MACMILLAN Cancer Support’s biggest fundraiser, the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning, started in 1990 when a small local fundraising committee decided to hold a coffee morning.

People came along to meet and mingle, donating the cost of their coffee to Macmillan in the process.

Now in its 23rd year, the event in Oxfordshire encourages people to get together for coffee and sweet treats, while making donations towards Macmillan’s work in supporting cancer patients.

The first national coffee morning took place in 1991, with 2,600 people taking part across the country.

Over the years, supporters have hosted many record-breaking events – from the heights of a jet engine to the depths of a tin mine.

Last year, 115,000 signed up, raising a record £15 million – £138,000 in Oxfordshire alone.

This will be Monica and Richard Taphouse’s 10th World’s Biggest Coffee Morning and they say they are immensely proud to have raised a whopping £7,115 to date.

Mrs Taphouse, the owner of Middle Barton Stores and Tea House, said: “I first read about the event in Good Housekeeping magazine a decade ago and thought it was a great idea.

“We laid on our first event and have done it every year since with great support from our local community.”

Mrs Taphouse asks visitors to the Tea House to make a donation to Macmillan in return for a coffee or tea and one of her delicious homemade cakes, including her famous fruit loaf.

She said: “Richard and I have not lost anyone close to us to cancer, but running a local shop, we know of many people who have and we are very glad to contribute to the great work of Macmillan in this way.

“We also have a raffle and a pound pot, half of which goes to a customer and the other half to Macmillan and it’s a very successful and enjoyable day."

Sara Rawnsley, Macmillan’s fundraising manager for Oxfordshire, said: “Last year was our biggest and best coffee morning yet, with 1,299 coffee mornings happening across Oxfordshire, raising over £138,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

“This year we’re hoping it will be even bigger and better. We have nearly 1,500 coffee morning hosts signed up to take part and we’re hoping to raise over £160,000 for people affected by cancer.

“Sadly, the number of people being diagnosed with cancer is increasing every year.

“Last year alone, over 3,000 Oxfordshire residents were diagnosed with cancer and that means Macmillan’s support for people living with cancer is in more demand than ever,” she added.

“Every pound raised by those taking part in events like the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning will help us fund our vital services.”

OTHER WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

  • Dine for Macmillan is a simple way to give your friends a great night and people affected by cancer more good days. Just host a dinner party and ask your guests for a donation. To take part or for details, go to www.macmillan.org.uk/dine or call Stella on 07976 424 127 or e-mail skrajewski@macmillan.org.uk
  • Oxford Half Marathon: October 13. One of the most picturesque half marathons around and going from strength to strength. Macmillan is not only looking for runners but also people with lungs like fog horns to join its cheering squad. Call Sara on 07734 165620 or email  srawnsley@macmillan.org.uk
  • Henley Half Marathon & 10Km Run: October 13. Featuring 2,500 runners, you can be a part of #teammacmillan. For further information, go to www.thamesrun.co.uk/ Register online then contact running@macmillan.org.uk to get your pack.
  • Abingdon Marathon: October 20. Now in its 32nd year, the Abingdon Marathon is a small-scale, big personality run with only 1,100 entrants allowed. Last year it was full by March so get your application in early. For details, call Sara on 07734 165620 or email srawnsley@macmillan.org.uk
  • Wessex Ridgeway Ultra: October 22. The Oxfordshire Ridgeway Ultra has four different challenges to offer: the black route – 52 miles of running or walking; the red route – 42 miles; the green route – 31 miles; and the green route – the relay option. All entrants must be 18 years old or over and each competitor must ensure that they carry with them all of their individual requirements needed to complete the race. For further information, go to http://www.ultrarunningltd.co.uk/oxfordshire-way-ultra
  • A Celebration of Christmas Carol Concert: December 6. With celebrity guest speakers and the world-renowned Schola Cantorum of Oxford, this is the event to start the Christmas season. Enjoy the spectacular setting of Oxford’s beautiful Christ Church Cathedral and share a spellbinding evening with family and friends. Contact Tickets Oxford Box Office on 01865 305 305 or book online at http://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/ticketsoxford
  • Sing-along-athon: If you enjoy singing, belong to a choir or singing group, get involved with the Macmillan Sing-along-athon. During December, hold a sponsored sing-along of 100 carols and invite friends, family and the public to make a donation for every carol they stay and listen to. To take part call Stella on 07976 424 127 or email skrajewski@macmillan.org.uk