High tea benefits Dannevirke cancer patients

Judy Coley and Sharyn Smith prepare to serve tea at the fundraiser. Photo / Christine McKay

Judy Coley has worked in the cancer ward at Palmerston North Hospital for 20 years and knows the stress and anxiety cancer brings to families.

"My husband died from cancer nine years ago," she said.

"I feel for Dannevirke cancer patients having to make the trip across the Saddle Rd for treatment, the added cost, time and stress."

Judy Coley and her helpers prepared a delicious afternoon tea for the fundraiser. Photo/Christine McKay

Wanting to raise money for the Dannevirke Cancer Support Group to allow them to help Dannevirke cancer patients, Judy decided to host a high tea at her home.

"It's nice to be able to keep the money in Dannevirke and with the help of Sandra Haycock, Erin Conoors and Jayne Miller, we've been able to dish up tasty treats and charge $10 a ticket," she said.

Despite limiting the number of tickets to 20, enough to fit comfortably in her home, Judy was delighted with the $765 raised.

"I'm rapt the money will stay here and our fundraising effort was helped by the generosity of the owners of Merrylees Hotel, who donated $100 to the cause, without even being asked,' she said.

While Judy and her team provided the food, the stage was set by Sharyn Smith of fledgling Hawke's Bay business Lavender and Lace.

"My daughter and I supplied all the props and the china in a venture which is new to us," Sharyn said.

"We're just two ladies with a passion for anything vintage and can provide everything, except the food for functions such as birthdays, high teas, baby showers and all manner of different occasions."

Everyone at Mrs Coley's high tea were delighted with the afternoon, giving it a 10-out-of-10, as they indulged in tea and tasty treats.

* Raffle winners were Sheryl Bond and Rosie Walshe of Dannevirke and Emily Anderson of Hawke's Bay.