Underwater Blooming Great Tea Party goes off with a splash

A tea party has gone off with a splash as celebrities joined guests at the exclusive Park Club in Acton to enjoy an underwater afternoon tea and help launch Marie Curie Cancer Care’s Blooming Great Tea Party campaign.

Celebrity diners Louis Theroux, Adrian Chiles, Blue Peter’s Helen Skelton, Zoe Tyler [Loose Women], Nina Wadia [EastEnders] and Aaron Renfree [S Club Juniors] joined over 80 guests in ‘Mad Hatter’ fancy dress at their underwater table to enjoy a selection of tea-time delicacies. On the menu was caramelized cucumber sandwiches, ice cubed fairy cake, and English breakfast tea - flavoured gel.

Marie Curie Nurse Honor Wright said on the day: “This is the first of thousands of Blooming Great Tea Parties set to take place this summer in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care. The charity is encouraging people to hold their own tea party this June and July – and it doesn’t have to be an underwater extravaganza! Your Blooming Great Tea Party can be as simple as a cuppa and cakes in the office or a party in the garden with friends. However big or small – funds raised can make a huge difference in allowing Marie Curie Nurses like me to provide more free care to terminally ill people in their own homes.”

The Underwater spectacular was part of The Park Club’s ‘Swimstock’ event - a celebration of swimming with special guest Rebecca Adlington who agreed to race against winners from swimming heats held throughout the morning.

The initiative has been supported by British Gas, who are passionate about British Swimming. With initiatives up and down the country including The Great Swim Series, Pools 4 Schools and Swimfit, British Gas is on a mission to help give everyone the opportunity to learn to swim and keep active, and support the champions of today and tomorrow.

In addition to Swimstock, the Park Club, London’s premier health and fitness club, also incorporated its annual Parkstock event, and welcomed special guest Sophie Ellis Bextor, along with the Fabba Girls and a host of other music entertainment who all donated their time in support of the charity.

Rob Clarke, Swimming Facilities Manager at the The Park Club who has helped organise the event said: “It’s been absolutely inspiring having Rebecca here to train and swim with our members. Undertaking such an adventurous scenario is all in day’s work for The Park Club.  Our team and members have been fantastic in embracing the idea.  We’ve all had a brilliant time and most importantly helped raised loads of money for this amazing charity."

Sign up to hold a Blooming Great Tea Party

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