First our worlds fell apart, but then I held an Afternoon Tea to celebrate my daughter Jenny

My beautiful daughter, Jenny, was diagnosed with breast cancer in early 2024.

She was 41 years old and mother to a 2-year-old daughter and 10-month-old son.

Our worlds fell apart

Jenny had a lumpectomy and radiotherapy.

Throughout everything, Breast Cancer Now have been incredible

Whether it's sharing information or giving time to speak with Jenny on the phone, there was always someone there to support her, answer her questions and listen to her fears. 

She used Breast Cancer Now services like Moving Forward and Someone Like Me. 

I think the work Breast Cancer Now do is just wonderful

Fast forward to where we are today, Jenny is doing really well and has finished her treatment. We all realise, however, that the journey for Jenny will continue.

Our story goes even further

When she was just 5 years old, Jenny's birth mother passed away to breast cancer. She was 33. 

My husband was left to bring up Jenny and her sister. His mother had already passed away from breast cancer at 51. And Jenny's maternal grandmother and aunty have also had breast cancer. 

Our family knows only too well the devastating impact cancer has

We also appreciate the progress that has been made with research, support and treatments over the years. 

Breast Cancer Now have some really good goals for the future, but I know that the future can’t happen without funds. So, I wanted to do something to help.

Why on earth would I not support Afternoon Tea? 

It’s a lovely and joyous campaign – who wouldn’t want to have tea and cake? The first thing I did was set a date. 

The beauty of Afternoon Tea is you can take part however you want. There’s no pressure to put on a big fundraiser – but I wanted to! And when I put my mind to something, I’m determined. 

The charity have lots of useful materials. As well as the fundraising kit, you can also download and order materials to your door. I used the Afternoon Tea quiz to entertain my guests.

I called Jenny and asked if she’d like to be my guest of honour

We were both quite tearful. Jenny had come through her treatment, and I thought it was an opportunity for us to come together and celebrate that things were looking positive.  
 
Friends, family and neighbours all came together at the community hall to raise funds, awareness and celebrate Jenny. 

The generosity of people was amazing 

Local business and friends supported me in the lead up, people travelled, and everyone was so kind in donating.  

I decided to use JustGiving and set up my own fundraising page – I made sure to make it personal, so I added a photo and wrote about our story. 

My top tip is to set a date

You can then start talking about it and you’re committed to taking part. 

I’d also think about the format of your event; do you want to hold it at home or at a venue? You can take part however you want, but once you’ve decided the type of event you’ll be holding you can get started with planning.