Family to host Gatsby-inspired charity event in Terrington St John

Glitz and glamour will be on the menu at a Great Gatsby-themed tea party in Terrington St John next month to raise funds for charity.

Karen Radenkova, 63, and her daughter Hannah, 31, will be holding a classic afternoon tea with a vintage twist at the village’s Methodist Church Hall on Saturday, August 11.

The event, which will raise money for the ME Association, is close to home for the family, as Hannah has suffered from ME since 2012 and has been house-bound with the disease since 2014.

“We’ve managed to get some really great prizes, people have been really kind,” Hannah said.

“I won’t be well enough to attend, but my friends are really keen to help, and they’ll be dressing up in 20s clothes to serve everyone.”

Prizes include Majestic Cinema tickets, free games at Strikes Bowling, a free cut and blow-dry at Eden Hair Design, among others.

Guests can also expect tea, finger sandwiches, scones and a variety of cakes, all served by flapper girls, to be accompanied by live music of the jazz era, a cake auction and a raffle.

ME, or CFS as it is often referred to, prevents the body from making energy as it should.

As a result around 250,000 people in the UK struggle with their daily lives, with 25 per cent left house- or bed-bound.

Helen Hyland, the ME Association’s fundraising manager, said: “We are so grateful to Karen and Hannah for all their efforts to raise much-needed funds and awareness of this cruel illness.

“And what a novel way to do it – by going back in time to raise funds so that we can support more people with ME into the future.”

To find out more about the tea party or to buy tickets, email Hannah via GatsbyForMe@gmail.com or call Karen before 8pm on 01945 881472.

Costumes at the event are encouraged but not necessary and tickets are £6.

Those unable to attend can still donate via www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gatsbyforme