Thursday 25 May will mark the thirtieth annual Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea (ABMT), where Aussies have come together throughout the decades and raised over $200 million for those affected by cancer.

Participants can host their way, whether that be in person or online, anytime in May or June.

Every dollar goes towards helping the Cancer Council continue their life-saving cancer research, prevention, advocacy, and support programs, like the 13 11 20 information and support line.

This year, Cancer Council hopes to raise $13 million nationwide.

Within the ACT, this will go towards expanding their liaison service, which allows patients and their supporters to drop in for a chat about anything to do with their cancer journey, from questions about treatment to pro bono service referrals.

According to Cancer Council ACT, the need for this service is urgent and growing.

Almost one in two Australians will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, meaning no one is left unaffected.

Each morning tea is as unique as the stories behind it.

Canberra man Scott Marshall is one of the longest running hosts in the country.

He hosted his first ABMT 30 years ago, around the time his mum was diagnosed with colon cancer and has held one almost every year since – even after she lost her battle with the disease.  

Scott says, “It has always been to say thank you.”

When his mother was diagnosed, Scott reached out to the Cancer Council for advice on how to best support her.

“When I needed some help and assistance, they gave it to me,” he says.

“They shared tips and advice on how to care for her, how to make sure she’s comfortable.

“Getting advice from an organisation like the Cancer Council, who have seen most if not all of it, really helped get us on track.

“I had heard about Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea and thought, this is my way of paying it back.

“My mum was a pretty good cook back in her day,” Scott smiles. “I’ve always been spoiled with cakes, and I thought it was a good excuse to share some of that.”

While he says he didn’t inherit his mum’s talent in the kitchen, that doesn’t stop him from whipping up a cake every year.

“I always say to people, if I can cook, you can cook,” he laughs.

“I always try to encourage people to bring homemade goods because, in all these years, the homemade stuff goes first, and the packet of biscuits from the shop goes last.”

Over the past 30 years, Scott has hosted an ABMT event in every office he has worked in – from his days back with Ansett to now in the public service – shindigs of 10-15 people to divisional affairs that saw hundreds donate.

He isn’t sure of the exact number of dollars raised in that time but says it’s well within the thousands.

“The best year was actually last year, with help from family, friends and colleagues doing it online in the middle of the pandemic.

“I don’t mind rolling up my sleeves to help out,” says Scott. “By helping the Cancer Council, I feel that I’m not only paying it back but paying it forward.”

To register or donate, visit biggestmorningtea.com.au

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