A NEWPORT Paralympic swimming star has dived in to help Macmillan raise money for cancer care.

Liz Johnson is backing the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning event, to encourage people to host a coffee morning for Macmillan Cancer Support on September 27.

The 27-year-old won a gold medal for the 100m breaststroke at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games 11 days after sadly losing her mother Bonnie, 52, to cervical cancer.

Miss Johnson who has cerebral palsy, said: “My mum died 11 months after her diagnosis and my sister got a lot of support from Macmillan after she passed away.

“When she was ill, my mum also received support from Macmillan.

“She was very brave and never discussed it with us so having Macmillan there meant she had someone to discuss things with including the financial impact of her illness.

“I was away a lot for training so indirectly Macmillan helped me by looking after my family's needs.”

The Swansea University graduate, who also won gold medals at the 2006 IPC world championships, a silver medal at the Athens Paralympics in 2004 and a bronze medal at the London 2012 Paralympics, is now encouraging people to host a coffee morning to crucial funds for the charity.

“I’m supporting World’s Biggest Coffee Morning as Macmillan was able to help my family at a time when we needed them most,” she said.

The Mayor of Newport Councillor Cliff Suller has chosen Macmillan Cancer Support as his charity of the year.

He said: “I chose Macmillan Cancer Support in Newport because of their work in the city and the real difference they make to lives of Newport residents.

“I would urge people to take part in the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning and to invite family and friends round and hold a coffee morning or a cake sale to raise funds for the charity”

To sign up to host a coffee morning, call 0300 1000 200 or visit www.macmillan.org.uk/coffee.

For information or support relating to cancer, call Macmillan’s Support Line on 0808 808 00 00 (8am to 8pm Monday to Friday) or visit www.macmillan.org.uk