Considering the day, it seemed quite appropriate that I met brain cancer survivor Ellen Palmer at the door.

“I had a meningioma, a benign brain tumour, I knew it was there and had scans every two years, they took it out last September,” Mrs Palmer said.

“I consider myself very lucky.” 

Mrs Palmer had bought herself a beanie from the Mark Hughes Foundation, one of about 40 sold for the morning, as well as slices made by members of the Scone and District Cancer Support Group.

According to cancer.org.au there are more than 40 major types of brain tumours, grouped into two main types: benign, which are slow-growing and unlikely to spread; and malignant, which are cancerous and can spread. 

Scone and District Cancer Support Group president June Day said it was the group’s 22nd morning tea.

“Most people here are survivors or touched in some way by cancer,” Mrs Day said as she surveyed the room full of people.

“This event gets bigger every year.”

The morning tea ran from 9am to noon and by 11am it was estimated 160 people had already passed through the doors for a cuppa, a slice and a chat.

Indeed, by the afternoon Mrs Day confirmed the money raised for the Cancer Council totalled $1602.90, while the money to remain in Scone with the Scone Cancer Support Group totalled $2821.60 from the trading table, lolly trolley and raffles.

“This money will help with updating equipment and purchasing new equipment which is loaned free of charge to clients throughout the Upper Hunter Shire area,” Mrs Day said.

“We enable people to stay at home for as long as is practicable in their family atmosphere. 

“Our equipment is not only for cancer patients but anyone with a life-threatening illness.

“It also aids our Helping Hands program.

“If you’ve had chemo, the last thing you want to do when you come home that day is to cook tea – we cook meals as part of Helping Hands.”

Mrs Day thanked the Scone community for its very generous support.