Keith fundraiser Trisha Davidson's annual strawberry tea boosts Breast Cancer Now by more than £12,600 – taking total to nearly £60,000 over last 12 years
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A KEITH fundraiser's annual summer baking marathon has once again raised thousands of pounds for a breast cancer charity.
Farmer's wife Trisha Davidson's sales of summer strawberry teas have now boosted Breast Cancer Now by £58,700 over the last 12 years.
Trisha's marquee event at her home at Netherton Farm, off the A96 on the town outskirts, has grown in that time to become a key and very well-supported event on the local calendar.
Over the last two pandemic years, however, the event has had to be adapted to run on a local delivery-only basis.
Trisha kicked off her fundraising earlier in the year through Mother's Day and Easter raffles and throughout June delivered strawberry teas every weekend, assisted by husband Harold and their children, Tiegan and Brodie, and friends.
Her busy team put out more than 800 strawberry teas and 100 kids' boxes.
Her efforts this year notched up an amazing £12,674 – and she didn't stop there. She has raised £900 alongside that for Ward 206 at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
Scores of people also signed up in May to take on a physical challenge which Trisha organised as a secondary fundraiser this year.
Trisha hopes to be able to decorate the marquee to welcome guests back to the farm next year.
She said: "I am so delighted to be able to announce our final totals.
"I am so grateful to everyone for supporting the teas, from ordering teas, buying raffles and handing in donations. Also thank you to all those who took part in the walk, jog, run, bike challenge. They all did amazing.
"This year we also ran a separate raffle for Ward 206 (general surgery) at ARI. Over the last year Ward 206 has given vital and ongoing care to close family, friends and also supporters of the strawberry tea and they all hold the staff in such high regard.
"The care the nurses provided has been compassionate, comforting and caring even with the added challenges they faced with Covid-19. They can't speak highly enough of all the nurses and we just wanted to give something back.
"The money raised will be put to good use by making small changes to make the patients' stay more comfortable."
She added: "I would like to pass on my thanks and appreciation to the local community of Keith and beyond for their continued support and also to the local businesses for their generous donations. I am always so overwhelmed by the kindness of everyone. Lastly, a massive thank you to all my helpers this year as I honestly couldn't do it without them.
"Hopefully we will be able to welcome everyone back to the marquee on the farm next year. I have enjoyed being able to keep the fundraising going the last two years but have missed seeing everyone."
