Former cancer sufferer Stephen Cooke joins us at World’s Biggest Coffee Morning for Macmillan

Stephen Cooke, who suffered head and neck cancer, joined 40 others at Grace Academy for the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning, helping to raise over £440 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Stephen, who has a child at Grace Academy, experiences cognitive impairment due to his previous cancer treatment, but has been given support by Macmillan throughout the illness and aftercare process.  He said:

“I haven’t got any trace of cancer left, but I do have problems now with my memory and confusion. The cognitive impairment is not progressive, but I don’t know if it will improve.

“Macmillan staff are currently helping me with benefits and legal advice.  They are always available, willing to help, and seem like they are happy to hear your voice.  Every time I go for an appointment, a Macmillan Nurse is there if you want a chat.  It’s not like dealing with someone in a job, but like someone who has had personal experience.

“I would encourage everyone to give to Macmillan because the money really will be used directly to give physical and emotional care, not just to the cancer sufferer, but also to their whole family.”

Michelle, one of the coffee morning visitors, said:

“It’s been good entertainment.  I watched my daughter on stage singing two songs.  The staff are brilliant and make a nice cup of coffee.  It’s good for charity.  I’m all for cancer research because my sister has breast cancer and Macmillan are a great support, especially for my sister as well.”

The Coffee Morning in aid of Macmillan was organised by Laura Wadley, Youth and Community Worker at Grace Academy Solihull, who added:

“If the parents of any of our students are sick, we try to work out how we can best support these families during what is often a difficult and challenging journey.  Some families in school have been impacted by this disease, and we have been able to signpost the children to the right agencies so they can get help and support.  We are delighted we have been able to join the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning and raise money for such a worthy cause.”