Macmillan column: A legacy of love…

SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW: Macmillan team and volunteers at the show

From the Southport Macmillan Centre team

Dying is a subject that many people find difficult to discuss.

But over one third of the income that Macmillan receives is from legacy gifts that people leave in their will because they’ve thought about what they want to happen after they’ve gone.

Whether they’ve had support from Macmillan themselves or a family member has needed us, we are so very grateful for their generosity, which allows us to help others.

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The return of the Southport Flower Show in August was even more special as the Macmillan Legacy Team were there with a beautiful, and thought-provoking, show garden. The concept was the humble seed and how they spread life where they land and grow.

The garden itself featured scaffolding, which some people felt represented the support that Macmillan offers, holding up the plants and giving them structure to flourish. There was a pool of still water where people could stop and reflect, as many people do when they or a loved one is faced with a cancer diagnosis.

The garden wasn’t pristine though, there were a few wild patches of grass and reeds - but then life with cancer isn’t pristine either! We were able to talk to so many people and to let them know that help and support is available for anyone affected by cancer.

If you feel that you’d like to use the Macmillan free will writing service, to make a will and consider leaving a legacy to Macmillan, please give the support line a call on 0808 808 0000.

We’re now less than a month off our World’s Biggest Coffee Morning event on Friday, September 30, from 2pm to 4pm. This year it’s at Holy Trinity Parish Hall and there’ll be the usual table laden with home-made (and bought) cakes, a raffle, tombola, and craft stalls – and, of course, our wonderful Macmillan singers, who’ll be there to give us a rendition of songs from the 50’s onwards…. a grand opportunity for a singalong!

Many people have already donated items to us but if you’ve got any unwanted gifts lying around the house anywhere or you want to release your inner baker and make us a lovely cake, then just give us a call on 01704 533024 and we’ll bite your hand off!

Other news from the Centre is that we have a new Bereavement Drop-in starting this month, 0n Thursday, September 8 at 2pm and we are hoping to start up a local breast cancer support group, so if anyone would be interested in this, please give us a call or pop into the Centre for a chat.

Southport Macmillan Centre is based at 29 Wright Street, Southport, (between Mornington Road and Church Street). We’re open for drop in Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm (not bank holidays) and no appointment is needed.  Alternatively, you can call us on 01704 533024 or email sfccg.macmillancic@nhs.net

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