RESIDENTS in the Basingstoke area are being urged to pop the kettle on for a good cause by taking part in the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning.

The annual fundraiser, run by Macmillan Cancer Support, will see hundreds of people across the borough brewing up to pull in the pounds.

Last year, more than 1,000 local people registered to either host or attend a coffee morning, with hundreds of companies, schools, businesses and individuals holding events across the borough.

These events raised an impressive £19,627 for Macmillan, and this year, the charity hopes to smash that record-breaking amount.

So far, more than 1,700 people have already registered to take part in the Basingstoke area.

Linda Whitby, Macmillan fundraising manager for north Hampshire, explained: “This number is a great indication that people in the Basingstoke area are really getting behind this campaign.

“Last year was a record-breaking year for us, and this year we are aiming to raise even more money. We want to make sure that nobody will have to face cancer alone.”

The first national coffee morning for Macmillan was held in 1991 when 2,000 people registered to hold coffee mornings around the country. Since then, the event has raised more than £95million for Macmillan Cancer Support, with last year’s event raising £20m.

Linda said: “We are very grateful to everyone who has taken part in the past, and we would encourage people to get involved once again this year by inviting their friends, family or workmates to come for coffee and to support Macmillan.

“Sadly, the number of people being diagnosed with cancer is increasing every year and that means Macmillan’s support for people living with cancer is in more demand than ever.”

The official World’s Biggest Coffee Morning will take place on Friday, September 26, but events can be held at any time.

For more information about holding a coffee morning, or to find your nearest event, visit |coffee.macmillan.org.uk.