Wolverhampton charity raises £5,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support
The fundraising event was held in memory of community member Amna Akhtar, who died after a battle with oral cancer
A Wolverhampton charity has raised £5,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support at its seventh annual coffee morning.
Secret Angels held the event at Dunstall Hill Community Centre on Sunday, September 27, bringing together hundreds of people for an afternoon of fundraising, entertainment and cancer awareness.
The latest total takes the group's fundraising for Macmillan to almost £30,000.
This year's event was held in memory of Amna Akhtar, a much-loved member of the community who recently died after a battle with oral cancer.
As part of the awareness activities, general dental practitioner Dr Akmal Hussain attended an information stand to discuss oral health, the signs and symptoms of oral cancer, risk factors and the importance of early diagnosis.
Visitors were also able to find out more about prevention and treatment, as well as how to monitor their own oral health.
The event featured food and drink stalls, cakes, tea and coffee, bubble tea, face painting, henna art, games, raffles and family activities.
Deputy Lieutenant Martin Levermore MBE DL, Wolverhampton North East MP Sureena Brackenridge and Wolverhampton West MP Warinder Juss also attended to show their support.
Alvina Ali, founder of Secret Angels, said she was proud of the community effort behind the event.
She said: "Raising £5,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support is an amazing achievement. I feel incredibly proud and, more than anything, grateful.
"Events like this take a huge amount of work behind the scenes, but when you see volunteers, local businesses, families and members of the community all giving their time, donations and support, it makes every minute worthwhile."
She added that the event was about more than raising money, highlighting the importance of bringing people together and reminding those facing difficult times that they were not alone.
Hannah Lumb, relationship fundraising manager at Macmillan Cancer Support, thanked Secret Angels for its continued support.
She said the £5,000 raised could fund 122 hours of a Macmillan nurse's time, allow the charity to answer its support line for 65 people, or help run its online community for 156 hours.
The fundraising effort was supported by the Akhtar family, volunteers, local businesses and stallholders, who donated their time, products, services and raffle prizes.
Among those thanked for their contributions were Henna By Hudaa, Dough Re Mi, Crunch Inn, Midland Catering, Malik Butchers, SN Xevents, Obsession Jewels, Golden Memories, Begums Chai, Chai Hubb, Cake Delights, The Indian Foodiva, Adoreacakes, MSH Calligraphy, Fire Feast and Prime Butchers, alongside Secret Angels ambassadors and Progressive Play.
The money raised will support Macmillan's work providing practical, emotional and financial assistance to people living with cancer and their families.