Elaine's poetry helps Breast Cancer Haven's national fundraising drive

POET Elaine Challis felt so compelled to help people with a breast cancer diagnosis that she put pen to paper to write a poem for a charity campaign.

Elaine, from Marchwood, is helping to raise awareness and funds for Breast Cancer Haven’s Big Tea Cosy 2019 with her poem. Simply called The Big Tea Cosy, it will be used in the charity’s promotions.

The national organisation offers free support, information and complementary therapies to women affected emotionally or physically by breast cancer and its associated treatments.

Elaine said: “I've always written poems for friends and family for birthdays and weddings. I was thrilled to be asked to write for Breast Cancer Haven Wessex as I know lots of people affected by breast cancer. My husband has just had surgery for prostate cancer too so I understand the need for support.

“The more my poems can help raise funds and awareness for this amazing charity, the more people they can reach. I feel very proud to be part of this.”

Following the success of The Big Tea Cosy 2018, the national charity is encouraging everyone to once again embrace the cold weather, cosy up with friends and loved ones, and ‘make a brew for Breast Cancer’ between 1st and 31st March.

Heidi Rehman, community fundraiser for Breast Cancer Haven, said: “We love how our supporters find such creative ways to get involved.

“With visitors using our services from all across the region, we are reliant upon our local community to help us with awareness and fundraising. We really hope that people will be joining the campaign by holding a tea party, whether it is at work, home or anywhere you chose in the month of March.”

Celebrity chefs and bakers are also supporting the campaign, with Great British Bake Off 2013 winner Francis Quinn, MasterChef 2016 winner Jane Devonshire, Hemsley & Hemsley, Lucy Watson and many more all providing tasty recipes.

People can also turn their tea party into an opportunity to get crafty by hosting a ‘Crafternoon’.

Six women in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer every hour. Raising £40 will help pay for a counselling session to support someone suffering from breast cancer.

All this year’s recipes are now on the website www.breastcancerhaven.org.uk/big-tea-cosy-recipes-1

To sign up to The Big Tea Cosy 2019 and receive a fundraising pack, visit www.breastcancerhaven.org.uk/cosysignup.

For more information visit www.breastcancerhaven.org.uk/thebigteacosy.