THIS week Taste is backing the launch of Breast Cancer Care’s Strawberry Tea campaign.

The aim is to encourage everyone in Dorset to host a Strawberry Tea party between June 1 to August 31.

All you need to do is buy or bake some cakes, add some strawberries, put the kettle on and away you go. Whether you host your Strawberry Tea at your yoga class, on the sea front or even with your book club – a Strawberry Tea can be as extravagant or as simple as you like.

Gill Neale from Lower Parkstone is keen to support the strawberry tea campaign.

Her daughter Rebecca was diagnosed with breast cancer at Christmas in 2006.

“My daughter was put on a five year treatment programme but with the support from Breast Cancer Care we got through it.

“Most of the other charities are research based, but Breast Cancer Care offers emotional support with one to one help and website forums for young women.”

Gill’s daughter is now 33 years old and married, but Gill is still keen to raise awareness of the charity.

“I want to be able to help other people who might find themselves in the same situation.”

Gill adds: “It doesn’t have to be a big event – just a few friends and family. But the more people we can encourage to host a strawberry tea party this summer the more money we can raise to help anyone affected by breast cancer.”

Anna Bedford, area fundraiser for Bournemouth and Poole at Breast Cancer Care says: “We’re so pleased to have the Daily Echo supporting Breast Cancer Care’s Strawberry Tea campaign this summer. We hope it encourages lots of local people to host a tea party to help people affected by breast cancer. It’s the perfect excuse to catch up with friends, family or colleagues and tuck into delicious treats!”

To help you on your way, Anna has compiled her top ten tips for raising money at a Strawberry Tea party: Charge for cake – people are always happy to pay for a slice Spread the word – why not Tweet about your event? #StrawberryTea Join us – find out what everyone else is up to for their Strawberry Tea via our Facebook page Sell tickets or charge an entry fee to your party Run a raffle – ask guests or local businesses to donate prizes Play the game – use the Strawberry Tea game or Afternoon Tea quiz in our resources section Guess the weight of the cake – this classic game is always popular and the winner takes the cake home!

Boss’s tea round – ask your boss to be on tea making duty for the day, with donations given for each cup Market stall – a craft, cake or plant stall can be held almost anywhere Sell Breast Cancer Care pin badges – you can order some from our resources section Register now for a free Strawberry Tea fundraising pack full of ideas and tips.

Visit the website for more at breastcancercare.org.uk/SUMMER or call 0870 164 9422.