Macmillan Coffee Morning at South Ribble Tennis Centre Raises £490
A Macmillan Coffee Morning at South Ribble Tennis Centre has raised an impressive £490.
The fundraiser welcomed almost 70 attendees, including local residents, patients undergoing treatment for cancer, Cancer Alliance, members of the Royal Preston Hospital and South Ribble Borough Council.
It forms part of a wider collaboration between GLL , the charitable social enterprise and worker-owned co-op operating under the 'Better' brand, cancer nurse specialists, surgeons, oncologists and anaesthetists from Royal Preston Hospital as well as Macmillan Cancer Support, Prostate Cancer UK, St Catherine's Hospice.
Collectively, they are working together on numerous initiatives across central Lancashire to ensure people affected by cancer receive joined-up care and access to wider support services alongside their rehabilitation programme.
Olivia Holden, Health Facilitator, at GLL, said: “We wanted to create a relaxed and welcoming experience for patients, staff and colleagues to come together, while raising funds for such a vital cause. The fantastic turnout shows just how valuable these opportunities are for patients to meet, socialise and connect with others on a similar journey and feel part of a supportive community.”
“Raising £490 for Macmillan is a super achievement, and I’d like to thank everyone who attended, donated and helped make the morning such a success.”
As well as supporting Macmillan’s annual fundraising campaign, the initiative raised awareness of the Cancer Prehabilitation and Rehabilitation Programme available at West View and Fulwood leisure centres. The specialist programmes provide tailored exercise, education and wellbeing support for people before, during and after cancer treatment.
The programme is designed around each participant’s individual needs, abilities and goals. Alongside tailored exercise sessions, participants can take part in monthly social walks and wellness workshops covering areas including mindfulness, nutrition, sleep, stress management and recovery. These activities allow people to connect with others who understand the challenges of living with cancer, while receiving expert guidance throughout their treatment and recovery.
Following the success of the coffee morning, organisers are now looking at holding another similar community event at Christmas, building on the relationships created and providing further opportunities for patients and colleagues to come together.
Referrals for the Cancer Prehabilitation and Rehabilitation Programme can be made through the specialist NHS cancer pathway.