Cookie secrets laid bare for cancer support fundraisers

The Mallory Court Hotel in Bishops Tachbrook held a Coffee, Cakes and Ideas afternoon for past and present hosts in the charity’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning, as the campaign aims to raise a record-breaking £8.5 million for cancer services across the country.

Around 40 guests were treated to coffee, tea and cookies as they gathered to meet each other and Macmillan staff and volunteers, share ideas and pick up tips for organising events at schools, workplaces, community centres, homes or other venues.

Heather Goding, a lead Macmillan nurse in Warwickshire, spoke about why the money raised is so important and what it goes towards.

The 2010 campaign, during which people in the Coventry and Warwickshire area raised £132,652, was able to fund in the region two cancer-specific benefits advice professionals, a family social worker, a lead cancer nurse, a clinical nurse specialist, support nurse and social worker specialising in acute oncology, two chemotherapy advanced nurse practioners, a breast care clinical nurse specialist and more than £150,000 worth of grants for individuals.

Guests were also told about the history of the coffee morning, which this year is celebrating its 21st anniversary, and given goodie bags to take home - which included the all-important cookie recipe.

Karen Shortt, fundraising manager at the charity’s Coventry and Warwickshire branch, said: “The event was arranged to help inspire people and to give them an opportunity to share stories and experiences with each other.

“It will hopefully help encourage them to raise more to help us meet our targets.”

The branch’s target this year is £97,000. To register a coffee morning or other event, call 0845 602 1246 or visit www.macmillan.org.uk/coffee