Cancer charity funding drop

A cancer charity says it’s never needed the support of people in North Lanarkshire more, as new figures reveal a staggering drop in income from its flagship fundraising event across the West of Scotland.

Last year people across North Lanarkshire raised £144,500 by taking part in a Macmillan Cancer Support Coffee Morning, to fund its vital services including Macmillan nurses and patient grants.

This year, figures show the number of people planning to hold a coffee morning across the West of Scotland has fallen by a staggering 75 per cent, leading to the charity worrying there will be an equivalent fall in money raised.

The charity fears its supporters don’t realise the event has moved to an online and socially distanced format, and is urging people to find out about the new ways to take part.

Craig Tobin, who manages Macmillan’s projects across Lanarkshire, said: “Fundraising events like coffee morning, raise vital funds that go towards community projects like ours enabling us to support people affected by cancer close to their own homes, and in their own communities.

“We hear time and time again that local access to services is important and we’re concerned that the current situation may affect the future service provision across Lanarkshire – if you can support a coffee morning in any way please do.”

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.

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 or call 0330 102 7810.