By Melissa Hunter

Around 100 people gathered at the Moggill  Anglican Church today to support Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, raising funds for The Cancer Council.

Moggill State School, local churches and community groups united as one to make the morning tea a successful and positive experience for all who attended.

Almost $200,000 has been raised nationally for the Cancer Council so far which will go towards work in research, prevention and support.

Cancer Council Queensland fundraising coordinator Hannah Macanslane says 21,000 people are diagnosed with cancer each year in Queensland alone, and sadly 7000 of those lose their battle with the disease.

“Living in the sunshine state skin cancer is definitely a type of cancer you have to be aware of however a lot of the funds that we receive are dedicated to all cancers,” Ms Macanslane says.

“Seven hundred more hosts are still needed to register in the Brisbane region, it’s really easy to get involved with whether it’s a humble morning tea with work mates or a sophisticated high tea, every cup counts.”

This is the 19th year the morning tea has been running and support is increasing each year as one in two Australians will be faced with cancer before the age of 85.

Raising much needed funds is vital for cancer research and the Moggill community raised more than $1500 from the morning tea profits, and selling other food items to local residents and workers.

Country Women’s Association representative Rosanne Biscoe says the annual event is a great opportunity to bring the community together, and she is pleased with the turn out.

“It’s hard to comment how important events like this are because there are so many types of cancer. I spoke to one of my friends a few weeks ago and her husband died from five different types of cancer,” Mrs Biscoe says.

Support was also welcomed by  Pullenvale Ward councillor Margaret De Wit, and Federal member for Ryan, Jane Prentice.

Ms Prentice says the morning tea is very beneficial as it raises awareness and funds.

“People need to make sure they have their regular checks and are aware of the disease,” she says.

Around $2.15 million is hoping to be raised state-wide during the Cancer Council’s fundraising events which run from May to June.