This year saw the largest turn out yet for Macquarie’s Biggest Morning Tea. Almost 200 staff turned out to enjoy a cuppa and cupcake for a gold coin donation, joining fundraising events across the country raising money for the Cancer Council.

Guest speaker John Boyages, Director and Professor of Breast Oncology at the Macquarie University Cancer Institute, spoke about the prevalence of cancer in our society today and (with a bit of audience participation) ascertained that almost everyone in the room had been closely affected by cancer. This prevalence has lead to increased collaboration across academic and research disciplines, and nowhere is this more apparent that on our own campus, where the Hospital, various research centres and faculties are working together across a range of projects.

As Macquarie has its own Cancer Institute that supports research and treatment, Professor Boyages said he has been asked why we support the Cancer Council in their fundraising efforts.

“The short answer is they do a great job,” said Professor Boyages in his address last week. “They raise funds not just for research but also education and support services.”

The Cancer Council is hoping that morning tea events around the country will raise $13 million this year for cancer research, prevention and support service programs. Macquarie’s event raised $500 towards this target. If you didn’t get a chance to attend an event last week, you can donate online.