COFFEE TIME. Alice Dewsnap-Smith, Regional Fundraising Manager for Macmillan (standing, centre), enjoys a cuppa with staff and residents at Fernhill, Colten Care’s dementia care home in Longham, Dorset. With her are, from left: Meg Skelly, Ann Marie Knight, Gina Smith, Kate Morris and Barbara Morgan
Macmillan fundraising managers have thanked residents and staff at Colten Care homes for raising nearly £2,700 to help the fight against cancer.
All 19 homes run by the family-owned provider – spanning residential, nursing and dementia care in Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire – took part in the recent Macmillan World’s Biggest Coffee Morning.
More than 150 relatives, friends and community contacts enjoyed cuppas and cakes with several homes laying on extra fundraising activities such as live music shows, quizzes, raffles and bring-and-buy stalls.
Alice Dewsnap-Smith, Regional Fundraising Manager for Macmillan, was invited to accept a cheque for £2,680.68 on behalf of all the homes at a special presentation at Fernhill, Colten Care’s dementia care home in Longham, Dorset.
Alice said: “The amount is absolutely amazing and we thank everyone in the Colten Care community for their help and generosity. Every day, 29 people in Hampshire and 14 people in Dorset are hit with the news that they have cancer. Across the UK, the figure is 889 a day. The money that Colten Care has raised could pay for two Macmillan nurses for just over a week. That means direct help for people living with cancer and their families, ensuring they receive essential medical, practical and emotional support.”
The Macmillan World’s Biggest Coffee Morning is part of a global campaign by the Macmillan Cancer Support charity. The aim is to help ensure that no one has to face cancer alone. This year’s coffee morning, the 25th to be held, is on track to raise a record £25 million once all donations have been confirmed.
Alice added: “More and more people are getting involved while regular supporters are coming back year after year. We must keep going however as cancer is on the increase. There are currently 2.5 million people living with cancer in the UK.Aside from anything else, a cancer diagnosis has a direct financial impact. Taking into account travel for treatment, parking at hospital and other household impacts, cancer adds an extra £570 a month on average to a person’s regular monthly living costs. That is something Macmillan Cancer Support can also help with through grants and advice on benefit claims and carers’ allowances.”
Colten Care supports the annual Macmillan fundraiser each year along with a range of other charities chosen by residents.
Gina Smith, Home Manager at Fernhill, said: “This year’s coffee morning was once again a great chance for everyone to join in and support the Macmillan charity. Our residents really value being part of the community and we all enjoy raising money for worthwhile causes.”
