Manic fundraiser brings in £7k for Marie Curie
Press release published
A signed jacket worn by Manic Street Preachers guitarist Nicky Wire was the star attraction in a family fundraiser that brought in more than £7,000 for Marie Curie.
Sarah Foley teamed up with her father Nigel Taylor and brother David Taylor for the family’s biennial Blooming Great Tea Party with a team of family and friend helpers at Rumney Hill Garage to support the work of Marie Curie. The £7,241 raised at the Saturday 21st May event was a ‘thank you’ to the charity for the care and support they provided to Sarah’s mother, Julia Taylor, who died in 2011 aged just 61.
As well as the signed jacket donated by Manic Street Preachers guitarist Nicky Wire, which raised more than £2,200 alone, the event has featured a silent auction on a number of lots including a signed match-worn World Cup shirt from Wales winger Alex Cuthbert, a signed Jonathan Davies shirt, and a shirt signed by players from Glamorgan County Cricket Club.
Visitors to the Blooming Great Tea Party were also able to enjoy a wide selection of cakes, take part in fun competitions and also pay to have their car washed.
Sarah Foley said: “We lost our mum in August 2011, and then in 2012 the Blooming Great Tea Party adverts were popping up everywhere, and I went onto Facebook and asked my friends: ‘Does anyone fancy having tea and cake with me for a good cause?’ It all went a bit mad and there was going to be too many people to hold it at my house, so we decided to hold them at the garage instead. We’ve held a tea party every two years since 2012. The first one raised £3,500 and the second one brought in £4,500.
“This was our third one, and I knew this time we would raise a bit more, but I was surprised by just how much we did raise. Thanks to Rumney Funeral Services who sponsored us, also family and friends who donated cakes. Thanks also to everyone who donated raffle prizes and came along on the day for making it such a success.”
David Taylor added: “It was a manic day with lots of people here. Someone said to me on the day ‘You must be shattered?’, but for what the nurses did for our mum and our family it was nothing to raise a bit of money.”
Georgina Burke, Marie Curie Community Fundraiser, said: “The Blooming Great Tea Parties hosted by Sarah and her family just seem to get better and better! Following Saturday’s event, the family has now raised over £15,000 for Marie Curie over the last four years – which is absolutely phenomenal. We are extremely grateful for their fantastic support.”
To register or for tea party inspiration visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/teaparty or call 0800 716 146. For more information please contact Community Fundraiser Georgina Burke on 02920 426068, email Georgina.burke@mariecurie.org.uk
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