Macmillan Coffee Morning

IT'S NEVER TOO LATE FOR COFFEE

Macmillan Cancer Support is holding the 18^th annual World's Biggest Coffee Morning on (or around) Friday 26 September. Supported by Derek Philips, chairman of the Exeter Chamber of Commerce, the charity is confident that a record 900 people from all over Devon will be hosting a coffee gathering - both small and large - in this special anniversary year and getting together with friends, family and colleagues to raise much needed funds for people affected by cancer. Among them is Exeter law firm and Chamber member Dunn and Baker. And it isn't too late to hold an event - it's not essential that coffee gatherings are held on the national day.

Derek Philips, chairman of the Exeter Chamber of Commerce said: ‘The Chamber wants to encourage all local businesses to support this incredibly worthwhile charity by holding a simple staff coffee gathering. Why not involve customers and suppliers? You don't have to hold your event on the national date - choose a day which suits you!

Julia Green, senior partner at Dunn and Baker solicitors in Southernhay said: ‘Our staff usually have their mid morning coffee in their own offices but on the day of the World's Biggest Coffee Morning we all gather together,  with our clients, for 30 minutes of coffee, cake and convivial conversation - a lovely occasion. The World's Biggest Coffee Morning is now an established part of the firm's charity events calendar.'

Event organiser Rachel Bending said: ‘Our clients are quite switched on to charitable giving and Macmillan's name often occurs when discussing possible cancer charities. There's not a lot of effort involved in taking part in the Coffee Morning - simply putting the kettle on! And yet this big caffeinated fundraiser raised £7.5 million last year across the country to help more people affected by cancer to receive Macmillan's special brand of care and support.'

Calvin Lovelock, Macmillan's fundraising manager said, ‘My grateful thanks go to Derek from the Chamber and Julia and her colleagues from Dunn and Baker and the many, many local people who have already signed up for this year's World's Biggest Coffee Morning - Macmillan's flagship fundraiser. We are always astounded by the support we receive from local people for this event and everyone makes the most of the day, which can include anything from selling homemade cakes to raffles to sponsored leg waxing! It is a great fun event which makes a real difference to those living with cancer.'

Macmillan improves the lives of people affected by cancer through medical, practical, emotional and financial support. Events like the World Biggest Coffee Morning are extremely important - they enable this work to continue.

Calvin continued: ‘If you are unable to take part in this Coffee Morning but would like to make a contribution, donations would be gratefully received by Macmillan's local fundraising office: 95 Torquay Road, Paignton TQ3 2LR. If you would like to attend one of the many events open to the public please look out for the listing in the press or check www.macmillan.org.uk/coffee for details.'

For further information, please contact:

For further information, please contact Calvin Lovelock, Fundraising Manager, Macmillan Cancer Support on 01803 528004 or Rachel Bending, Dunn and Baker on 01392 285000.

About Macmillan Cancer Support

Macmillan Cancer Support improves the lives of people affected by cancer, providing practical, medical, emotional and financial support.  Working alongside people affected by cancer, Macmillan works to improve cancer care. One in three of us will get cancer. 1.2 million of us are living with it. If you are affected by cancer Macmillan can help.