Local fire fighters joined patients at Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice in Abbey Wood, to celebrate the launch of the Hospice’s annual fundraiser, The Great Big Community Cuppa.

The Great Big Community Cuppa will run throughout the whole month of May and it’s the best excuse to enjoy a cuppa and cake guilt free – knowing that every penny raised will help the Hospice care for local people when they need it most. So whether it is a tea party at home or a coffee morning with colleagues in the office, there is plenty of time to put the kettle on in support of your local Hospice!

One supporter who will be enjoying a cuppa for the Hospice this May, is Anne Seakins from Welling. Anne has Multiple Sclerosis and attends the Hospice’s Day Care centre every Tuesday. She is a passionate supporter of the Hospice and raised £5,000 last year after facing her fears and doing a tandem skydive.

The launch event was organised by Megan Boyle, Community Fundraiser at the Hospice, who said: "Anyone can get involved with the Community Cuppa to support the Hospice. Your Cuppa can be anything you choose – a tea party with friends, a cake sale at school or something even wackier! Whatever you decide to do, you will be helping to ensure we can continue to be there for local people when they need us most; so you needn’t feel guilty about that extra slice of cake, it’s for a good cause!”

This year’s ‘Cuppa’ is being sponsored by Bella Italia who are planning to give Bella prizes to the top fundraisers, and provide all of the Cuppa hosts with a voucher to enjoy everything their brand new restaurant on Broadway Bexleyheath has to offer.

“Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice is known and loved in the area and we’re delighted to be sponsoring the Great Big Community Cuppa event which works to bring the community together over a cuppa for lots and lots of fun,” said Matt Thompson, General Manager at Bella Italia Bexleyheath.

To request your Cuppa pack complete with bunting, balloons and posters contact the fundraising team on 020 8319 9230, email info@gbch.org.uk or visit the website www.communityhospice.org.uk.