern there will be an equivalent fall in money raised.

The charity fears its supporters do not realise the event is still going ahead – albeit in a modified format – and is urging people to find out about the new ways to take part.

Ruth Willis, partnership manager for Lincolnshire, said: “There has never been a more terrifying time in recent history to receive a cancer diagnosis, with disruption and delays to treatment and fears of increased risk of becoming infected with coronavirus.”

She continued: “At Macmillan we’re facing a possible tsunami of demand coming towards us this autumn, as the cancer system gets moving again and the backlog of delayed diagnoses begins to be dealt with. Worryingly, this increased need for support would come at a time when our fundraised income has dropped significantly.

“We’re facing the hardest year in our 109-year history. 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 being urged to take a selfie raising a mug for people living with cancer, while making a donation.

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