Macmillan Cancer Support's World's Biggest Coffee Morning on Friday 27th
Shrewsbury Town will be throwing open its doors on Friday to take part in the World's Biggest Coffee Morning organised by Macmillan Cancer Support.
The club hope as many people as possible will call in to the Arthur Rowley Lounge between 10am and noon.
Supporting the charity is particularly close to the heart of Martin James, Shrewsbury Town's head of community development, as his son, Adam, was diagnosed with cancer of the femur around five years ago when he was 25.
Macmillan were there to support Adam and his family after the diagnosis and throughout the treatment, which included extensive surgery and chemotherapy.
Adam was given a metal replacement for his femur and knee at Oswestry Orthopaedic Hospital, Gobowen and the cancer has been in remission for more than three years.
Despite reduced mobility, he still enjoys cycling and plays cricket with his dad for Bomere Heath's third team.
“We first came into contact with Macmillan when Adam was diagnosed and they have supported us ever since,” said Martin. “It’s probably the most devastating news that a family can have when you are told that a loved one has cancer.
“The Macmillan nurse sat down with us, talked honestly about the treatment options and listened. That was comforting and gave us confidence in the treatment that Adam was having.
"Although no one could say what the prognosis would be, we wanted to know exactly what was going on and where we stood because that was the only way we were going to cope with the news.
“Macmillan nurses are there as support and they become almost like your family because of the way they respond to you. When you are at your lowest point, there is always someone there with reassuring words and empathy.
“Adam was positive about the treatment right from the word go and the doctors at the Orthopaedic Hospital and Christies Hospital in Manchester are amazing.”
Helen Knight, Macmillan Cancer Support’s fundraising manager in Shropshire, reported that a record 1,200 Shropshire people and organisations - 40 per cent up on 2012 – have so far registered to hold a fundraising event for the charity’s World's Biggest Coffee Morning.
She said: “Shrewsbury Town is doing an important job in helping to raise awareness of the work that Macmillan does in Shropshire and it's great to have them on board.”