Strawberry tea fundraiser celebrates 10-year milestone and £30,000 raised for breast cancer support
Local breast cancer survivor Mandy Fellows is marking a remarkable milestone this summer as she hosts her 10th Strawberry Tea fundraiser this Saturday (28 June) in support of the Breast Cancer Action Group, Wolverhampton and District. Over the past decade, Mandy’s annual garden party has raised an incredible £30,000, helping to provide vital support to women undergoing breast cancer treatment in the region.
Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012, Mandy, aged 62, turned her personal journey into a mission to help others and give back to the charity that supported her.
The Breast Cancer Action Group provides a range of services to local breast cancer patients – from mastectomy underwear to “feel good” days – all of which go a long way in helping women feel less alone on the journey.
Mandy’s Strawberry Tea has grown into a much-loved community tradition, complete with a homemade cake tent, plant stall, hog roast, bar, live music, and, of course, plenty of prosecco, strawberries and cream.
The event also boasts raffle and tombola stands, with local businesses such as Royston Blythe, Codsall & Wergs Garden Centre and John McGinty Butchers donating prizes including haircuts, beauty treatments, car washes, meals and family days out.
In total, Mandy’s Strawberry Tea has served up over 5,000 strawberries – generously donated each year by fellow breast cancer survivor Mary Simkin, owner of Essington Fruit Farm—and sold more than 49,000 raffle tickets over the past decade.
Lasting Impact
The money raised has made a real difference, funding a state-of-the-art breast tumour localisation system that places a tiny marker (smaller than a pin head) next to a tumour to guide the surgeon during surgery. Thanks to Mandy’s efforts, the Breast Cancer Action Group have also been able to offer semi-custom prosthetic nipples for women to wear after surgery —helping to restore confidence at a difficult time.
As Mandy prepares to host her final Strawberry Tea, she reflects on the journey:
“Although it’s been 12 years in total—losing two to the COVID pandemic—this is my 10th party and it’s been a privilege to bring our community together for such an important cause. I’m so grateful for the generosity and support we’ve received over the years. This last event is a celebration of breast cancer survivors everywhere.” said Mandy.
The event’s signature strawberries are generously donated each year by Essington Fruit Farm, thanks to owner Mary Simkin, herself a breast cancer survivor.
“Supporting Mandy’s Strawberry Tea has been a joy and an honour. As a fellow survivor, I know how much this support means to local women. This fundraiser is a wonderful way to bring the community together—and what better way than with sunshine and strawberries?”
Gill Phillips, Chair at the Breast Cancer Action Group, said: “Mandy is a legend. Her hard work, inspiring enthusiasm and dedication to ten years of organising and hosting the Strawberry Tea Garden Party has raised an incredible amount of money that has been used to benefit fellow breast cancer patients in Wolverhampton. We will be forever grateful.”
As the final Strawberry Tea approaches this week, local businesses are warmly encouraged to donate last-minute raffle prizes to help boost the fundraising total and make this farewell event the most successful yet.
Let’s raise a glass (and a strawberry) to a decade of making a difference.
To donate prizes or find out more information, please contact Mandy at 07967 411943 or mandy.fellows@hotmail.co.uk
