SLURPING will echo throughout Hampshire today as people across the county take part in the World's Biggest Coffee Morning to raise money for Macmillan.

Among those dusting off tea cups and cake tins to host an event the World's Biggest Coffee Morning for the charity this year, is Iain MacDonald, who wanted to show his thanks to Macmillan for the support they gave him and his partner during his recent recovery from cancer.

The 41 year-old was diagnosed with bowel cancer in February and told that had they not discovered it, within six months it would have developed into lung cancer or breast cancer which would have been more difficult to recover from.

After surgery, chemotherapy and lots of support from Macmillan, he was given the all clear just four weeks ago and is looking forward to going back to his job next week as a food and beverage supervisor at the Mercure Dolphin hotel.

Iain said: “Because the staff at Macmillan were so good to me and my partner, I wanted to hold a coffee morning. I've been baking mad for two days!

“You don't realise how many different things and treatments you have to go through. I'm only 41, so I'd never even thought of cancer; I just thought it happened to other people.”

Iain raised nearly £600 through his coffee morning, yesterday, and tickets for a raffle which will be drawn at the Juniper pub next Friday.

Many other groups are putting their own slant to events today, and are hoping to have as much success in fundraising.

Events include a pamper morning at Chilworth Manor where beauty students from City College will be on hand to offer manicures, or if puppies are more your cup of tea, there is a cream tea event at Lyndhurst community centre with Marmite the Norfolk terrier puppy.

Southampton 's Labour MP, Alan Whitehead will also be getting involved as he joins the customers and staff at Barclays in Above Bar Street for coffee, cake and a chat.

Anyone for coffee? Click here for a list of Macmillan events taking place across the region.