KEETCH ASKS PEOPLE TO RAISE THEIR MUGS TO MACMILLAN

3.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 15th Sep 2004

Paul Keetch, Hereford's Lib Dem MP, is calling for local people to raise money for those living with cancer by taking part in the World's Biggest Coffee Morning for Macmillan Cancer Relief on Friday 24 September.

Every day 739 people in this country are told they have cancer. Right now Macmillan can't be there for all of them. That's why Paul Keetch is encouraging his constituents to help the charity raise its target of £4.5 million on 24 September - to fund specialist cancer care nurses, doctors, centres for treatment and care, information and financial support for those who need it most.

The World's Biggest Coffee Morning, Macmillan's flagship fundraiser, is now in its 14th year. To date, it has raised over £25 million. All over the UK people hold coffee mornings in their homes, at work and at school and this year the charity is aiming to smash its records again - with a 1.5 million people expected to join in.

Paul Keetch will be calling in to the coffee morning events at the Main Post Office, High Town and Cuban Blue, Bridge Street to show his support for the event.

'Cancer can cause devastation to the lives of people diagnosed with it - and their loved ones,' said Mr Keetch.

'It is so easy to help Macmillan Cancer Relief fund its vital work for people living with cancer - you only have to put the kettle on and invite some friends, family or colleagues to join you and make a donation for each cup they drink. I'm hoping that Hereford will be buzzing with coffee mornings on September 24!'

To register your coffee morning or find out more please call the

Macmillan Hotline on 0845 602 1246.