6:00pm Sunday 14th March 2010
Nearly 500 people showed their support for two charities close to a Templeton couple’s heart when they helped raise the huge sum of £3,548.59 at a coffee morning in the village.
As the Western Telegraph reported recently, Donna and Kevin Longhurst are fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support and Pembrokeshire’s Sandy Bear bereavement counselling service for children and young adults.
They will both be taking part in the London Marathon to mark a pledge they made when Donna was first diagnosed with cancer five years ago.
The coffee morning was at Templeton village hall, which was decorated with red, white and green, with Welsh flags flying outside, in celebration of St David’s Day. It was hosted by the Templeton Girls in support of Donna and Kevin’s challenge.
The huge support shown was “beyond our wildest dreams”, said Donna.
“This has got to be one of the biggest and best coffee mornings ever, and we are proud to say it was in Templeton.”
Tea, coffee and home-made cakes were served, with raffle tickets for more than £2,500 worth of prizes in great demand.
Both charities were amazed and delighted with the response to the event.
Said Katherine Morgan of Macmillan Cancer Support: “Donna Longhurst and her friends turned a simple idea into a brilliant fundraising event. It was an amazing example of how a village pulled together.
“It’s thanks to events like this that Macmillan can continue to provide and develop specialist cancer care in Pembrokeshire.”
Anita Hicks, the bereavement and loss co-ordinator for the Sandy Bear charity, added: “The coffee morning has been amazing in raising awareness of our cause, and also helping to raise much-needed funds. Every penny we receive from fundraisers is used to benefit the children and families in Pembrokeshire.
“Being there for the children helps them get back on track to enjoy their childhood as they should.”
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