Marie Curie Cancer Care is asking the people of Surrey to hold a Blooming Great Tea Party this summer. It can be as simple as a cuppa and cakes in the office, a vintage inspired tea party or even a larger ‘blooming great street party'. It's a great way to get together with friends and family to do something easy and fun for charity.

Local fundraisers, Yvonne Orr and Kirsty Savin held a launch party for the campaign in the tree house at Fanny's Farm Shop in Merstham. The official tea party season is from 12th June to 12th July but it doesn't matter if you’re a little early or late. Money raised from Blooming Great Tea Parties will help Marie Curie Nurses to provide more free care to people with terminal cancer and other terminal illnesses in their own homes.

TV Actress and baking enthusiast Fay Ripley is supporting the Blooming Great Tea Party. She said:"I love nothing more than a good chat over a cup of tea so what better excuse to indulge than holding a Blooming Great Tea Party for Marie Curie Cancer Care? I'm planning to hold a children's tea party and get the kids involved but it can be as simple or as extravagant as you like, from a builder's cuppa with colleagues to getting the whole family round for a gathering in the garden. Your tea party will allow Marie Curie Nurses to provide more free care to people with terminal cancer and other illnesses in their own homes so what are you waiting for?"

The charity is hoping to raise one million pounds from the campaign this year which will help provide 50,000 hours of Marie Curie Nursing care.

Call 08700 340 040 or visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/teaparty for more information and your free Blooming Great Tea Party fundraising pack.

To get help from the Marie Curie Nursing Service, talk to your GP, district nurse or discharge nurse. For more information, please visit: www.mariecurie.org.uk.