Jane Lacey Fundraising For Breast Cancer Now
When a close friend was diagnosed with breast cancer, by an odd coincidence a promotion piece for the charity Breast Cancer Now popped up on Jane Lacey’s phone. The charity was suggesting organising afternoon teas as a way of fund raising and the idea appealed to Jane, who says she “never does things by halves!”’ She ran her first tea party in 2023 which was a success and this August her expanded event, held in the Kibworth Hub, raised an astonishing £2,000 and rising!
Breast Cancer Now is a charity which funds research into the causes of breast cancer and also provides counselling support for sufferers, sadly many of whom are young.
Jane chose the Kibworth Community Hub as her venue since she has helped regularly with the Welcome Kitchen which ran in the winter months, so she knew the layout and equipment there. She booked the hall in May and then set about organising her family, her friends and lots of other people to help. Jane’s enthusiasm and warm, friendly personality encouraged many to join her.
This time, as well as a wonderful display of cakes and teas, she had stalls selling cakes, plants and bric a brac, plus tombola (one specially for children) and more. There was a raffle offering a range of really excellent prizes. Friends, family and local businesses donated lots of prizes and Jane bought many more including afternoon tea hampers, to add to the selection on offer.
Jane acknowledges the great deal of help she had, not only in advance but with setting up the hall on the day, running the stalls and clearing up afterwards. It was hard work but she is undaunted, having agreed to do it all again next year. Next time she is planning some changes and there have been lessons learned which may be of help to others who may want to fund raise.
These include:
- have a very clear idea of what you want to achieve
- be willing to accept lots of help
- choose the right venue and have a clear plan for setting it up
- use a Just Giving page for those who cannot attend on the day or who want to donate more
To raise over £2,000 was an amazing effort so many congratulations to Jane and all her many helpers for a heart warming event and good luck for next year!
Carol Townend
Kibworth Ladies Choir update – Save the date!
