Staff and residents at retirement housing estates managed by Hanover Housing Association have shown that generosity and goodwill is alive and well after presenting Macmillan Cancer Support with a cheque for £30,000.
The donation is thanks to a coordinated effort across the country. Over the last three years the national housing provider has raised around £100,000 for Macmillan to help everyone with cancer live life as fully as they can.
This year, residents from Hanover’s Georgina Talbot House in Poole, Dorset led the charge – their fundraising activity included coffee mornings, raffles, and table top sales. They were joined by a further 259 Hanover estates as they held activities that included raffles, coffee mornings and cake baking sessions.
It is estimated that by 2040, almost a quarter of people aged 65 and over will be cancer survivors. That means many people will have been impacted by cancer in some way, be it overcoming their own diagnosis, that of a family member, colleague or friend. It is the work carried out by the likes of Macmillan which is vital to making ongoing improvements in support services and quality of care for people.
Presenting the cheque, Hanover’s Chair, Dr Stuart Burgess said: ‘One small act of kindness can make a huge difference to someone, so to have over 250 of our estates taking part in this year’s Macmillan fundraising drive is testament to the commitment of Hanover’s staff and our many residents to dig deep for those who are less fortunate.
‘Not only does something like the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning provide much needed support for an extremely worthy cause, it has an added benefit in that it can help reduce cases of loneliness by helping to bring residents and local communities together.’
Chrissie Wathen-Neal, Senior Fundraising Manager at Macmillan said: ‘“Fundraising for Macmillan is about coming together and raising money to support, celebrate and remember anyone who is, or has been, affected by cancer. A massive thank you to everyone at Hanover Housing Association for their continued support and for raising such an amazing total”.