The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has joined forces with Macmillan’s Move More Co-Ordinator to encourage people to get involved in the cancer charity’s biggest annual fundraising event.

Alderman Mark Fielding recently met with Catherine Bell-Allen at Cloonavin where he pledged his support for the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning on Friday 25th September.

Residents across Causeway Coast and Glens are being asked to ‘Move 5k On The Day’, send in their ‘selfies’ to mark the occasion and most importantly make a donation to ensure the charity’s continued success.

Alderman Fielding said: “Council has a close working relationship with Macmillan Cancer Support through the Move More scheme, which encourages those living with cancer to realise the benefits of activity and exercise. Initiatives like this wouldn’t be possible without the support of the public, who collectively raise millions of pounds every year through events like the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning.

“The ongoing pandemic means 2020 is a year like no other and we are appealing to people to support our local initiatives to ensure that those affected by cancer get the services and support they deserve.

“I’ll be donating on the day after completing my 5k walk and I’m calling on as many people as possible to show their support as well. Please get involved and get moving because your help is needed now more than ever.”

Catherine Bell-Allen, Move More Co-Ordinator for Causeway Coast and Glens, added: “I hope as many people as possible can follow the example of the Mayor and move their own 5k on the day by walking, running or cycling.

“The Move More scheme is all about encouraging those living with cancer to enjoy a more active lifestyle, so there’s no better way to show you care.

“We also want people to send us their ‘selfies’ of support – this can be as you enjoy a coffee or after your chosen activity. Whatever you decide, our overall aim is to bring these together as an important symbol of local support for Macmillan.

“In its first six months, we welcomed 121 participants to our Move More scheme and in that time these individuals have received free tailored guidance to help them become and remain active at a level that is right for them.

“The project also provides an opportunity to bring people together at a time when they are most vulnerable, which is hugely important in addressing social isolation, maintaining positive mental health and contributing to overall wellbeing.

“I have seen at first-hand the difference that Macmillan Cancer Support can make to people within Causeway Coast and Glens and I hope that as many of us as possible are able to make a donation on September 25th to ensure that this can continue.”

Last year people in the Causeway Coast and Glens area raised £63,400 by taking part in a Macmillan Cancer Support Coffee Morning, including £800 raised by staff at Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council at an event held in Cloonavin.

Donations can be made by clicking here.

Or by scanning the QR Code below.

Selfies can be emailed to selfies.macmillan@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk. Please note, by sending an image you consent to it being used for promotional purposes.

To find out more about the Coffee Morning visit coffee.macmillan.org.uk