85-year-old helps raise more than £10,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support
An 85-year-old has helped raise more than £10,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support by cooking up a storm every year for more than 20 years.
Anne Rawlings once again hosted a Macmillan Coffee Morning on September 3, to raise vital funds for the cancer charity.
So far, Anne has raised an astounding £10,166 since her first ever Coffee Morning back in the 1990s, including more than £1,540 in the last one alone.
Anne was moved to fundraise for Macmillan after losing a number of loved ones to cancer, including her mother and her husband.
Anne said: “My mum died of cancer when I was in my 20s. And I lost my husband Peter two years ago. Not to mention several friends. Sadly, the amount of cancer has only increased – probably because we’re all living longer.
“That’s what makes it even more important to raise funds for Macmillan.
“My husband was supported brilliantly by our local hospice, but I’ve many friends who’ve been helped directly by Macmillan. I only wish I had known about Macmillan when my mum was still alive.”
With sign-ups for Macmillan’s annual flagship fundraiser down by around 75 per cent in comparison to pre-Covid years, inspirational Anne is encouraging everyone to get involved in a Macmillan Coffee Morning this year.
Anne said: “To anyone thinking about organising a Coffee Morning, I’d say “just do it!”. I’m always amazed by how good people can be.
“It’s a genuine pleasure to see the public’s kindness in action. That’s what makes it really rewarding for yourself, too – it feels great to give back, to see people at their best and to do something positive for others.
“It’s a lovely social occasion, too. I couldn’t have put on any of these events without the help of my very good friends.
“My apple cakes are always popular – I include lots of grated fruit to make them especially delicious. I baked 15 this year.
“I’ve also knitted lots of dolly clothes, Father Christmases and snowmen, too. And friends have donated other crafts – all for a great cause.”
A favourite with passing commuters heading to nearby Barnehurst station, Anne and her neighbours’ set-up stalls in their front gardens; featuring home-bakes, hot drinks and handmade crafts.
Local MP, Sir David Evennett, was also in attendance and has supported Anne’s Macmillan Coffee Mornings for many years.
Sign-up to host a World’s Biggest Coffee Morning at https://coffee.macmillan.org.
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