Coronavirus: Charity says support for coffee morning is down by 76%

The charity says this could lead to a drop of over £525,000 in donations, money urgently needed to fund its vital cancer services across NI, from specialist nurses and support workers, to benefits advisors and patient grants.

The charity fears after a summer of cancelled fundraising events, its supporters don’t realise that Coffee Morning is going ahead in a new virtual and socially distanced format.

Macmillan’s Head of Fundraising in Northern Ireland and Scotland, Jan Forrest, 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 becoming infected with coronavirus.

“At Macmillan, 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.

“A huge 98% of Macmillan’s income is from donations and events like Coffee Morning. We’re facing the hardest year in our 109-year history. It’s no exaggeration to say Macmillan and people living with cancer have never needed the public’s help more than we do right now.

“While Coffee Morning can’t take place in exactly the same way as before this year, there are still lots of ways to get involved. We’ve heard some supporters have assumed Coffee Morning has been cancelled, but it’s one of the few fundraising events that’s flexible enough to continue right now – albeit in a different way.”

Last year over 3,000 Coffee Mornings took place across Northern Ireland, raising just over £694,000. There have been fewer than 800 registrations in NI for this year’s event to date.

Nar Munna is a Macmillan Health and Wellbeing Coordinator and part of a network of Macmillan information and support services available in all Health Trusts. He is based at the Ulster Hospital in Belfast where the charity is currently working in partnership to build new chemotherapy services, bringing together invaluable support for people living with cancer.

Nar said, “Our service provides confidential support and advice and we’re hearing from many people who are concerned about being diagnosed during the pandemic; worried about money and work; or have difficult questions about emotional and practical support. These are difficult times for people living with cancer - they need Macmillan’s help more than ever.

“During lockdown, our cancer services team raised over £5,500 for Macmillan by taking part in a walking/running challenge, achieving a combined total of 370km. Even though we all did our distance individually, we still felt part of a positive team effort, and were delighted by the fantastic donations we received from family, friends and colleagues. There are lots of innovative ways that people can still fundraise and show their support for Coffee Morning.”

Macmillan is urging people to hold either a virtual or socially distanced Coffee Morning and has put together guides and top tips for those unsure how to have a successful and safe event.

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.