World’s Biggest Coffee Morning gathers communities every last Friday of September to enjoy coffee and raise funds for cancer support. Join millions in making a difference for those affected by cancer. Host an event, donate, or simply spread awareness to help save lives.
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History of World’s Biggest Coffee Morning
Founded in 1911 by Douglas Macmillan, Macmillan’s Cancer support has grown to the UK’s leading source of cancer aid. Douglas founded the organization after witnessing his father die of cancer and wanting to help other people going through the same difficulties.
Macmillan founded the Society for the Prevention and Relief of Cancer intending to provide advice and information to all people suffering from cancer along with homes for patients at low or no cost. After creating the foundation, the now National Society for Cancer Relief became one of the first to recognize the financial cost of cancer in 1925.
The charity focused on giving grants for medical fees, nursing care, clothing, artificial limbs and hot water bottles. In 1969, after dedicating most of his life to cancer support, Douglas Macmillan passed away from cancer. Today, much of Douglas’ legacy lives on with decades of research and aid offered throughout history.
The first-ever Coffee Morning happened way back in 1991. It was a rather small affair with a simple idea. Guests would gather over coffee and donate the cost of their cuppa to Macmillan in the process. Since then, the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning has come a long way. It is now the largest and longest-standing fundraising event of its kind in the UK.
Over the years, some Coffee Morning hosts have taken their fundraising to the next level. This includes a Coffee Morning 100 feet underground in Poldark mine in Cornwall, a Coffee Morning on a jet fighter and the most distant Coffee Morning being held in Antarctica!
World’s Biggest Coffee Morning timeline
Two paid home visitors, funded by The Society, begin assisting cancer patients using bicycles to deliver supplies.
The Society begins installing television sets in hospital rooms to help provide more comfort to cancer patients.
Douglas Macmillan, who founded Society for the Prevention and Relief of Cancer, dies of cancer.
Douglas Macmillan Hospice, or 'Dougie Mac', as it is known to locals, opens, offering care free of charge for adults with a palliative or end of life diagnosis.
The first Biggest Coffee Morning is held in the UK to help raise money in cancer research
World’s Biggest Coffee Morning FAQs
When is World’s Biggest Coffee Morning?
World’s Biggest Coffee Morning 2026 takes place on Friday, September 25. This annual event unites communities across the globe to raise funds and awareness for cancer support.
How many people are affected by cancer globally?
Globally, cancer is a leading cause of death, with approximately 9.6 million people dying every year. World’s Biggest Coffee Morning highlights the urgent need for support and research.
How much money does World’s Biggest Coffee Morning raise?
World’s Biggest Coffee Morning is a highly successful fundraising initiative, raising over 25 million dollars annually for Macmillan Cancer Support. These funds are crucial for providing vital services.
What is Macmillan Cancer Support?
Macmillan Cancer Support is a leading UK charity dedicated to providing specialist health care, information, and financial support to people affected by cancer. They ensure no one faces cancer alone.
How To Observe World’s Biggest Coffee Morning
Host your own coffee morning
When you sign up to host a Coffee Morning, you'll get a free fundraising kit full of goodies to help you organise your event. The kit provides bunting, cake decorations, recipes, stickers, a collection box and loads more to help make hosting your event a piece of cake.
Partake in a coffee morning
Maybe organizing a coffee morning isn’t your thing, but you’d still like to help, donate whatever you feel comfortable with and enjoy the personal reward of doing something good.
Share on social media
Get other people to take part and share a donation page to help cancer patients with #WorldsBiggestCoffeeMorning to help spread awareness.
5 Note-Worthy Facts About Cancer
Macmillan has a call center
If you or someone you know is struggling with cancer you can call and speak with someone who can offer vital practical or emotional support.
An epidemic
Research shows the number of people living with and beyond cancer will double from 2 million in 2010 to 4 million in 2030.
Hope in survival
Cancer survival in the UK has doubled in the last 40 years.
Gendered cancer statistics
Cancer mortality is higher among men than women.
Scary numbers
Approximately 38.4% of men and women will be diagnosed with cancer at some point during their lifetimes.
Why World’s Biggest Coffee Morning Is Important
We always support good causes
Any day that is dedicated to helping others in times of need is a day that should be honored. Whether you’re hosting or attending an event today, or any date that suits you, it’s a great way to help people living with the disease.
It’s a great way to raise awareness
Having a Coffee Morning is the perfect chance to catch up over a cuppa and a slice of something delicious for a great cause. Sipping on coffee in a social setting with purpose is an effective way to help raise awareness about cancer.
Helping people live to the fullest
Statistically, one in two of us will face cancer, and the money you raise at your Coffee Morning will help people with cancer to live life as fully as they can.
World’s Biggest Coffee Morning dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | September 26 | Friday |
| 2026 | September 25 | Friday |
