THE countdown to Macmillan Cancer Support’s annual coffee morning fundraiser has officially started.

The event has traditionally seen hundreds of thousands of people tuck into cakes and enjoy a cuppa. This year’s official date is Friday, September 25, but it can be held another time.

Laura Holohan, Macmillan fundraising manager for Ryedale, said: “We need people to get involved with the coffee morning more than ever.

“Before Covid-19, many patients told Macmillan that being diagnosed with cancer and going through treatment was the scariest thing that they could imagine.

“These anxieties and concerns have not gone away during the pandemic – they’ve been made worse by this crisis – meaning Macmillan needs support from you more than ever before.

“Whether you host an event at home or at work, in the morning or evening, bake a showstopper or buy one of the limited edition products from our partner Marks & Spencer, the money you raise will enable Macmillan to continue providing these vital services. Every coffee morning changes lives.

“Demand for our cancer support services is greater than ever, but, due to coronavirus, we are facing a significant drop in our income.

“The truth is that we can’t continue to be there for all the people who need us without your support. Donations are vital to enable us to continue to be there for people living with cancer.”

To sign up, or for more information, go to macmillan.org.uk/coffee