Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley MSP Elena Whitham is throwing her weight behind this year's MacMillan coffee morning, and is urging her constituents to do the same.

Earlier this month, the MSP hosted MacMillan Cancer Support at the Scottish Parliament to mark this year’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning fundraiser, which takes place all throughout September.

The event gave MSPs the opportunity to speak on a one-to-one basis with people living with cancer, and to understand what their experiences of having cancer has been like.

Ms Whitham knows all too well the effects that cancer can have on people on their families.

The MSP's mum died aged 58 in 2014 after being diagnosed with lung cancer.

“I was pleased to host MacMillan at the parliament and hear first-hand from people living with cancer about the invaluable work this charity does," Elena Whitham said.

“This year, Macmillan Coffee Morning is on Friday, September 30. Whether it’s a traybake with pals in the garden, a virtual Coffee Morning by screen, or a cuppa and cake in the office, hold yours however and whenever you like.

"There are so many reasons to host a Coffee Morning - whatever your reason, it’s a great one! Every Coffee Morning has the power to raise vital pounds for Macmillan Cancer Support”.

Kate Seymour from Macmillan Cancer Support added: “Last year, people hosted Coffee Mornings across Scotland and raised over £710,000 which was amazing.

"It helped us to provide much needed support, including Macmillan Grants to over 4,000 people in Scotland.

"Whether you host a Coffee Morning or join in, every penny raised helps Macmillan to provide the local services that people living with cancer desperately need, especially at the moment."

There’s lots of information online including recipes and hosting ideas. To find out more and sign up to host a Macmillan Coffee Morning here.