Renfrewshire Council

Over £4k raised in record MacMillian Coffee Morning

Our Improving the Cancer Journey Team held their 2024 fundraiser in memory of their beloved colleague Caroline Kyle-Chittick.

A table decorated for MacMillan Coffee Morning with a framed photograph of a young woman with dark hair smiling Our Improving the Cancer Journey (ICJ) team raised an astounding £4238.00 at this year's MacMillan Coffee Morning (smashing their previous record of £1598.32), which they held in memory of their team member Caroline Kyle-Chittick.

Caroline was an original member of the service, which provides support to people in the community affected by cancer or long-term illness, having started her role prior to its launch back in 2019. Her enthusiasm and passionate contribution to the development of the service was an inspiration to her colleagues and a beacon of light to everyone who met her.

When Caroline was diagnosed with cancer in October 2023, although she faced a monumental struggle of her own, she never let it dampen her resolve to help as many people as she could through her work, and she was eager for the team to go-ahead with this year's coffee morning.

Sadly, on Sunday 4 August, Caroline passed away, just weeks before the event was scheduled to take place. For her team, there was no question that the fundraiser should go ahead in Caroline's honour.

Caroline's line-manager, Louise O'Connor reflected:

"Caroline loved this time of year and it meant so much to her to raise money for the cause. We were determined that she would be a big part of this year's event no matter what and we all wanted to do her proud".

By all accounts it was a warm and positive atmosphere on the day as colleagues took part in the coffee morning activities. These included a raffle with over 100 donated prizes and 'Wear it Pink Pay £1'- a special tribute to Caroline who loved the colour pink.

Louise said: "I'm blown away with the total we raised. I never imagined that we would have got to anywhere near this amount! Absolutely overwhelmed with everyone's generosity and support".

A man stands beside a table dressed for a MacMillan coffee morning event, holding a photo of a woman and smiling to camera Among the coffee morning guests was Caroline's husband, Gary Chittick, who also works at the council, as a continuous improvement manager in our Business Services team. Gary commented:

"It was a privilege to attend the coffee morning in Caroline's honour and see the depth of feeling for Caroline, the work of the team and for Macmillan. Caroline loved her job and her colleagues and will be so proud at the amount raised and the ongoing achievements of the team that means so much to her.

"Caroline was looking forward to this year's event and it's fantastic to see such a huge amount raised. Louise and the team have done her proud. Caroline wanted people to continue living her best qualities, being kind, being positive, being yourself and being happy.

"I am so very proud of Caroline and everything she and the team are achieving. The fundraising is a big positive that will go on to help other people, just what Caroline will want."

Louise added: "Caroline was extremely passionate about our service and would always go above and beyond to support people who needed it. She truly loved helping others and touched so many people with her generosity and heart of gold. If ever there was a person who was perfect for the role of Macmillan ICJ coordinator, it was our Caroline".

In another recent tribute to Caroline, Amanda Kyle from our housing department, joined chief procurement officer Deborah Hill from East Renfrewshire Council, in a climb up Ben Nevis, in memory of her mum and brother who both lost their lives to cancer. The pair were delighted to raise over £1,000 for MacMillan Cancer Support, and have appealed to council colleagues to help them boost their final total by contributing a small donation online.

About our Improving the Cancer Journey (ICJ) and Long-term Conditions (LTC) service

Delivered in partnership with MacMillian Cancer Support, our ICJ and LTC teams offer holistic support to Renfrewshire residents affected by a diagnosis of cancer or a long-term condition. They provide help and assistance for a wide-range of issues including the physical, financial, and emotional challenges that often come with illness, and their support extends to family members and carers who are also impacted by these life-changing events.

Learn more about our Improving the Cancer Journey and Long-term Conditions service.

Published Tuesday 22 October 2024