Residents from surrounding villages, towns and Tamworth city joined the small community to help fight cancer on Thursday at the memorial hall.

Organiser Janelle Tongue said the fundraiser started in somebody’s backyard about 13 years ago, moved to her loungeroom until it got too big, then moved to the hall.

“It’s such a happy gathering,” she said.

“It’s not hard to get people to come, because they know it is supporting the Cancer Council. 

“Cancer has touched so many people’s lives.”

About 60 people attended and the morning tea raised $1835.30.

“I am over the moon with this amount,” Mrs Tongue said.

“They’ve really dug deep.”

Mrs Tongue said she was overwhelmed with the generosity of the small community, with plenty of items donated for the trading table.

The guest speaker was breast cancer survivor Natalie Flemming, who spoke about her diagnosis in 2002 and her journey with cancer through surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy – and from denial to shock when she was diagnosed.

People from Piallamore, Tamworth, Timbumburi, Woolomin, Nemingha, Duri, Nundle, Dungowan and even Murwillumbah joined the gathering, with the aim to raise $1000.

“It’s about drawing the community together in their local hall, and interacting and mingling with everyone,” Mrs Tongue said.

“The Biggest Morning Tea is just about knowing you’re raising funds that may find that cure and might advance research, or may provide a caring nurse for somebody. We know that every dollar makes a difference to somebody somewhere. My mum had cancer and everybody’s been touched by cancer.”

The event was held earlier than the official Biggest Morning Tea date because Loomberah Chit Chat meets on the third Thursday of the month, involving parents with young children, so the fundraiser included art and craft activities for the young residents.

Biggest Morning Teas will be held across the region next week, including St John’s Op Shop on May 21, 22 and 23 from 9am to 12.30pm.