Macmillan Cancer Support has encouraged Mancunians to ditch dancefloors and dubstep in favour of a fundraising Night In.
The Night In fundraising campaign was launched by the cancer charity last year, raising £1.25million to support their work in the process.
And when mum-of-two Amy Brown, 26, heard about the scheme, she thought it sounded too good an opportunity to miss.
Amy, from Bolton, told MM that she had no doubt that she should get involved in the scheme straightaway and said: “I saw it advertised and thought I would get drunk with my friends and make some money for Macmillan because it is such a good cause.”
The idea is that people invite their friends of all ages and genders over for a laugh and something to eat and drink.
Everyone who attends donates to the charity the amount they would ordinarily have spent on a night out.
Although Macmillan Night In was held on May 16, Amy’s event took place a week later on May 23 and put a lot of effort into making sure all her friends and family had a ball.
Amy’s sister Leanna Brown, a 24-year-old beauty advisor, told MM: “It is a good way to raise money for charity and have a bit of fun at the same time.
“It is important to put money into cancer research but it is also important to help Macmillan to look after people when they need it.”
This was a sentiment echoed by Trish Openshaw, Amy’s mum-in-law, who said: “I have come to support Macmillan nurses because of a friend of mine who had cancer and Macmillan nurses were very supportive of her and her family and her two boys.”
Across the country, thousands of people signed up to take part, arranging lots of different types of night and raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for Macmillan.
GOODNIGHT CANCER: Amy Brown from Bolton got involved with Macmillan Night In
For Amy, the best sort of night in was one with gaggle of girlfriends, a few drinks, music videos and some gossip – and it certainly seemed to be going well when MM popped in to see the fun.
“I think it is a good cause,” waitress Sarah Booth, 21, said: “Cancer support is very important.”
Although, one person was perhaps less keen on having the house full of giggly girls.
“I am not involved. I am here to look after the children only,” said Amy’s husband, Stuart somewhat tongue-in-cheek.
He did add, however, that he was all in favour despite the disruption to his peace and quiet: “Of course, it is good though, they’re having fun and raising of lot of money.”
Anyone looking to sign up will receive a Night In Kit – and maybe now is the time to start planning for next years’ event.
Every pound raised helps Macmillan to be a constant source of support to someone who is living with cancer so they don’t have to go through it alone.
The care that the Macmillan nurses provide range from counselling sufferers and family members, to providing end of life nursing care.
Macmillan’s mission statement said: “No one should face cancer alone. So when you need someone to turn to, we’re here.
“Right from the moment you’re diagnosed, through your treatment and beyond, we’re a constant source of support, giving you the energy and inspiration to help you take back control of your life.”
The efforts of people like Amy and her friends, raising money for such a valuable service in the fight against cancer, could lead to a boost on the £1million plus total of last year.
Other people who got involved have shared their experiences on Twitter:
More cakes we made for our @MacNightIn #macnightin #BeatCancer pic.twitter.com/QAh3LlekeN
— Stocks Hall Care (@StocksHall) May 27, 2014
Thanks to @scafwilliams for sharing this lovely photo! You guys look like you’re having so much fun! pic.twitter.com/EIwEgTOJk5
— Macmillan Night In (@MacNightIn) May 19, 2014
Girls night in was a massive success…£1200 raised! Thank you to everyone involved @MacNightIn @macmillancancer pic.twitter.com/D0oGTpLik0
— Michala Hood (@Michala_Hood) May 18, 2014
Anyone wanting to contact Macmillan Cancer Support can call them free on 0808 808 00 00 (Monday to Friday, 9am–8pm) or visit www.macmillan.org.uk/nightin
