After Allyson was diagnosed with breast cancer and was waiting for treatment, she decided to ‘go big’ and host an Afternoon Tea.
After Allyson was diagnosed with breast cancer and was waiting for treatment, she decided to ‘go big’ and host an Afternoon Tea.
My diagnosis has changed me
I had already sent for my Afternoon Tea fundraising kit and was planning a small event; coffee & cakes in the garden, but a diagnosis of breast cancer a few weeks later changed all that. After the initial shock and the tears, I decided that I needed to do something and set about ‘going big’.
The Afternoon Tea Facebook group was a great place to ‘touch base’ with others who were arranging an event to share ideas of things that they had done or where things had gone well. I loved this and was a regular ‘observer and contributor’, gaining many ideas for my own Afternoon Tea. It was such a lovely welcoming forum where people felt safe to ask questions and that people responded with offers of support.
I had such a positive response from people
I booked the village hall so that more people could attend and raise more money. I went to local shops asking for donations and started to contact people and companies. The offers covered food and drink, along with prizes for the raffle and tombola. I was overwhelmed by the positive response and how quickly people got back to me.
On the day of my event, people started to arrive from around 1.30pm. By 2pm, the hall was buzzing with chat and excitement, with nearly 200 people in attendance! I did say a few words at the event which was important to me, sharing my story of having breast cancer, to say thank you to everyone and raise awareness of the importance of having a mammogram and checking your breasts.
Planning an Afternoon Tea helped me while I waited for treatment
My Afternoon Tea will be remembered positively by so many people who attended. The event was really special and a real WOW, from walking through the door, the way the hall was dressed, the pom-poms, the bunting, the balloons, the food and the buzz in the room, it really was amazing.
My Afternoon Tea was very important to me and the planning of the event really helped me whilst I was waiting for surgery and follow up radiotherapy. My advice to anyone who is thinking about hosting an Afternoon Tea this July is go for it and enjoy it.
Will you take part in an Afternoon Tea like Allyson? Register for your Afternoon Tea fundraising pack now.
A note from the Afternoon Tea Ladies
It’s important to remember that Afternoon Teas will have to look quite different this year and hosting an event like Allyson’s might not be possible.
But that doesn’t mean they won’t be hugely impactful! When planning your tea, please follow the most up to date government guidance to keep you and your guests safe.