Fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support
Macmillan Cancer Support is a fantastic charity which provides vital support nationally and in local communities.
From offering a sympathetic ear and advice, to physical support, the charity goes above and beyond to care for people and families living with cancer.
Its famous coffee mornings are also hugely helpful for people and you can get involved easily.
Here we break down all you need to know about the charity and how to donate to Macmillan.
What is Macmillan Cancer Support?
Macmillan Cancer Support is one of the largest British charities and provides specialist health care, information and financial support to people affected by cancer.
It provides valuable care for people up and down the UK and looks to support not just people living with the disease, but their family and friends too.
As well as providing emotional and physical support, it also advocates for better cancer care.
The charity was founded in 1911 and in 2022 its services reached and supported an estimated 2 million people living with cancer. That year, supporters and fundraisers raised an incredible £221.2 million for the charity too.
Macmillan Coffee Morning
Macmillan is well-known for its own Coffee Mornings.
The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning is an annual fundraising event run by Macmillan Cancer Support where people across the UK host and attend Coffee Mornings in aid of Macmillan. Since 1990 it has raised over £310 million for Macmillan.
This year’s event will take place on September 27th, 2024, but people can host their own morning whenever they like.
You can get involved by baking your own goods for the event, hosting a morning or by simply attending for a chat. The money raised from bake and tea sales goes towards funding Macmillan nurses who answer calls on its support line.
It’s an easy event to put on and it can take place anywhere around the UK – from church halls to people’s homes! Because of its simplicity, it is an inexpensive way of getting together to raise money.
Cancer support
The kind of cancer support Macmillan provides is wide and far-reaching.
It provides guidance, support and advice for people who have been diagnosed with cancer and for their loved ones – taking into account different people’s complex needs.
The charity provides information about the different types of cancer and symptoms, different types of tests and the different kinds of treatment available.
A cancer diagnosis can be an incredibly difficult thing, especially when it comes to getting to grips with exactly what the diagnosis means and how this will impact your day-to-day life.
Macmillan can provide advice and support every step of the way. This can start from when you have initial worries pre-diagnosis, what treatment will mean and how your finances may be affected.
It is also there to support you and your loved ones after your treatment has stopped.
Macmillan Support Line
The Macmillan Support Line is on-hand to offer a caring ear to speak to.
You can call the Macmillan Support Line for free on 0808 808 00 00, 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week. Advisers can provide emotional and practical support and information.
The following support is available:
- Cancer information nurse specialist, 7 days a week, 8am to 8pm. Information about your diagnosis and treatment.
- Welfare rights advice, Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm, Saturday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm. Welfare rights advisers can tell you about benefits and other financial support.
- Energy advice, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. Energy advisers who can help you reduce the costs of your heating and electricity.
- Financial guidance, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. Financial guides are experts in helping to reduce the financial impact of cancer.
- Work support service, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. Dedicated work support specialists help you to understand your rights at work.
- Macmillan Grants – These grants are payments of £200 intended to help people cover the additional costs of living with cancer.
Advice about how to live with cancer during the Cost of Living Crisis is also available.
Resources for healthcare professionals
As well as supporting people living with cancer and their loved ones, Macmillan is also there to support healthcare professionals caring for patients.
It provides up-to-date resources, tools and information to help.
This includes latest information about the health sector, webinars and people to speak to.
Advocacy and awareness
Macmillan work with MPs, the UK government and devolved administrations to advocate for those with cancer. At the moment, they are campaigning to shorten waiting lists for those with cancer.
Fundraisers in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support
If you’re feeling inspired to donate and help support the amazing work Macmillan Cancer Support does, you can fundraise for Macmillan on GoFundMe.
Directions will go directly to the charity and it couldn’t be easier for you to get started.
If you want some inspiration on how to get started, below are some good examples of previous successful fundraisers:
Raise money for Macmillan
Hollie Walker raised nearly £5,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support. Hollie and her sister bravely attempted a skydive in honour of their dad, who was diagnosed with cancer. They said: “raising this money won’t help him directly, we hope it will help others who are in similar situations”.
Walking the Pennine Way for Macmillan
Friends Anthony & Andy took on an enormous challenge to raise money. The pair walked 268 miles of ‘The Pennine Way'(Edale to Scotland) and attempted to do this in 11 days. They ended up raising thousands of pounds for the charity.
10k a Day in May
Following the news that his mum was sadly diagnosed with cancer, Nick Martin pledged to run 10k a day so he could raise money for Macmillan. He said: “This is about support, awareness & togetherness. We do whatever it takes. This is for Mum, we love you.”
Start a fundraiser for Macmillan
If you want to contribute to this life-changing work that Macmillan does to support not only people living with cancer, but the people who care for them, you can start fundraising today.