WHEN a group of friends from Monmouth Road in Abergavenny joined forces to hold a tea party in aid of Marie Curie Cardiff and the Vale Hospice this week they worried that no-one would turn up to eat the banquet of cakes, buns, brownies and scones they had prepared.

Their fears were far from justified however, and when the doors opened on Wednesday afternoon dozens of friends and neighbours from the Plas Derwen estates turned out in force to support the charity raising an incredible £750 in the process.

Kay Davies, Mary Clarke and Marian Ashwell organised the event after a conversation with Mrs Clarke’s daughter-in-law, Marie Curie Cardiff and the Vale Hospice Ambassador Mariclare Carey-Jones.

“We thought a few people might turn up but we were amazed at how many people came and how much money we raised,” said the culinary trio. “In the end it was standing room only in the house, but nobody seemed to mind!”

Raffle prizes were donated by Shackleton Photographic, The Plas Derwen Hotel, Cooks Galley. Wernddu Golf Club and Trumper Turkeys as well as friends and neighbours and discounted invitations provided by Pink Office Angels and generous donations from all those who braved the rain to enjoy the tea and cake helped swell the coffers.

Mariclare Carey-Jones was among the guests at the tea party and said she was amazed with the amount of money raised.

“I can’t thank everyone enough especially Kay who opened up her house for the party, and everyone who baked these amazing cakes and donated raffle prizes” said Mariclare.