By enjoying something as simple as a cup of coffee, everyone can help people affected by cancer this week.

Macmillan Cancer Support is hosting it’s annual World’s Biggest Coffee Morning across the UK on Friday 29th September. Those who take part will help raise a much needed £7 million to help people affected by cancer.

A wide range of coffee mornings are being held across the North of Scotland on Friday in aid of Macmillan in a number of locations including restaurants, schools, places of work, churches, town halls. To find out about the nearest public coffee morning to you simply visit http://www.macmillan.org.uk/coffee and follow the online instructions.

There are even two coffee mornings being held on Friday on board two luxury ships docked at both Aberdeen and Lerwick Harbour.

Northlink Ferries has teamed up with Macmillan and two MSP’s to hold the coffee mornings on board the Northlink Ferries that will be at Aberdeen and Lerwick Terminals on Friday 29th September between 10am and 12 noon.

David Davidson, MSP, who is also the Chairperson for the Cross Party Group on Cancer for the Scottish Parliament, will attend the coffee morning on board the ship at Aberdeen Harbour, while Tavish Scott MSP will attend the event in Lerwick.

David Davidson said: “I know through my work with the Cross Party Group and through members of my family suffering from cancer in the past, what a valuable role Macmillan Cancer Support plays in supporting the victims of cancer and their carers and families, on what is an extremely difficult patient journey.

“Anything I can do to assist in developing the work of Macmillan, in particular the work carried out by Macmillan Nurses, I am honoured to do,” added Mr Davidson.

NorthLink Ferries operates three passenger ferries - MV Hamnavoe, MV Hrossey, and MV Hjaltland - between the Scottish mainland and the Northern Isles of Orkney and Shetland.

Gareth Crichton, commercial director with NorthLink Ferries, said: "We are proud hosts of the Macmillan Cancer Support coffee mornings. It's a great opportunity to make use of the facilities on-board our ferries for an excellent cause and I hope the events in Aberdeen and Lerwick will raise a significant amount of money for the charity."

Tavish Scott, MSP said: “Shetland has long recognised the value of the work of Macmillan Nurses which is why Shetland has, in return, been very supportive of Macmillan Cancer Support. I certainly recognise the importance of the service Macmillan Nurses provide for victims of cancer and for their families, and so I am very happy to support this important fund raising event. I am sure that the coffee morning will be well supported and I look forward to attending it.”

Sarah Farquhar, Fundraising Manager for Macmillan Cancer Support in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire said: “Macmillan Cancer Support is delighted that Northlink Ferries, David Davidson and Tavish Scott are supporting the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning.

“Both coffee mornings are open to members of the public and we are hoping many people who may never have been on one of the ships will be able to come on board and enjoy their coffee in a very stunning setting, while raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support.”

Tickets for both the coffee mornings cost £3 and are available from the Macmillan Cancer Support Office in Aberdeen by contacting Sarah Farquhar on 01224 701505 or 07801 307042. The ticket price includes a cup of coffee (or tea if you prefer) on board the ships. Tickets for the event must be purchased in advance for security purposes.