An 85-year-old woman from Bexley has raised over £10,000 for a cancer charity after baking up storms for more than 20 years.
Anne Rawlings from Bexley has received praise and recognition after continuing her yearly tradition of hosting Macmillian Coffee Mornings last week, cooking up treats in support of the charity.
Anne lost her mum to cancer when she was in her 20s and lost her husband two years ago plus several friends, and she said it "feels great to give back" and to see others' kindness.
On Friday, September 3, the impressive 85-year-old and her neighbours set up stalls in their front gardens, serving home-bakes, hot drinks and handmade crafts.
The little local event, reportedly a favourite for passing commuters heading to nearby Barnehurst Station, raised £1,540.
But Anne has been baking up storms for Macmillan for over years, hosting her first Coffee Morning in the 1990s. In total she's raised an astounding £10,166.
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.
Anne on some of the highlights of her Coffee Morning: “My apple cakes are always popular – I include lots of grated fruit to make them especially delicious. I baked 15 this year!”
Anne: “I’ve also knitted lots of dolly clothes, Father Christmases and snowmen too. And friends have donated other crafts – all for a great cause!”
Local MP, Sir David Evennett, was also in attendance and has supported Anne’s Macmillan Coffee Mornings for many years.
Sir David said: “I am delighted to be able to come along again to support Anne Rawlings with her fundraiser in Barnehurst for Macmillan’s Coffee Morning this year. Anne and her team have been organising these fundraisers for over two decades and they are always a tremendous success and a great community event.
“The Macmillan Coffee Morning itself is a well-loved annual event to support a brilliant charity dedicated to helping people affected by cancer. The pandemic has had a huge impact on charities like Macmillan, so it is good to see the community coming together today to help raise vital funds”.
Anne added: “My mum died of cancer when I was in my 20’s. 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.”
Unfortunately Macmillan are reporting that the coffee mornings, its annual flagship event, is down by around 75% compared to pre-Covid, and have heaped praise on Anne for encouraging everyone to get involved.
The charity has warned that almost 200,000 people living with cancer could risk missing out on care from its famous nurses without the public's support as Coffee Morning sign-ups plummet.
They says they are facing a £20million income drop as a result, with 98% of Macmillan's funding coming from donations.
Paul Lyons, Macmillan Relationship Fundraising Manager for London, says: “It’s worrying to see Coffee Morning registrations are currently lower this year than even last year, when we were all struggling with the impact of COVID restrictions.
"But amazing people like Anne, still tirelessly fundraising for Macmillan, are so inspirational. Anne and her friends are a shining example of how we can all still get involved in Coffee Morning, stay safe and have fun – all while raising vital funds for Macmillan.
“So, whether it’s a doorstep cuppa with a neighbour before work, a virtual bake-off, or a family picnic in the park. Every penny raised will help fund crucial support for people living with cancer…people who need Macmillan now more than ever.”
To sign up to host a Macmillan Coffee Morning click here.
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