Giant tortoise Tiny is more used to chewing on some greens – but now he’s calling on people across the Vale to produce a stunning shell-ection of cakes and bakes to throw a Blooming Great Tea Party this June in aid of Marie Curie.
It’s easy to get involved. Pick a date this summer then invite your friends, colleagues and family round for a tea party, bake sale or a “Bake Off” style competition. All you need to do is ask for donations on the day. The money you raise will help Marie Curie provide vital care and support for people living with a terminal illness and their loved ones.
Tiny is one of the 280 residents at the Sully Tortoise Sanctuary in the Vale of Glamorgan, and took part in a photoshoot to promote the fundraising campaign.
Hannah Leckie Community Fundraiser for Cardiff and the Vale visited the sanctuary, where she also met the oldest resident – 149-year-old Matilda – and heard how the sanctuary, which is also a registered charity, provides support to tortoise owners and also takes in rescues, hibernations and holiday sits. It holds open days throughout the year, with the next due to take place on July 15.
Giant tortoise Tiny helped Hannah by posing for a photo to promote the Blooming Great Tea Party.
“It was a pleasure to find out more about the Sully Tortoise Sanctuary, and to have photos with the resident tortoise there,” said Hannah.
“Throwing a Blooming Great Tea Party for Marie Curie in June is an easy way to get together with friends, family and colleagues and raise money for a great cause. You can invite the whole village round for a garden party or spend time with a few close friends and buy in your favourite treat.
“So whether you’re an aspiring pastry chef, or a total butterfingers, join the thousands of people in the Vale who will be baking up a storm to raise money for people who are terminally ill across the whole country. We’re counting on your cuppa!”
Blooming Great Tea Party super fan, Mel Giedroyc, who is fronting the campaign said:
“I’m supporting Marie Curie’s Blooming Great Tea Party because it is the most sublimely joyous, wondrous event that takes place in June for the best cause.
“My mum is an amazing hostess and a brilliant baker. My all-time favourite cake is still mum’s chocolate fridge cake – I’ll be making some for my own tea party this year!
“My top tip would be to invite more people than you can possibly fit into your house. They will squeeze, don’t worry. For cake, people will do anything.
“So, to all my friends in the Vale of Glamorgan, get baking!”
