A WOMAN is turning her home into a coffee shop to raise money for cancer patients.

Kirsty Crerie, 40, was inspired to take part in the huge Macmillan coffee morning after her close friend was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Doctors told mum of three Jenny Sullivan, 43, she had a maximum of two years to live after her skin cancer spread across her body. Mrs Crerie hopes to raise at least £1,000 for Macmillan, a charity which offers financial, practical and medical support for people affected by cancer.

She is going further than the traditional coffee morning event by opening up her house for the whole day in order to reach the target.

Mrs Crerie said: “A lot of fundraising events tend to happen when we have lost someone but I wanted Jenny to be part of it. At the moment she's doing really well and is fit and healthy, but it's horrific. She’s still so young and has got a lovely family.

“Everyone I have invited is bringing along their friends and family, so I’m going to have a packed house. We’re certainly going to get through a lot of tea and cake! They're all really keen to get involved because so many people seem to have been touched by cancer.”

As well as enjoying tea, coffee and cake, guests will also try their luck in a big raffle draw.

Top prizes have been donated by businesses across Canvey including private medical care vouchers, hair and beauty treatments, free meals and a handyman for the day .

Mrs Crerie added: “We have had so much support. It’s amazing how the community on Canvey has come together.”

The world's biggest coffee morning events will take place on Friday, September 27.