Is it too late in the month to still be saying that?
January is always a little quieter than usual for me, which is understandable as most of us are feeling the pinch (and the cold) post Christmas. So while I would usually be encouraging everyone to get out and spend money with their local small businesses - cafes in particular nudge nudge, I thought I'd take this chance instead to reflect on something I am really proud to have done in 2023.
On Saturday 16th September 2023 I hosted a coffee morning bake sale in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.
I did one once before in 2020 but being the middle of a worldwide meltdown, it was a very different affair. I in fact held two that year; I sold cakes from my parents front garden to neighbours and passers by. Then the next day I did it all again in their back garden as a private function for friends and family
It was a task and a half but so much fun! not only because I was able to raise money for such a wonderful cause and I didn't have to do some horrendous run or shave my head etc but also because it was probably the first time we had been able to get together, albeit outdoors (lucky it was such a beautiful day really)
In total in 2020 we made a massive £420!
Fast forward to 2023, and so much has changed in the last few years. every year I had said "I want to do another coffee morning" but as is always the case, one thing or another got in the way.
Then in Autumn 2022 my Aunty Miranda was diagnosed with breast cancer; After having surgery to remove the cancer to her chest and lymph nodes she has been through 16 cycles of chemotherapy and 15 sessions of radiotherapy. The type of cancer she has will thrive on oestrogen, so she is having an injection every 3 weeks for a year (Phesgo) and she will take a tablet every day for the next 10 years (Letrazole) to lower the level of hormone in her body and stop the cancer from returning. She will also have an infusion every 6 months for 3 years (Zolendronic acid) to help stop the cancer getting in to her bones. What more incentive could I need.
The day was another roaring success! this time taking place at Love Southsea Market on Palmerston Road, Southsea. So many people went out of their way to stop by and buy cake and donate to the worthy cause. In fact I pretty much sold out and had to pack up early! All of the money that I took on the day was added to the total along with all the generous donations that were made online.
Altogether we managed to raise another whopping £435!!!
I would love to make this an annual event and hopefully make it bigger and better each time.
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