Cuppas and crafts event will support cancer care

BREW up on Friday, September 28, as part of the Macmillan Cancer Support's World's Biggest Coffee Morning.

Venues around the district will be holding events hoping to raise funds for the charity.

The cause is particularly close to Marion Hinchley's heart. She was prompted by Macmillan's television campaign to organise her own coffee morning.

Marion, a mother of three from Ramsgate, had endometrial cancer diagnosed in April 2008.

She said: "As a family we have had four horrific years through cancer. I was diagnosed in April 2008, had a hysterectomy and went into remission.

"In July 2009, my dad was diagnosed with lymphoma, but on the same day in April 2010 when he went into remission, I was told that my cancer was back."

Marion spent nine months bed-bound as she underwent treatment.

She added: "I was thought to be terminal but just before Christmas 2010, I had life-changing surgery and, thanks to the skills of the surgeons at QEQM, I am so humbled to say that I am again in remission."

The family were struck by cancer again in October 2011, when Marion's father Ken died a week after having leukaemia diagnosed.

Marion said: "It is not until something like this happens to you that you realise what a devastating effect cancer has, not just on the patient but also on the family.

"This event is in my dad's memory.

"I am very fortunate to have a close family and network of friends who supported me through my illness.

"Although I didn't need Macmillan on a one-to-one basis, I know about the good work they do and I wanted to do something to support their cause."

With the help of best friend Kelly Marshall, who runs Smart Academy of Writing in Westgate, Marion has organised a Macmillan coffee morning with a twist.

On Friday, September 28, in Westgate Town Hall, in the rooms above the Carlton Cinema, St Mildred's Road, Marion and Kelly will hold their own coffee and craft morning.

Kelly said: "We are doing something a bit different in that we will be having craft demonstrations and activities at the coffee morning.

"We want people to come along and do some crafts with their coffees."

Marion added: "Crafting is something people turn to when they have been diagnosed.

"It helps to take your mind off things, and it is really relaxing."

As well as craft demonstrations, there will also be a raffle, tombola and a closed-bid auction.

Items going under the hammer include an Olympic train set donated by Hornby Hobbies, a Eurofighter Typhoon model plane and a photoshoot with Steel Lily Photography.

Bids can be made on the day, or by e-mailing info@smart-academy.co.uk

Marion said: "We want to raise as much money as we can, and bring the community together.

"The idea is that groups and individuals can bring their own craft materials and share ideas, watch demonstrations or just have a coffee and a chat."

Marion and Kelly's coffee morning will take place from 9am to 1pm on Friday, September 28.

Entry is by donation.

Anyone wishing to donate cakes, tea, coffee, disposable cups and plates, raffle prizes or craft materials can do so by calling 01843 843318 or e-mail info@smart-academy.co.uk