A huge thank you to Sue Adkins for raising £2,600 for the Diabetes Centre & oncology.
[caption id="attachment_4315" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Phil & Sue Adkins (centre), their son, Rob & partner Shannon (left), daughter Emma with partner Andrew (right).[/caption] Each year presents a brand-new challenge for Sue Adkins and the popular Afternoon Tea Weekend she organises with husband Phil and their family to support Northamptonshire Health Charity.
A scorching heatwave back in July 2018.
Stormy torrential downpours in 2019 threatening disaster before the first day could even kick off.
Who could have guessed that 2020’s mountainous hurdle would be a global pandemic?
As the coronavirus pandemic played out it became obvious that the fundraiser, planned for the first weekend in June, would not be able to go ahead in the couple’s back garden as intended.
Sue wasn’t even sure if it would be possible to go ahead at all.
“Following positive responses from a lot of family and friends, I made the decision to do an Afternoon Tea collection/delivery instead,” she explains.
This switch to a takeaway system was not without its own glitches, however.
“The previous weekend we had made all the tarts and sausage rolls so the two freezers were full to the brim,” explains Phil, “We returned home that Saturday to find all our electricity – apart from the lights – gone off!” As they couldn’t get a call out until the next day, son Rob phoned a friend with a van who drove over and helped take the two freezers to Rob’s house.
The food was saved!
A friend indeed helping out a friend in need because, “they never came out to fix the fault until Monday!” continues Phil, “I tell you; we are jinxed!” All things considered, while the weekend itself was as hectic as ever with so many teas to prepare for collection and delivery, it’s an amazing achievement that even more were sold than ever – 170 in total!!
“As they were available for takeaway, more people bought one when they might not have been able to come to us on the days,” adds Sue, “and a lot bought them for their kids too.” Daughter, Emma and her partner Andrew helped with the preparation and packing while Rob was delivery driver helped by his partner, Shannon.
Even the popular raffle went ahead on the Sunday as usual, this year drawn via Facebook Live – well done to all you winners!
We’d like to send Sue, Phil and everyone involved with this year’s very different event, a massive thank you for raising an incredible £2,600 in aid of Northampton General Hospital.
So, in spite of the challenge presented by the pandemic this year’s fundraiser raised £500 more than in 2019.
Each year, Sue chooses to support areas that have helped her family and this year funds have been split between the Diabetes Centre and the oncology department at the hospital.
“Wow this is amazing and so very thoughtful,” says Chris Blundred, Directorate Manager for oncology, “We are working to re-energise and make oncology outpatients more welcoming so these funds will make a big difference!” [caption id="attachment_4730" align="aligncenter" width="980"] Due to the current restrictions we did a cheque presentation photo in Sue & Phil's lovely back garden where the Afternoon Tea Weekend should have been held.[/caption] One of our wonderful long-standing supporters, Sue has now raised an astronomical £5,600 in aid of Northampton General Hospital.
In 2018, £900 was donated to the Stroke Unit helping them purchase special cutlery for patients as well as contributing towards training courses for staff, enhancing the care they can provide.
Last year’s £2,100 was split equally between Dryden ward and the Do it for Dementia fund.
While Dryden is currently awaiting a refurbishment after which they will look at spending their donation to enhance care for their heart patients, there have been a number of items and initiatives supported by the dementia funds.
From dementia-friendly wheeled Zimmer frames to recliner chairs for Nye Bevan and retro radios for Victoria, Esther White and Walter Tull wards – all thanks to the funds raised by Sue.
Who knows what next year's challenge will be for Sue, Phil and family?
It’s something new each year but each year the Afternoon Tea Weekend is a resounding success!
We're reserving our place for next year right now.