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Over two hundred women visited the Canal Court Hotel in Newry earlier this month for the third Sparkling Afternoon Tea event. The gathering was a championing success, raising £4,000 for Friends of the Cancer Centre.
Hosted by Be Inspired To Be, the day spanned from 12pm-3pm and included food, drinks, entertainment and a speech given by Baroness Margaret Ritchie.
Belinda O’Neill, founder of Be Inspired To Be, arranged the event, with all proceeds being donated to Friends of the Cancer Centre, a Northern Irish charity focusing on research as well as patient care and comfort.
In total, £4,000 was raised from both ticket sales and the charity ballot, all of which will help support thousands of people from across Northern Ireland.
Ana Wilkinson, Head of Fundraising for Friends of the Cancer Centre, was overjoyed with the amount raised for the charity.
She said: “On behalf of Friends of the Cancer Centre, I would like to say a huge thank you to Belinda for organising the Ladies Sparking Afternoon Tea and to all the sponsors and the guests for their support. The charity is delighted to receive this fantastic donation of £4,000 which will help support patients and their families from across Northern Ireland.
“Friends of the Cancer Centre’s work focuses on four key areas - patient comforts, patient care, cancer awareness and research. We are only able to provide this vital support thanks to people like Belinda and the local community.”
The afternoon was opened by the Chairperson of Newry, Mourne & Down District Council Michael Savage, who spoke fondly of the event and its charitable background.
He said “This was a fantastic event which brought women from all walks of life together in a fabulous social setting to raise awareness and funding for Friends of the Cancer Centre.
“I want to congratulate Belinda O'Neill for her amazing efforts in organising the event, nothing was left to chance and everything ran like clockwork.
“Baroness Margaret Ritchie showed immense character in telling of her own personal journey at what was an emotional occasion.
“It was a privilege to be involved.”
Michael’s wife, Noreen Savage, was even the recipient of the afternoon’s Best Dressed competition, judged by Tracey Hall, MD of the Style Academy Model Agency, winning a voucher for one of the event’s supporters, Sinenna Boutique.
Other outstanding organisations who sponsored The Sparkling Afternoon Tea include Mourne Scan Clinic, Hanna Hillen Financial Services, Omniplex Cinemas and the host Canal Court Hotel.
One of the main attractions of the afternoon was Baroness Margaret Ritchie’s Keynote Speech, in which she spoke of her own personal experiences throughout life.
She said: “I was delighted to attend the Be Inspired To Be Annual Charity fundraiser in Newry in aid of the Friends of the Cancer Centre at Belfast City Hospital.
“Cancer impacts on nearly every family in Northern Ireland - the importance of regular screening and ongoing investment in clinical research; new treatments and medicines is vital.
“I would like to congratulate Belinda O’Neill who shows such foresight, vision and ingenuity in the preparation, planning and execution of the fundraising endeavour for such a worthwhile cause.”
After such a successful day, Belinda is pleased to announce that the event will be back on November 10th 2023 for the fourth annual Charity Sparkling Afternoon Tea.
She also thanked all of the event sponsors, supporters and all of the attendees who made it a magical and memorable day.
