Morning tea for cancer

Peninsula businesses and residents will be getting involved in Australia's Biggest Morning Tea to help raise money for cancer research and awareness during the month of May.

Several businesses including Barrenjoey Midway Store, LJ Hooker Woy Woy, Zita's restaurant in Woy Woy, and Peninsula News will be hosting a morning tea for the charity event.

Barrenjoey Midway Store owner Ms Melissa Michael said it was important for all Peninsula residents and businesses to get involved because cancer affects so many people.

"The reason my husband Trevor and I decided to host a morning tea was because so many of our customers are touched by cancer," Ms Michaels said.

"We felt hosting the event would let our customers know we are thinking of them and are here to help and support them in whatever way possible."

Ms Michael will be hosting her morning tea on Tuesday, May 20, from 10am to 11am.

The event is being held in the store at 53 Barrenjoey Rd, Ettalong.

"Tea, coffee and juice will be available along with some finger food in return for a small donation.

"Free small goodie bags will be available for the first 20 people (one per couple/family) that arrive at Barrenjoey Midway Store for this wonderful event."

The morning tea is the Cancer Council's largest and most successful fundraiser of its kind in Australia.

According to Cancer Council NSW more than 1850 people are diagnosed with cancer each year in the Central Coast region and 756 die as a result.

LJ Hooker, Woy Woy, strata manager Ms Rebecca Hodges said she decided to get involved in the charity event after seeing a loved one battle the disease.

"My grandmother fought breast cancer and I felt it was important to support other cancer patients going through the same thing," Ms Hodges said.

"My grandmother was lucky enough to fight the disease and come out alive at the other end.

"I think it important we raise enough money to give other cancer patients this chance."

Cancer Council NSW community relations coordinator Ms Lesley Chart said $165,000 was raised on the Central Coast last year.

"Last year 507 residents from the Central Coast hosted a morning tea, which enabled the Cancer Council to fund research, prevention and support services, including the telephone peer support service Cancer Council Connect on the Central Coast," Ms Chart said.

For further information, visit www.biggestmorningtea.com.au or telephone 1300 656 565.

Press release, 8 April 2008 Lesley Chart, Cancer Council NSW Clare Graham, 23 April 2008 Interviewee: Rebecca Hodges, LJ Hooker, Woy Woy Interviewee: Melissa Michaels, Barrenjoey Midway Store, Ettalong