‘More vital than ever to join our coffee morning’
A Bath nurse is appealing for people to raise a mug to help the RUH cancer patients.
Cancer charity Macmillan says it has never needed the support of people in Bath more, as new figures reveal an expected 72 per cent drop in income.
Tracy Langton, Macmillan cancer information specialist nurse at the RUH, said: “Receiving a cancer diagnosis is always worrying but this year people have the added fear of the coronavirus.
“We’ve worked hard to make it safe for people to attend their appointments but the patients I see need support this year more than ever.
“Worryingly the increased need for support comes at a time when Macmillan’s 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 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 Bath and North East Somerset raised £61,000 taking part in a Macmillan Cancer Support Coffee Morning but early indications show registrations in the region are down by 71 per cent.
Kaeti Morrison, Macmillan fundraising manager, said: “There are lots of different ways to get involved in Coffee Morning whenever, wherever and in whatever way you can.”
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.