Manchester United have backed a fundraising campaign encouraging the public to have a brew to help support young cancer patients.
The ‘Cuppa for The Christie’ appeal hopes to collect enough money for a state-of-the-art gym to be installed in the new oncology unit at the Withington hospital.
United manager David Moyes said he was glad that the club had decided to support The Christie charity’s initiative.
“This is a great way for fans to get involved and raise vital funds for teenage cancer patients at The Christie,” he said.
“Like Manchester United, The Christie is a fantastic asset to the city and I’m delighted our club is backing this new campaign.”
The Christie is an official charity partner of the club, whose staff and players make regular visits to the specialist hospital.
Ste Anderson, campaigns and events manager for The Christie, praised United for their ongoing backing of the hospital’s work.
“They pop down and see us and meet with the kids, especially in the oncology unit, so we see them a lot,” he said.
“They’re really big supporters, absolutely fantastic, from the players to the Manchester United Foundation, and obviously the manager supporting this campaign.
“Right across the board they really show a lot of support for us.”
The appeal has already begun, with funds to be raised in various ways throughout the year and the proceeds going towards rehabilitating teenagers cancer patients.
While people will be holding tea and coffee mornings across Manchester, anyone can do their bit – even while at work.
Mr Anderson said: “Supporters can help do this in a number of ways by making a donation each time you have a cuppa, charging people in your office at work each time you make them a drink, being sponsored to give up your favourite cuppa or having a cake-and-cuppa morning.
“We envisage that most people are going to want to take part in the slightly colder months as people are less inclined to have coffee mornings in the summer. But if we get to autumn and they want to do it again that’s absolutely fine.”
Although there are currently no plans for future fundraisers, Mr Anderson says that if ‘Cuppa for The Christie’ goes well then the charity will consider additional ones in the future.
“It’s the first time we’ve done it,” he said. “If it’s a success and we bring lots of money in and lots of people take part then we will be running it again next year.”
People can also tweet a ‘mug shot’ of their favourite brew to @thechristie using the hashtag #CuppaChristie.
To register now for a free fundraising pack visit www.christies.org/cuppa or call 0161 446 3988.
Picture from The Christie, with thanks.
