THE MS for Ynys Môn, Rhun ap Iorwerth, has raised a mug in support of a cancer charity's coffee morning and is encouraging their constituents to do the same.

The event, held by Macmillan, falls this year on Friday, September 24, and usually sees millions of pounds donated to help support people affected by cancer.

The money raised helps fund Macmillan services to make sure people with cancer can get the physical, emotional and financial support they need.

Like so many charities, Macmillan has seen a huge fall in its fundraising income as a direct result of the ongoing impact of COVID-19.

The charity’s flagship coffee morning – which is one of the UK’s longest-running fundraising events – is faced with a staggering 71 per cent income drop for the second year running (£20 million).

Rhun ap Iorwerth MS said: “Macmillan, alongside our NHS and other partners, works tirelessly to do whatever it takes for people with cancer.

“They are doing so at a time when the disruption caused by COVID-19 means demand for the charity’s services is high, while its income is down.

“I’m very proud to help support Macmillan’s coffee morning, and to help let people know that this important fundraising event is still going ahead.

“I would encourage anyone to get involved, and to organise or contribute to a local coffee morning in the way that suits them best.”

Richard Pugh, head of services for Macmillan Cancer Support in Wales, said: “We would like to offer Rhun ap Iorwerth MS a heartfelt thanks for their support.

“More than 98 per cent of Macmillan’s funding comes directly from donations, and thousands of people could miss out on vital care from our famous nurses without the public's continued support for our coffee morning fundraiser.

“It’s no exaggeration to say Macmillan and people with cancer have never needed the public’s help more than we do right now.

“There is no single or right way to hold a coffee morning – it can be whatever you make it, and it can be held when suits you best. We really hope people will pull out all the stops to do just that.”

However you choose to host your Macmillan Coffee Morning, you can visit www.coffee.macmillan.org.uk for hosting ideas, games and baking inspiration.

For information or support relating to cancer, visit www.macmillan.org.uk.