Tea Party Fundraiser to Raise Money for Jessie May

Fundraisers at Jessie May, the local charity which cares for terminally ill children at home, are encouraging people to hold tea parties this summer to raise money and awareness for the cause.

Following the success of the first Time for Tea campaign last year, which raised £10,000 in just one week, the charity has decided to extend the event and hold a summer-long campaign which will see supporters holding tea parties or just sitting down with a cuppa and friends to back the charity.

Jessie May head of fundraising and communications Julian Withers said: “Mums and Dads will know that it’s not always easy to find time for a cuppa when you’ve got kids. For Jessie May parents, if you add into the mix caring for a child who has very complex needs then it’s almost impossible. Our Time for Tea campaign is not only a fun way to support our charity it is also a reminder of how much our families need our nurses to help provide care for their poorly child and give them some respite.

“Our nurses do truly amazing work with families in the area who are coping with a terminally ill child or children. We really want to spread the word about the work we do and would love local families to support us.

“Funds raised throughout the campaign will go towards ensuring that every child in the area who is not expected to reach adulthood receives nursing care within the home.

“We facilitate home care so that the children can be comfortable, happy and surrounded by loved ones. Many of the children we care for have long-term degenerative illnesses so we support the families throughout the care process.

“If you’d like to take part all you need to do is sign up for a special pack and then host your own tea party with friends, family or colleagues at any time during the summer to suit you.

“We are also encouraging schools and businesses to join in with cake sales and their own tea parties. We have designed the whole tea party idea so that absolutely anyone can take part and we’re really hoping for a repeat of our successful first year.”

Jessie May Trust was established in 1994 by Chris and Philippa Purrington following the death of their baby daughter Jessica May who suffered from a genetic condition and passed away aged 4 ½ months.

Jessie May now provides care to families in Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Bath. It costs around £820,000 for the charity to provide this care yearly and as it is almost entirely dependent on public support, fundraisers like this are essential.

Local businesses are already supporting the campaign, including the Grand Pier, City West Commercials, Asda Patchway and the Hilton Bristol.

For more information about Jessie May or to sign up for a tea party please visit www.jessiemay.org.uk