MANY coffees were poured and even more cakes were devoured across the county last Friday (29th September), all to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The charity holds its World’s Biggest Coffee Morning every year and encourages, people, groups, business and anyone who wants to get involved to host their own coffee morning.

In Monmouth one man went a step further and braved the shave as he cut off a beard, 20 years in the making.

Martyn Turner, underwent Macmillan Cancer Support’s ‘Brave the Shave’ and raised almost £400 for the charity in the process.

Martyn, who together with his wife Lyn runs Henry’s Cafe in Beaufort Arms Court, is no stranger to fundraising for the charity, with weekly cake sales in the cafe raising money for the cause.

He decided to raise money for Macmillan in memory of family, friends and customers who have needed the charity’s support.

Anyone who would like to donate to his fundraising appeal can still do so by visiting bravetheshave.macmillan.org.uk/shavers/martyn-turner.

Agincourt Square estate agents Parrys also joined the cause on Friday. Staff at the Monmouth and Abergavenny branches baked up some tasty treats to raise a total of £183.56 for the charity.

In Chepstow shoppers visiting Tesco were treated to a vast array of cakes as they raised £750.

Sonya Waters, community champion, was amazed by the generosity with staff barely having time to set out the cakes before they were being snapped up.

“We sold out all of our cakes, we really couldn’t believe how generous people were.

“We are very lucky in Chepstow to have the customers we do, they are always so generous.”

In Caldicot the castle was the setting the for coffee with a performance from X-Factor singer Russell Jones drawing in the crowds.

The performance was one with extra meaning for Mr Jones, his father who owned a shop in Caldicot, died of cancer.

He said: “It is really special to be here today, to be able to give people a good time and give back to the people who supported my music and hopefully make a difference.”

In Raglan, £350 was raised by an event held at Raglan’s Old School on Saturday, 30th September.

At the close of a very successful morning, organiser Beverley Jones said: “I would like to thank the local community who once again supported this great organisation by popping in for a cuppa and cake.

“Mary Davies, Margaret Lawrence, and Sue Brammer for helping with the refreshments; Glenys Jones and Jean Langley for running the raffle and local stallholders who came along with their products on the day.

“A huge thank you must also be passed to the many volunteers who brought along and made the many amazing cakes.”

The raffle was drawn by Monmouth AM Nick Ramsay with help of two-year-old Archie Windram.