ALICE IRVING

ALOCAL charity is asking people to put the kettle on to help people with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses.

St Ann’s Hospice, which operates from three sites in Heald Green, Little Hulton and at Wythenshawe Hospital, is holding a special Time for Tea month throughout September, and is asking local people to invite their friends, family or colleagues round for a brew to help them raise much-needed funds.

Eamonn O’Neal, chief executive of the hospice, said: “St Ann’s is a charity and we need to raise around £16,000 every day to continue providing our services to patients and their loved ones. As you can imagine, that’s a difficult task, but local people are always so incredibly generous.

“The Time for Tea fundraising campaign is the latest way people can get involved in helping us to raise money, and it’s a simple one too. We’re encouraging people to make a brew for their neighbours, catch up with colleagues over a cuppa, or take time out with their friends, in exchange for a pound of two donation to the hospice. Every penny raised will help us to support the local patients we care for.

“If people aren’t able to take part in September, that’s not a problem either. We can help interested fundraisers to put on their Time for Tea event at any time of the year.”

The hospice is asking community groups, churches, schools, local businesses, families and individuals to host a gettogether, tea party, coffee morning, cake sale or bakeoff, and have produced a special information pack complete with posters and recipes to inspire hosts to hold the best party possible. »●*For more information or to find out more about other ways to fundraise for St Ann’s, please visit www.sah.org.uk or call 0161 498 3631.