FUNDRAISERS across Wiltshire enjoyed a cuppa and cake as they raised hundreds of pounds for Macmillan Cancer Support’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning last Friday (Sept 25).

In Trowbridge, recovering cancer sufferer Linda Norris held a coffee morning at the Guide Hut in the park to spread awareness about the importance of going for check-ups, after being diagnosed with the disease in February last year.

The 50-year-old, who was given the all clear in April, hoped to use her experiences to help raise funds over tea and cake, with Mrs Norris raising around £1,300 in total from her efforts.

Mrs Norris said: “It went really well and we raised £400 on the day. I had raised some money beforehand from donations, so altogether we have raised £1,300, which I am really please about.

“I had a lot of help from family and friends, as well as support from strangers off the street. The atmosphere was really lovely and I want to say a big thank you to all the local businesses who contributed cakes and other vouchers and gifts.”

Further events took place all over Wiltshire, with Leykers Coffee Central in Trowbridge holding a fundraiser for the charity to coincide its recognition as one of the hundred Small Business Saturday businesses.

Meanwhile, West Ashton Primary School raised £195.50 for Macmillan Cancer Research at a coffee afternoon, where families stayed behind after school to enjoy tea and treats. 

Headteacher Dr Sam Nash said: “The children of West Ashton Primary School are very keen to support charities both in this country and abroad and Macmillan Cancer Research is a charity close to the school's heart at the moment.

“The staff and I are extremely proud of our children and parents - who offer the school amazing support. It just goes to show what we can achieve when we work together.”

Specsavers Melksham also got in on the act over Friday and Saturday, raising £136 through donations from customers, while The Hub in Bradford on Avon held a coffee morning as well.

In Warminster, Ashwood Care Home put on a whole host of delectable cakes for residents and Natalie Fletcher, activities coordinator at the care home in Gipsy Lane, said: “We are still following people up for money but at the minute we have raised £87.71, so hopefully we can get to £100.

“Local people attended as well as the residents and they came together to raise money for a great cause and it was a pleasant morning.”

Patients at Smallbrook Surgery in Warminster were not treated to just a check up when they arrived on Friday, with many getting a slice of action from the numerous cakes on display.

Travis Perkins staff members and customers in Melksham were also celebrating after raising £120 for charity partner, Macmillan Cancer Support, by selling an array of homemade treats and coffees.

Assistant branch manager Robbie Newton said: “Macmillan’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning is always such a fantastic day. We had a lovely time getting to know people from our community and trying all of the treats people had prepared.

“We are so pleased to have raised so much money for Macmillan, as lots of us have experienced cancer in some way.” 

The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning is an annual national event and takes place in homes, cafés and businesses across the country to help raise money and awareness of the charity, which provides support to cancer patients.