Essex ladies raise cash for Marie Curie

RAISING money for cancer-related charities needn’t be a sombre affair, as proved by ladies from Great Dunmow’s Inner Wheel group.

RAISING money for cancer-related charities needn’t be a sombre affair, as proved by ladies from Great Dunmow’s Inner Wheel group.

Led by organiser Shelia Lipson and president Olga Burrell, the women served up tasty treats and drinks and organised games and raffles for an outdoor ‘Blooming Great Tea Party with a Raspberry twist’.

Over �800 for Marie Curie Cancer Care was raised on the day, and the charity was also recognised for the important part that it plays in helping people’s lives when the disease strikes.

Mrs Lipson, 73, is one of those people. Her husband David died four years ago after an 18-month battle with prostate cancer.

She invited Marie Curie trained nurse Anne Harlow, 74, along to participate in the event. Anne had helped care for David in his final months and became a part of the family.

Mrs Lipson said: “Anne is one of those exceptional nurses whom we have stayed in touch with over the past few years and we were so pleased to welcome her for the occasion.

“The job that they do is wonderful and hopefully the money raised will go some way to helping support other nurses and their families.”

Over 60 guests attended the party at Mrs Lipson’s house last Thursday (July 15) including mayor Wendy Barron. To conclude the day everyone dug into raspberries and cream as that was the theme of the day.