A CANCER charity has issued a plea for support in Warwickshire as its biggest fundraising event faces a staggering drop in income.
Macmillan is expecting a 72 per cent decrease in funds from its coffee morning.
In 2019 people in Warwick district raised more than £63,000 by taking part in a coffee morning.
But this year figures show the number of people taking part in the fund-raising event across Coventry and Warwickshire have fallen by 71 per cent.
The charity says it is concerned it will lead to an equivalent fall in money raised.
Area fund-raising manager Ellen Finn said: “There has never been a more terrifying time in recent history to receive a cancer diagnosis with disruption and delays to treatment and fears of increased risk of becoming infected with coronavirus.
“A huge 98 per cent of Macmillan’s income is from donations and events like the coffee morning. While it can’t take place in exactly the same way as before this year, there are still lots of ways to get involved.
“We’re facing a possible tsunami of demand coming towards us this autumn, as the cancer system gets moving again and the backlog of delayed diagnoses begins to be dealt with. Worryingly this increased need for support would come at a time when our fundraised income has dropped significantly.
“We’re facing the hardest year in our 109-year history. It’s no exaggeration to say Macmillan and people with cancer have never needed the public’s help more than we do right now.”
The charity is encouraging people to take part however suits them, from having a socially distanced coffee morning from their doorstep to setting up a virtual event online.
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.
Visit coffee.macmillan.org.uk to sign up.
