Girl urges people to put the kettle on for hospice

A schoolgirl who organised a tea party in memory of her dad is encouraging others to do the same to raise money for a local hospice.

Laurelie's dad Richard was cared for by Katharine House Hospice in Stafford.

"He was very fiddly, so he liked messing with things. He would be the one who would always fix stuff because he was very artistic too," she said.

The 10-year-old has raised more than £2,000 for the charity through the tea party at her primary school, with the support of her family along with classmates and teachers.

Richard died in January, and his wife Shelley said the hospice did "so much, for so many people", adding that they made it a "home from home" for people they cared for.

Everyone they met at the hospice was "amazing", she said.

Katharine House provides specialist care for people living with incurable illnesses and their families.

"The hospice looked after my dad so well and supported all of us as a family," Laurelie said.

"I wanted to do something to say thank you and help other people who need the hospice in the future."

She said her teacher and head teacher felt it would be nice to do something to honour her dad, and she thought of Katharine House and its Care for a Cuppa initiative because her family was made "so welcome" there.

"There was loads of people that wanted to help," she added.

She said she hoped her fundraiser would inspire others to get involved and show how a simple idea could make a lasting difference.

Andrea Pugh, corporate and community fundraiser at the charity, encouraged people to join in with its Care for a Cuppa scheme.

"Every cup poured and slice of cake shared helps us continue providing compassionate care for people living with incurable illnesses, while supporting those closest to them," she said.

"We hope people across our community will get involved and host their own event."

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