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The fourth Sparkling Afternoon Tea event was held last Friday, 10 November and it was certainly a championing success, raising £5,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support NI.
The event saw over 250 women attend the afternoon outing at Canal Court Hotel in Newry. Hosted by Be Inspired To Be, the day spanned from 12pm-3.30pm and included food, drinks, inspirational talks, a mini fashion show, a best dressed prize and entertainment by The Leading Ladies, with a ‘surprise’ Cameoflage performance too!
Belinda O’Neill, founder of Be Inspired To Be, arranged the event to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support NI, a charity which resonates on a personal level.
Tania Bailie Relationship Fundraising Area Manager, Macmillan Cancer Support NI, was overjoyed with the amount raised for the charity.
She said: “Macmillan is needed now more than ever and we rely almost entirely on public donations to make a difference. We’re here to help people living with cancer all over Northern Ireland but we can't do it without our amazing fundraisers. We are so grateful to Belinda and her family, friends and supporters for raising such a fantastic amount to support our work. Thank you so much from everyone at Macmillan and well done on organising such a fantastic afternoon”.
Denise Watson led proceedings as MC for the afternoon event, which was opened by the Chairperson of Newry, Mourne & Down District Councillor Valerie Harte, who spoke fondly of the event and its charitable background. She said “It’s a great honour for me to be invited to the fourth Sparkling Afternoon Tea Event. I would like to pay tribute and congratulate Be Inspired To Be / Belinda O'Neill who on 4 occasions has organised this event to support different cancer charities".
Keynote Speaker, Irish Author Cathy Kelly, was unable to attend the event in person, given her own cancer diagnosis, however she remained a key part of the event via a very moving pre-recorded video message, which inspired everyone in attendance.
Melissa Convery was the recipient of the afternoon’s Best Dressed competition, judged by Tracey Hall, MD of the Style Academy Model Agency, winning vouchers for two of the event’s supporters, Sinenna Boutique and Accessorised by Elite.
Other local organisations who sponsored The Sparkling Afternoon Tea include Mourne Scan Clinic, Hanna Hillen Financial Services, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and the host Canal Court Hotel.
Belinda thanked all the event sponsors, supporters and all the attendees who made it a magical and memorable day.
