Thousands of these people live in Derbyshire, and thousands of them are helped by Macmillan Cancer Support.

The charity provides services for people during every stage of what it calls their 'cancer journey', with 58 dedicated professionals working throughout the county, including specialist nurses, doctors and health workers, social workers and care coordinators.

Steve Loane, area fundraising manager for Derbyshire, said: "A lot of people aren't aware of all the services we offer and we really want to get the message out.

"The idea is that people receive the care they need to get their lives as close as they can be to how they were before they were affected by cancer.

"The help people need will change throughout their cancer journey. For example, someone may become disabled as a result of their illness, so we have physiotherapists and occupational therapists to help with that."

The charity relies heavily on the support of the public to fund the work it does.

One of the most important ways it does that is through the World's Biggest Coffee Morning, where people all over the UK get together for a cuppa to raise money for cancer sufferers.

The fundraiser was launched during the nineties in a bid to get as many people nationwide involved in the charity as possible. Last year 700 Derbyshire events brought in £110,000. This year, on Friday, September 25, fundraisers are pushing for £140,000.

Amy Jukes, fundraising manager for Derbyshire, said: "We rely 100 per cent on money raised by supporters.This is an easy event to get involved in. There's no right or wrong way to take part, you can tailor the event to suit yourself. The important thing is that all the money raised will help improve the lives of people affected by cancer."

Matlock Mayor Cllr Geoff Stevens helped launch the event in the town last month and is urging residents and businesses to take part.

He said: "I hope that the people of Matlock will help by supporting this worthwhile cause and attend the World's Biggest Coffee Morning. I intend to visit as many as possible that are held in Matlock."

The charity was launched in 1911 by a man named Douglas Macmillan. The young man had been so affected by the suffering his father had been through during his battle with cancer he was moved to set up the Society for the Prevention and Relief of Cancer.

Macmillan has grown considerably in the past 98 years. It now employs more than 3,500 staff, and supports millions of people nationwide.

To register for the World's Biggest Coffee Morning call 0845 602 1246 or more information on the services offered by Macmillan click here.

The charity relies heavily on fundraisers.

Matlock Rotary Club hosted the annual Dovedale Dipper earlier this month and raised £7,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The seventh 26-mile walk or 15-mile run, starting at Hartington Village Hall, saw 396 competitors take part with only seven having to drop out during the day.

Despite wet and muddy conditions the winner, Gareth Briggs, completed the challenge in three hours and 33 minutes. Adele Salt was the fastest woman in four hours and nine minutes.

Rotary president, Albert Ripamonti, said: "The Dovedale Dipper is now an established annual event that over the last seven years has raised tens of thousands for some very worthwhile and deserving charities.

"We are proud this year to be supporting Macmillan Cancer Care."

Amy Jukes, fundraising manager for Derbyshire, who completed the 15-mile ramble, added: "I would like to say a big thank you to Matlock Rotary and everyone who helped to make this year's Dovedale Dipper event such a success.

"The money raised will help those affected by cancer."