A mother and daughter from Terrington St John will throw a 1920s Gatsby-themed tea party – featuring live music and a raffle – to raise money for the ME Association.
Karen Radenkova and her daughter Hannah are hosting the afternoon tea at Terrington St John Methodist Church hall on Saturday August 11 from 3pm.
Hannah, 31, has suffered from myalgic encephalopathy (ME) since 2012 and has been housebound with the disease since 2014.
She said: “People have been really kind. I won’t be well enough to attend, but my friends are really keen to help, and they’ll be dressing up in 20s clothes to serve everyone.”
Guests can expect tea, finger sandwiches, scones and a variety of cakes, all served by flapper girls. There will also be live music of the jazz era, a cake auction, and a raffle with prizes donated from local businesses.
Hannah added: “We’ve managed to get some really great prizes; Majestic cinema tickets, Strikes Bowling tickets, a free cut and blow-dry at Eden Hair Design, to name just a few.
ME is a chronic illness which affects around 250,000 men, women and children in the UK. Symptoms include muscular and joint pain, severe headaches, difficulty in organising thoughts or finding the right words, known as ‘brain fog’.
Helen Hyland, The ME Association’s fundraising manager, said: “We are so grateful to Karen and Hannah for all their efforts to raise much needed funds and awareness of this cruel illness.
“And what a novel way to do it – by going back in time to raise funds so that we can support more people with ME into the future! Thank you ladies for all you are doing for M.E.”
Hannah added: “A recent debate was called in parliament on the research and treatment of ME/CFS after the death of 21 year-old Merryn Crofts from the disease in 2017.
“Like many sufferers, she was told her illness was psychological. The ME Association offers support to sufferers, as well as pushing for further research into the condition, in the hope of finding a cure.”
For more information about the tea party or to buy tickets, which are £6, email Hannah at: GatsbyForME@gmail.com or call Karen before 8pm on 01945 881472.
Those unable to attend can still donate on Just Giving, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gatsbyforme
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