Macmillan’s flagship fundraiser, World’s Biggest Coffee Morning, takes place on Friday 30th September. It’s the nation’s biggest social fundraiser for cancer.

Last year 992 coffee mornings were held in Bedfordshire raising £251,300 for the charity that provides essential support for people affected by cancer.

2016 is the 26th year of the event and, with the help of fundraisers in Bedfordshire, Macmillan hopes to beat the £27.6m raised last year across the UK.

The charity is asking everyone to take part, either by hosting a coffee morning or by attending one.

The money raised will help fund practical, financial, emotional and medical support services the charity provides for people affected by cancer. These services include information and support centres, welfare rights advice and cancer nurse specialists across the county.

Macmillan’s fundraising manager for Bedfordshire, Jess Wilson, said:

‘We want to make sure no one has to face cancer alone but we can't do it without the amazing people who fundraise for us. We rely on the generosity of our supporters for more than 99% of our income. Coffee morning is a great way to have fun and raise vital funds to help people affected by cancer.

‘There’s still time to get your free coffee morning kit from coffee.macmillan.org.uk and host your event. If you can’t do it on 30th September, just pick another day!’

M&S and Nationwide are proud partners of this year’s event and staff in local branches will be baking up a storm.

M&S are also selling exclusive homeware items and donating 10% from sales of selected cakes to support Macmillan’s work.

Cancer is the toughest fight most of us will ever face and no one should face it alone. Visit www.macmillan.org.uk or call the Macmillan Support Line free on 0808 808 00 00.