WIMBELDON may be over but there’s still time to host a summer tea party.

Throughout July the Brighter Futures team are encouraging anyone who enjoys eating and drinking with friends, family and work colleagues to get together and throw a party to raise funds for the radiotherapy appeal.

Jennifer Green, Brighter Futures’ head of fundraising, said: “It’s so easy to do, most people can get together and do it in the work place or as a group at home. It’s something simple they can fit into the summer at a time that suites them.

“When people phone to get involved we send them a party pack which includes posters, a fun quiz, party name tags and judging sheets. It’s all meant as a bit of fun for a good cause.”

Everyone who takes part in the summer tea party quiz will be entered into a draw to win tea for two at the elegant Stanton House Hotel, situated on the edge of the Cotswolds.

On June 30, staff at the GWH hosted their own tea party in the women’s health wards at the hospital and managed to raise £45 by selling cakes.

Organiser Teresa Harding, divisional director of the women’s, children’s and sexual health department, said: “Staff loved it, they came in their droves. Cakes always go down well, especially when it’s for a good cause.

“It’s lovely to be part of an organisation that is trying to do things for Swindon and it’s a privileged to have helped organise the event.

Teresa is also involved with the hospital choir, which travels to different venues singing and raising funds for the appeal.

They sang at the Chiseldon Festival on July 2 and are currently on the lookout for venues to sing in at Christmas.

If you’d like to host your own summer tea party, contact the Brighter Futures team on 01793 605631 or email fundraising@gwh.nhs.uk to receive a free party pack.

So far £770,000 has been raised, which means we’re still some way off the £2.9 million needed. To donate log on to www.brighterfuturesgwh.nhs.uk.