Strawberry tea parties have raised £20,000

IT started out in 2004 as a small, inconspicuous event involving just a handful of guests in her back garden.

But 14 years on, Carolyn Collard’s strawberry tea parties have become renowned throughout the UK – and have raised a staggering £20,000 for charity.

The Barry resident, who started organising the fundraisers following the death of her mother-in-law to cancer, says she’s amazed at how they have grown over the years.

“There were probably about 15 people in the first one which raised £224 for Breast Cancer Care,” she said.

“It’s just gone on and on and now people tell me it’s the highlight of their year.

“I have made lots of friends through it.”

Carolyn said she has had brilliant weather for the vast majority of her parties.

But last year, torrential rain descended on the town, which forced her to change her venue at the last minute.

“I woke up, saw the rain and I just didn’t know what to do. I’d already set up everything in the garden,” she added.

“But all of my friends rallied around and found us a hall to go into [St Francis Millennium Centre].

“The next thing I knew there were loads of cars out the front of the house to take all the tables there. We raised £5,000 that day.”

As well as getting local businesses to sponsor the garden parties, the event usually includes a raffle, auction and plenty of games.

“My husband [Mike] great with it as well.

“He decided he wanted a ‘man cave’ has been which was put at the bottom of the garden.

“But now it’s just full of chairs for my strawberry tea parties,” she joked.

Carolyn, who also used to host very popular Halloween parties at her home in Priory Gardens, Barry, said she vows to continue the events for years to come.

“Everyone chips in, it’s so wonderful,” she added.

All the money raised has been donated to Breast Cancer Care, which offers information and support to breast cancer patients and their families. For details go to breastcancer care.org.uk