COMMUNITIES across West Devon and East Cornwall took part in the Macmillan Cancer Support World’s Biggest Coffee Morning on Friday, September 30.

The event is Macmillan’s biggest fundraising event for people facing cancer. In 2015 the initiative raised £25-million for the charity and this year the charity is aiming to raise even more.

The first ever World’s Biggest Coffee Morning happened back in 1990. It was so effective the charity did it again the next year — spreading the event nationally. Since then, the initiative has raised over £138-million for Macmillan.

Macmillan’s goal is to make sure no one faces cancer alone. It provides medical, emotional, practical and financial support as well as campaigning for better cancer care.

Tracy Westlake of Fresh Hair salon in Dousland raised £342 by setting down the scissors and shampoo and turning the salon into a community drop-in centre for coffee and cakes. Despite the heavy showers, a stream of visitors enjoyed a convivial afternoon and contributed generously to help reach that total.

Andrew Sleeman went a step further and had his head shaved at Tregarland Care Home in Tavistock to help raise funds for the charity, which has helped many members of staff and loved ones connected to the home.

Rachel’s Hair Salon in Tavistock raised £97.77, while the Albaston WI coffee morning raised a total of £150 for the charity.