HOW MACMILLAN CHANGES LIVES
The charity is a real lifeline for those who need it, and this year more than ever…
Friday September 25 marks the 30th anniversary of the Macmillan Coffee Mornings. Over the years, the event has raised over £275 million for Macmillan which has go one towards supporting peo ople with cancer.
Someone who knows s all too well how amazing Macmillan support can be is Ruth. After being diagnosed with breast cancer last year, Ruth continued her treatment throughout lockdown, but it hasn’t been easy. .
“Going for the chemo o was think to ask when you’re at hospital. Macmillan helped me know what to say to doctors when I was worried about something, they would help me find the words for it.
They were there for me the whole time, like talking to a friend, and they understood the emotional impact.
“My dad died during lockdown and there I was, I couldn’t even have a hug, I couldn’t have a cup of tea with somebody. But I could ring Macmillan up and they would know what I was going through and they would understand, so that was totally valuable.”
There’s one moment that stands out for Ruth that shows how great Macmillan are. “I must’ve been on my third round of chemo and I started to feel really tired and I made a cup of tea and then I got teary. I couldn’t remember the last time I had a drink with somebody. Then I drank the tea and I thought my milk had gone off but it hadn’t, the chemo had affected my taste. I was just sobbing and I rang Macmillan. It was just having somebody there to explain that this is all part of the process and to remind you that it’s not forever and that you’re doing really well. That was probably one of my lowest moments but they were there, and now I’d like to give something back.”
Patients aren’t the only people Macmillan are there for. Friends and families of
I can call Macmillan any time and they understand what I’m going through
those with cancer can lean on them for support, too.
“They supported my daughter as well. That’s the side of cancer people don’t see. When you phone Macmillan nothing is ever too much.”
After her experience with the charity, Ruth is keen to give something back to them. She recently qualified as a life coach and has decided to incorporate this into her virtual Macmillan Coffee Morning.
“I’m going to run a positive mindset webinar. People will have to bring their own cups of coffee to it but in exchange for