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It started out as an idea to host a couple of tables for a small afternoon tea to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support but as the idea grew, so did the committee and the ambition.
With an organising team of six made up of Kathleen O’Hare, Maggie Doyle, Sal Hanvey, Breda McAteer, Bree O’Hare and Caroline Smith, the Afternoon Tea event held last Saturday was months in the planning.
The idea came about after Kathleen and her friend Caroline signed up to take part in this year’s Macmillan Cancer Support Mighty Hike at the Giant’s Causeway on June 22, with Kathleen taking on the half marathon, and Caroline, the full marathon on the day.
All the money raised from the afternoon tea will go directly towards their fundraising efforts for the charity.
On the day more than 90 people made up of family, friends and work colleagues from across Newry and beyond came together for an afternoon of sandwiches, scones, songs and plenty of craic in the Newry Conference Centre on the Mall.
Hosted by radio and TV broadcaster John Daly, the event was attended by some familiar faces, including BBC Radio Ulster presenter Cate Conway, as well as Olivia Nash, Alexandra Ford and Damon Quinn from BBC NI’s ‘Give My Head Peace’.
The entire event was made possible thanks to the generous support from four businesses – Murdock Building Merchants, and OHMG Construction, both from Newry, as well as KDM Hire and SiteTech building products.
Emma Bannon, Relationship Fundraising Manager from Macmillan Cancer Support said: “We couldn’t be more grateful to Caroline, the incredible committee and the people of Newry for their incredible support and fundraising for Macmillan. Every penny raised through this epic tea party will help us do whatever it takes to provide vital support for people living with cancer, at a time when they need us more than ever.
“We’ll be cheering on Kathleen and Caroline every step of the way as they embark on the Giant’s Causeway Mighty Hike this summer."
For anyone interested in joining the determined duo and making a mighty difference, visit mightyhikes.macmillan.org.uk and sign up now.
And the final total? An amazing £4,514.70 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
