BOOSTING the money raised on the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, was particularly poignant at King Edward’s School, Witley.

Staff member Kerry Wilson, who organised this year’s event, said: “We started the Macmillan Coffee mornings because it was the charity at Rob Millington’s funeral.

“He was the chaplain at King Edward’s for many years and his wife Jan Millington was the deputy head pastoral and is still the school listener and has other links with the school through the Old Witleians.

“Rob was diagnosed with cancer and died quite soon afterwards, which had a big impact on the school community.”

Mrs Millington added: “We came to King Edward’s Witley in 1988 and Rob died on August 6 in 2009. Macmillan were a huge support to both of us and Sarah our Macmillan nurse was with us when Rob died. It’s a wonderful organisation.”

King Edward’s total of £228, included a Krispy Kreme donut sale and the staff room cakes, including the school shield creation.

Sister school Barrow Hills, Witley, also helped to swell funds by an impressive £728, thanks to additional proceeds from a bacon butty sale.

Barrow Hills community committee chair Jackie Morris, said: “The school’s ethos has always been to demonstrate care and compassion towards others so it was fitting that the money raised via our bacon butty sale should be diverted to such a worthy cause, on this their national fund-raising day.

“People gave really generously and all the different parts of the school community came together. I’ve had conversations with children this week ranging from ‘Can I have coffee?’ to ‘My mum supports this because they helped my grandad’, so it really does get everyone involved.

“While bacon butties and cake may sound a bit of an unusual combination, on this occasion the pairing proved a real hit.”

Meanwhile, in Grayshott, local supporter In Home Care company, raised more than £160 selling coffee and cakes.

Administrator Caroline Barnes, said: “It was a brilliant success, with carers, clients and the community of Grayshott coming in for a cup of tea and a slice of cake.

“We would like to thank Grayshott Sainsbury’s, Liphook Sainsbury’s, Red Rose Tea Rooms, Hindhead Cookie Bar and our clients and carers for all their support in donating so many cakes and cookies for us to sell on the day. We had an amazing amount.

“A huge thank you for all your support on the day. We could not have done it without you.”