TWO women who both lost parents to cancer hope to contribute all they can to Macmillan by hosting coffee mornings.

Kirsty Bull, 24, and Helen Oakley, 48, know that fundraising can change the lives of cancer sufferers – and be fun in the process.

Mrs Oakley, a Montessori nursery teacher in Stadhampton, was moved by Macmillan’s support during her own family’s struggle.

She said: “My mum, Maureen Kirkby, died from breast cancer in 1995 and the family was supported by a Macmillan nurse.

"I wanted to do something in her memory and thought Macmillan’s coffee morning was an ideal way to help others.”

Mrs Oakley has made consistent efforts to help the organisation, hosting her first event 20 years ago. She’ll hold her coffee morning this year on October 1.

Ms Bull on the other hand is a first timer, but is no stranger to cancer fundraising.

She and her brother organised a moped ride that raised more than £16,000 for Macmillan after her father passed away from lung cancer.

She also plans to host two coffee mornings at her grandfather’s grocery shop in Minster Lovell, and at the new Chipping Norton Veterinary Hospital where she works.

She said: “At the vet’s we’re holding an open morning on October 9 with games such as guess the X-ray where people have to name the animal.

"My granddad is then inviting customers at his Spar shop to donate money to Macmillan and serving coffee and cake and holding a raffle.”

Macmillan’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning event takes place on September 30, but anyone wishing to host their own coffee morning in support of the organisation can register online on their website.

Mrs Oakley discussed her top tips for hosting a successful event.

She said: “First, invite everyone you can think of to get a good number there on the day, because not everyone will be able to make it.

"Second, if you make it fun and enjoyable people will gladly make donations, and third, use the coffee morning pack Macmillan sends you when you sign up.”

Ms Bull added: “Don’t be afraid to ask. We know from our moped ride that once you ask people you’ll be amazed at how many support you.

"Cancer affects nearly every family so it’s something people feel they can support.”

The impact of cancer on the people of Oxfordshire is evident, especially by the amount of fundraising for Macmillan in previous years.

Andrea Pritchard, Macmillan’s fund-raising manager for Oxfordshire, said: “We want to make sure that no one faces cancer alone and with your help we can be there for more people.

"Last year Oxfordshire raised an amazing £246,650 from 1,140 events and you can help us beat that in 2016.”