A highly successful Macmillan Coffee Morning took place at the end of September, at the Trust Housing, McKelvie Road in Lamlash, organised by Julia Le Masurier. Words by Alice Maxwell, photos by Mairi Simpson.
Julia was inspired to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support after seeing the invaluable help the Macmillan nurses gave her sister who died in Australia in her 50s from cancer. A TV advert suggesting folk organize Macmillan coffee mornings cemented Julia’s idea to hold one.
The Macmillan charity aims to help those affected by cancer to live life as fully as possible. It provides physical support (advice about treatments and providing nurses for home visits), financial support (offering grants and giving advice about benefits), and also offers invaluable emotional support.
The coffee mornings are one of Macmillan’s biggest forms of income and are held by members of the public in many different countries throughout the world. A Coffee Morning Fundraising kit is available, containing information about the charity, collection boxes and even balloons and table cloths.
The lounge at McKelvie Rd looked very festive, with Macmillan bunting, balloons and decorations. The table was laden with delicious home baking generously provided by local people – scones, sponges, brownies and meringues, including gluten free and vegan options. For those conscious of their figure there were oatcakes and cream cheese, and homemade bread and humus. An endless supply of tea and coffee streamed effortlessly from the kitchen with the help of Julia’s team of helpers. Throughout the morning the lounge was full of guests thronging to support Macmillan. It was a merry occasion, an opportunity for old friends to meet up, and for new friendships to be made.
The generosity of local businesses offering raffle prizes as well as those supporting the coffee morning was overwhelming. Julia was thrilled to report that the coffee morning raised a staggering £611.
For details on holding a Macmillan coffee morning, see the Macmillian website.
