Rotorua locals pretty in pink for high tea breast cancer fundraiser

Locals donned their finest pink clothes and enjoyed high tea delicacies this weekend to help fundraise for a local trust.

The Rotorua Breast Cancer Trust held a Pink High Tea yesterday at the Arawa Park Racecourse.

It was the inaugural event with all money raised staying in Rotorua to help local woman.

The trust's usual big fundraiser is the Pink Walk in October, but are finding the need to fundraise more with more local women being diagnosed with breast cancer each year.

Rotorua Breast Cancer Trust chairwoman Vivienne Kermode previously said more than 70 women were diagnosed in Rotorua last year and the numbers were growing.

She said 170 tickets to the high tea were sold and she was pleased with the turnout.

There was entertainment and spot prizes for attendees.

Ms Kermode said people were impressed with the decor and how the event had been put together.

Image 1 of 9: Sarah Davies, left, and Vivienne Kermode.

"We are very grateful for all the businesses that have supported us in our venture and the people that have come.

"This will see so many more ladies and their families be able to be helped."

Ways the trust help women with breast cancer include providing food and petrol vouchers, baking and giving lifts to the hospital.

The trust hopes to know how much money was raised by tomorrow.

Ms Kermode said there was enthusiasm for the high tea to become an annual fundraiser.

Shirley Clare had her breast cancer operation in 2014.

"I haven't got words to praise this society because they are just brilliant with the support they give to us all."

The trust held a coffee club once a month and it was nice those who were new to having breast cancer could come along, have support and talk to other people, she said.

She said she thought the Pink High Tea was fantastic.

"It's just so lovely to see it look so pretty and the work that has gone into it is amazing. The food is delicious."