HUNDREDS turned out for a sunny funday at the Bull Inn, Clifton, to fulfil the dream of a Rugby woman who died of breast cancer.
Over 500 people turned up to The Big Strawberry Tea Party to raise over £10,000 for Breast Cancer Care in the name of Gail Dunkley, who was diagnosed with the disease in October 2014 and sadly lost her battle in July this year.
The party was Gail’s idea, and her friends Caroline Turner and Nickie Brightwell decided to keep the dream alive and throw the party in her honour.
Georgina Newton’s vintage cream teas raised £750, while Shelley Marvin and her beauticians gave treatments on the day raising over £240.
Matt Harrington raised just over £1,200 by shaving his beard off, and 15 stalls donated to the charity and sold their crafts and creations – including Beauty Box Make-Up, Cherry Pie Creations, Gleeful Glass and Cottage.
Music was provided by singer Leah Vassell and DJs Steve Vassell and Kev Walder, and prizes were given for a ‘best dressed strawberry’ competition.
A ‘Dove of Love’, kindly donated by Peter Mawby was released as the party closed at 6pm.
Caroline Turner said: “I was totally amazed by how many people came along to support this event for Breast Cancer Care and in memory of Gail.
“People were so very generous and the feedback from them all was what a fantastic day they had. We have been inspired and encouraged to hold the event every year and that’s just what we will do.”
Nickie Brightwell added: “It was a fantastic day and Gail would have loved it. She would never have imagined her idea would have turned into an event of this magnitude.
“She was definitely looking down on us all on Saturday, bringing sunshine, love and laughter, making the most wonderful day.”
