Having supported the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning every year, the annual fundraiser for Macmillan Cancer Support, local café owner, Sarah Malik, from Jacarandas, in Midsomer Norton, is making extra sure that the business raises an even larger total this year, having experienced first hand the support the charity gives when she was diagnosed with bowel cancer in March this year, aged 45.

Despite currently undergoing a gruelling chemotherapy programme that is due to end in November, Sarah has been working hard to make sure that the charity benefits from this year’s fundraiser, as a thank you to the people who have supported her. She says: “From the moment I was diagnosed, a Macmillan Nurse was present. They have been amazing – they come to appointments with me, so that if I am feeling confused or overwhelmed everything is explained, they have offered emotional support, advice, I’ve been met at A&E and visited whilst having to stay in hospital. Right from the beginning, Macmillan have been there, supporting me and my family and pointing us in the right direction at what is a very scary time.

“It is really frightening how many people are affected by cancer. It is everywhere. I was absolutely flabbergasted when I was diagnosed, my only symptom was that I was low on iron and it took many months of investigation before anything was discovered.”

Determined to do some good, and as well as working when she can, Sarah set about writing to local businesses for raffle prizes for this year’s event, sharing her story with them, and without fail, they have all contributed.

As well as buying your coffee and cake at this year’s event, which is due to take place on Friday, 30th September, you can also purchase a raffle ticket at Jacarandas for £1 to be in with the chance to win a Mulberry handbag, a signed Bath Rugby shirt, vouchers from James Christopher Hairdressing, Castello’s Italian Restaurant, Positive Living, Oliver Joseph, Whitstones, La Campagne, Sainsbury’s, Grace Nails, Jack and Harry’s and a family photography voucher. You could also win a Docky’s hamper, David Fisher prints, perfume, champagne or wine!

Raffle tickets went on sale from 1st September and already 200 have been sold, surpassing last year’s total. The draw will be held at 4 p.m. on the day of the coffee morning and anyone who wishes to buy a ticket can do so now. Any businesses who would like to donate prizes can do so by contacting: 01761 410888.