We’ve taken part in Lymphoma Association’s Great British Tea Break ahead of Lymphatic Cancer Awareness Week between 14th and 20th September.
Having been directly touched by the tragic loss and long-term struggles of Lymphoma, we’ve been raising money and awareness throughout our ranks with a day of Tea-related activities.
Firstly, members of the team dressed down for work, ready to attend High Tea at 3pm in the office, where cakes and teas served in fine china were available for donations.
The cakes on offer were lovingly crafted by our friends at the local Regency Tea Rooms in Bromsgrove, who also donated specially iced cupcakes in support of Lymphoma Association. A stunning chocolate cake was also baked for the event by a GBW colleague.
We also held a Tea Tasting competition, with five different brands on offer alongside six options, including a red herring, to test employee’s taste buds.
With an entry fee and half the competition pot earmarked for the Lymphoma Association, two joint winners correctly identified three out of the five teas and kindly added their prizes to the pot. We raised a total of £250 on the day.
In amongst the fundraising fun, hard and heart-breaking stories were swapped about this life changing and life taking condition, which has affected many in the agency.
Lymphoma is currently the fifth most common cancer diagnosed by clinicians in the UK (after breast, lung, colon and prostate cancers). It is the most common blood cancer and can occur at any age.
Research and treatment, including continuing support once treatment has finished, needs vital funds and this year’s awareness week has a focus on the Live your life – living with and beyond lymphoma programme, aimed at helping people readjust at a time when they can feel isolated, neglected and are finding it hard to get on with their lives.
Sue Bailey, Managing Director, said: “Along with the awful suffering this cancer causes, there are positive stories of survival and successful treatment. As a Lymphoma patient currently in remission I’ve experienced chemotherapy, hair loss, sickness and all the other related effects, but I am extremely fortunate to be here and able to help support the association.
“It is critical that people are made more aware of the symptoms so that early diagnosis can be made. I had put my symptoms down to early menopause.”
She added: “Many of my team have also been affected by Lymphoma, either directly or through their families, so I am very proud to see them all today helping raise crucial funds and awareness.”
To learn more about Lymphatic Cancer, the Lymphoma Association and Lymphoma Awareness Week, visit www.lymphomas.org.uk