Macmillan professionals Colsum and Michelle from Newham Hospital were determined not to let the coronavirus prevent them from breaking with tradition and are holding a Macmillan coffee morning virtually this year, on the 30th anniversary of the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning. They have teamed up with a local baker who is producing boxes of premium cupcakes that can be pre-ordered and collected from the Macmillan Cancer Support Centre at Newham Hospital (zone 1) on 25th September, to be enjoyed at home, helping to raise vital funds for the charity.
Supporters can even arrange for the cakes to be donated to patients at the hospital. The public can rest assured that the centre will be following all Government guidelines, including good sanitation practices, controlled guest numbers at the centre and social distancing.
This is welcome news as new figures reveal the uptake of coffee morning has dropped by a staggering 76% in the capital this year with concerns that supporters don’t realise Macmillan Coffee Morning is still going ahead, albeit in a new virtual or socially distanced format.
So, 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.
Colsum Akanjee-Khan, Macmillan Information and Support Manager at Newham Hospital says:
“Michelle and I put our heads together to think of a safe way to celebrate coffee morning for people who want to support the event and who visit or work at the hospital. We wanted to do our bit and get involved particularly as so many people have assumed it’s not taking place this year due to the coronavirus crisis and the fact that sign-ups and potential donations are so down.
“We phoned round local bakers and quickly found CakesbyKZ who were happy to get involved and offered to supply the cakes for free. The Macmillan branded cake toppers were donated by print4you. We’ve also been amazed by everyone’s generosity so far with donations still coming in for the luxury hamper also available to win in the prize draw! We’ve set our target at £500”.
Colsum adds:
“At the Macmillan Cancer Support Centre here at Newham Hospital we see first-hand how receiving a cancer diagnosis can be an extremely distressing and scary experience for anyone, especially now that there’s the added uncertainty and worry around the coronavirus too. That’s why we are here to provide emotional, physical and financial support to those who’ve been diagnosed with cancer, or who are going through treatment. We’re here to listen as well as signpost to other local support services, and offer help with coronavirus related difficulties. So, we encourage people to come and visit us if they have any questions about cancer, treatment and side-effects if they are at the hospital. Our centre is open from Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm with all government guidelines on social distancing in place.”
Carole Heffernan, Macmillan Area Fundraising Manager for London, said:
“We are doing everything we can to help address the immediate and unique challenges that having cancer during this pandemic brings, but we need support. Donations are vital to enable us to continue to be there for people living with cancer, so we’re delighted that Colsum, her team, businesses and residents in Newham are supporting this unique coffee morning event and encourage other people in the area to get involved and host their own Macmillan coffee morning.
“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.
Visit https://thyg.uk/BUU004467976 to pre-order a box of cupcakes from Colsum this coffee morning or simply donate.
