Together for cancer support: Macmillan Coffee Morning in Guildford
The Gypsy, Roma, Traveller Women’s Health Group joined Macmillan’s national cancer awareness efforts with a community Coffee Morning at The Hive in Guildford — a cause close to founder Dee Cooper’s heart
Macmillan Coffee Morning at The Hive, Guildford
On 25 September 2026, The Hive Wellbeing Team in Guildford joined forces with the GRT Women’s Health Group to host a special Macmillan Coffee Morning, bringing people together for a morning filled with good food, good conversation and community spirit.
Macmillan Cancer Support provides practical, medical and emotional help for people living with cancer and their families. Coffee Mornings like this one raise vital funds for specialist nurses, information services and community support — something that means a great deal to many of us who have been affected by cancer in different ways.
And what a morning it was!
In just under three hours, an amazing £335 was raised for Macmillan.
The morning also drew support from visiting oncology researchers, county council members, nurses, colleagues from Surrey Minority Ethnic Forum and representatives from the Surrey Gypsy Traveller Forum. Their presence added something special — a sense of shared purpose across organisations working to improve health and wellbeing.
The tables were filled with home bakes, from rocky road and flapjacks to lemon loaf and cupcakes, alongside a brilliant raffle with some fantastic prizes, including a large go‑kart, a wellness hamper and a sweetie bouquet.
But it wasn’t just about the cakes and raffle prizes. Guests were also given forget‑me‑not seeds and plant pots to decorate and take home, giving them something special to grow and a little reminder of loved ones who may no longer be with us.
There was something lovely about seeing different communities sitting side by side, sharing cups of tea, home baking, stories, lived experiences and cultural values. Sometimes it really is the simplest things that bring people together.
The Hive is much more than a building. It is a welcoming and safe space for GRT communities and all communities, offering activities and support for people of all ages across Surrey.
There is the beautiful café, the food bank pantry and Thrive, offering good‑quality second‑time‑around clothing. Most importantly, there are the people who make The Hive what it is: friendly, caring staff and volunteers who make everyone feel welcome.
The GRT Women’s Health Group are always happy to support The Hive and the wonderful work they do. It really is at the heart of community and wellbeing.
A huge heartfelt thank you to Katie Czop for her continued support, and to all the wonderful team and volunteers at The Hive for making everyone feel so welcome.
Thank you too to everyone who baked, donated, bought raffle tickets, brought along prizes, planted seeds, shared a cuppa, stopped for a chat or simply came along and supported the morning. Every single contribution, big or small, helped make the day such a lovely success.
It was a pleasure to spend the morning together, sharing laughter, stories and kindness while raising money for such an important cause.
£335 was raised in just under three hours, but for us, the morning was about so much more than the money. It was about people coming together, sharing a cuppa, having a laugh, enjoying some lovely home baking and taking the time to talk. A simple morning, good people, and a really worthwhile cause.
Because change happens when communities work together.
A personal note
This cause will always remain close to my heart. Thirteen years after losing my father — and other family members — supporting Macmillan feels deeply personal. With my son now working in oncology, I know how important it is that families affected by cancer feel seen, supported and understood.
With thanks and warmest wishes from all the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller Women’s Health Group
By GRT Women’s Health Group founder, Dee Cooper
(Photographs © Dee Cooper)