A Bermondsey cancer survivor will host a fundraiser as part of Macmillan’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning in the Dickens Estate’s Wade Hall next Friday, to help raise funds for nurses and care.
Held for the past six years, Sheila Woolgar, 69, who received the all clear for breast cancer three years ago, will offer a raffle, sale table, cakes, tea and coffee.
Everyone is welcome to attend from 11am onwards, with this year being in memory of Sheila’s friend of 40 years, Barry O’Neill.
Sheila said: “This year I am doing it in memory of my friend who passed away not long ago. I knew Barry for forty years and he received a lot of support from Macmillan.
“Fortunately I didn’t need the nurses when I had cancer. I was very lucky as I went in for my check-up and the doctors found it early.
“I had surgery and a course of medication for five years then I was discharged a couple of years ago. The care at Guy’s was wonderful. I just thought to myself ‘I need to give something back’.
“Most families have someone who is affected by it and seeing it first-hand you think “gosh”. They are there 24/7 and this is the only way they get money.
“It costs £1,000 a week for a nurse so I aim for that much every year, which I managed last year. I have two daughters who help out with my husband since I’m turning 70 next year. It’s a bit of a family affair. A lot of local people get involved and it’s a great morning.”
Entrance will cost £2. If you can’t make it on the day but would still like to contribute to Macmillan cancer support charity, visit www.macmillan.org.uk