World’s Biggest Coffee Morning, celebrated on September 27 this year, is a day to not only enjoy one of the world’s favourite beverages but also make a difference by helping raise money for people facing cancer. Globally, cancer is the second-leading cause of death with 9.6 million people dying every year. However, around 3.7 million lives could be saved each year through early detection, prevention and treatment.
World’s Biggest Coffee Morning started in 1991 when over 200,000 people took part across the UK. Now, the event raises over 25 million dollars towards Macmillan’s Cancer Support.
History of World’s Biggest Coffee Morning
Founded in 1911 by Douglas Macmillan, Macmillan’s Cancer support has grown to the UK’s leading source of cancer aid. Douglas founded the organization after witnessing his father die of cancer and wanting to help other people going through the same difficulties.
Macmillan founded the Society for the Prevention and Relief of Cancer intending to provide advice and information to all people suffering from cancer along with homes for patients at low or no cost. After creating the foundation, the now National Society for Cancer Relief became one of the first to recognize the financial cost of cancer in 1925.
The charity focused on giving grants for medical fees, nursing care, clothing, artificial limbs and hot water bottles. In 1969, after dedicating most of his life to cancer support, Douglas Macmillan passed away from cancer. Today, much of Douglas’ legacy lives on with decades of research and aid offered throughout history.
The first-ever Coffee Morning happened way back in 1991. It was a rather small affair with a simple idea. Guests would gather over coffee and donate the cost of their cuppa to Macmillan in the process. Since then, the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning has come a long way. It is now the largest and longest-standing fundraising event of its kind in the UK.
Over the years, some Coffee Morning hosts have taken their fundraising to the next level. This includes a Coffee Morning 100 feet underground in Poldark mine in Cornwall, a Coffee Morning on a jet fighter and the most distant Coffee Morning being held in Antarctica!
World’s Biggest Coffee Morning timeline
Two paid home visitors, funded by The Society, begin assisting cancer patients using bicycles to deliver supplies.
The Society begins installing television sets in hospital rooms to help provide more comfort to cancer patients.
Douglas Macmillan, who founded Society for the Prevention and Relief of Cancer, dies of cancer.
Douglas Macmillan Hospice, or 'Dougie Mac', as it is known to locals, opens, offering care free of charge for adults with a palliative or end of life diagnosis.
The first Biggest Coffee Morning is held in the UK to help raise money in cancer research
World’s Biggest Coffee Morning FAQs
What day is Macmillan Coffee Morning?
The official date for Coffee Morning is on Friday, September 27 this year, but you can hold yours whenever you like. Small or big, tea or coffee, socially distanced or virtual – Coffee Morning is what you make it.
How can I host a virtual coffee morning?
Hosting your virtual coffee morning is super easy! Simply register to receive the hosting kit. Decide on the platform you’ll be using whether it Skype, Facetime, Google Hangouts, Zoom, or other video chatting systems and either collect donations yourself and send them to the Macmillan charity or have the guests donate themselves.
How much does Macmillan Coffee Morning raise?
Starting as a rather small affair with a simple idea, guests would gather over coffee and donate the cost of their cuppa to Macmillan in the process. Since then, Coffee Morning has raised over £275 million for Macmillan.
How To Observe World’s Biggest Coffee Morning
Host your own coffee morning
When you sign up to host a Coffee Morning, you'll get a free fundraising kit full of goodies to help you organise your event. The kit provides bunting, cake decorations, recipes, stickers, a collection box and loads more to help make hosting your event a piece of cake.
Partake in a coffee morning
Maybe organizing a coffee morning isn’t your thing, but you’d still like to help, donate whatever you feel comfortable with and enjoy the personal reward of doing something good.
Share on social media
Get other people to take part and share a donation page to help cancer patients with #WorldsBiggestCoffeeMorning to help spread awareness.
5 Note-Worthy Facts About Cancer
Macmillan has a call center
If you or someone you know is struggling with cancer you can call and speak with someone who can offer vital practical or emotional support.
An epidemic
Research shows the number of people living with and beyond cancer will double from 2 million in 2010 to 4 million in 2030.
Hope in survival
Cancer survival in the UK has doubled in the last 40 years.
Gendered cancer statistics
Cancer mortality is higher among men than women.
Scary numbers
Approximately 38.4% of men and women will be diagnosed with cancer at some point during their lifetimes.
Why World’s Biggest Coffee Morning Is Important
We always support good causes
Any day that is dedicated to helping others in times of need is a day that should be honored. Whether you’re hosting or attending an event today, or any date that suits you, it’s a great way to help people living with the disease.
It’s a great way to raise awareness
Having a Coffee Morning is the perfect chance to catch up over a cuppa and a slice of something delicious for a great cause. Sipping on coffee in a social setting with purpose is an effective way to help raise awareness about cancer.
Helping people live to the fullest
Statistically, one in two of us will face cancer, and the money you raise at your Coffee Morning will help people with cancer to live life as fully as they can.
World’s Biggest Coffee Morning dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | September 30 | Friday |
| 2023 | September 29 | Friday |
| 2024 | September 27 | Friday |
| 2025 | September 26 | Friday |
| 2026 | September 25 | Friday |
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