A GILLINGHAM charity coffee morning got a £150 boost thanks to a housing firm.

Developer Taylor Wimpey donated money to Macmillan Coffee Mornings that took place in September near a series of housing schemes.

Among them was the event hosted by Gillingham Rotary Club member, Muriel Shean, at the Methodist Church Hall, near Taylor Wimpey’s Gillingham Lakes development.

Muriel started hosting Macmillan Coffee Mornings after her husband, Cliff, passed away in 2016 after a two-year battle with cancer.

“Cliff was a Rotarian in Gillingham for many years,” she said. “When I was invited to become an honorary member, I also wanted to organise a Macmillan Coffee Morning to help cancer sufferers like Cliff.

“This year we raised more than £800. A huge thank you to Taylor Wimpey for their donation.”

Rosamund Wells, sales and marketing director for Taylor Wimpey Southern Counties, said: “We’re proud to support Macmillan Cancer Support this year by donating towards these community events and hope that the funds donated will make a difference to people living with cancer.

“Not only do these coffee mornings raise money for a hugely important cause, but they’re also an opportunity to catch up with others in the community, enjoy food and drink and even take part in fun activities.”

Hosts at The Duchy in Wimborne raised £211

Macmillan Coffee Mornings are hosted by thousands each year to raise money for people living with cancer.

Another Dorset event to receive a donation was The Dutchy Macmillan Cake and Coffee Morning, at The Dutchy Sandwich Shop, in Wimborne, near Taylor Wimpey’s Canford Vale development.

The event hosted a day of activities including a raffle and baking awards, raising £211.

Kelly Holland, who hosted the event, said: “Here at the Dutchy we would like to thank everyone for the support of our coffee morning.

“We recently had a family member pass away with cancer and are grateful for all the locals and customers who supported us through this time.

“And a special thank you to Taylor Wimpey for giving us such a generous donation in aid of this cause.”