West Midlands gets behind Macmillan Cancer Support's fundraising coffee mornings

Supporters of Macmillan Cancer Support united in shops, homes, workplaces and community centres for the charity's World's Biggest Coffee Morning event.

The huge national fundraising drive will raise millions for cancer sufferers battling the disease, as well as the countless nurses supporting people in need.

Newbridge resident Janet Hamilton decided to take over an empty unit at the Wulfrun Shopping Centre, enticing passers-by with her colourful cakes and coffee cups.

The 56-year-old, who decided to support the charity after losing loved ones to cancer, said: "I've lost some close relatives to cancer and the Macmillan nurses looked after them.

"From my heart, I just wanted to give something back to them. They are angels. They are not just men or women in uniform, they are special."

Miss Hamilton said she wanted to raise as much cash as possible for the cause, which began calling on people to host their own fundraising tea parties in 1990.

She added: "The money makes a lot of difference. There are people who have no one, there are people who are going to die knowing that they are leaving people behind.

"I just want to raise as much as possible. I don't care what it takes, if I could do this again tomorrow, I would."

Wolverhampton South East MP Pat McFadden said he held a 'fantastic' fundraiser for the charity, raising more than £240 for the 'worthwhile' cause.

The two-hour event at Farrington Road's Holy Trinity Church was held in memory of former Chase View resident Carl Withers, who lost his battle with cancer three years ago aged 58.

Mr McFadden said: "Carl was diagnosed with liver cancer in May and passed away in June. During his final months he was cared for by [his wife] Jill and received wonderful support from Macmillan nurses and Compton Hospice.

"I hold coffee mornings regularly throughout the constituency in order to be available to local residents and help with any issues they might wish to raise.

"But on this occasion I wanted to devote the coffee morning to Macmillan Cancer Support and raise a little money in memory of Carl Withers."

Other fundraisers were also held at Walsall's Bloxwich Academy, where students got involved with their own Great British Bake Off.

Macmillan Cancer Support chief executive Sir Ciarán Devane said: "Every penny raised at a coffee morning will help fund more services for people affected by cancer.

"All events - no matter how small - mean practical, medical, financial and emotional support to help to change the lives of everyone affected by cancer for the better."