By Julie McLaughlin
A local woman has raised more than £12,000 for charity by hosting a garden party and coffee morning at her home. Ballymartin resident Natalie Charleton held the event on Saturday to raise money for two local cancer charities: Action Cancer and Macmillan Cancer Support.
She said she was pleased with the support she received from those who attended and wanted to thank everyone for their generous donations. “It went really well,” Natalie said, adding that close to 500 people showed up for it. “They were queued out the gates at one point.”
‘Raising Hope One Cup at a Time’ was an afternoon tea-style event with tea, coffee, buns and scones, as well as live entertainment from John Garrity and Lana Del Rich. There was also a raffle to raise funds. “We were very lucky with the weather,” Natalie said.
She added that between the garden party, raffle and online GiveWheel page for donations, as of Monday, she had raised a total of £12,600 for the two charities. “My target was £5,000 so we’ve done really well,” she said.
Natalie, who works as a mortgage advisor, decided to do this because of her own cancer diagnosis. The 36-year-old was recently diagnosed with early stage breast cancer and has been receiving medical care for it. “I’m in the middle of my treatment,” she said.
She said that raising money for the charities was a way she could give back during this time. “It’s been a time of immense challenge, reflection, and growth — but also one filled with gratitude for the support I’ve received from the medical teams, my loved ones, and these incredible charities,” she said on her GiveWheel page.
Natalie has been updating people on her health through her popular social media pages. “My current journey has really highlighted the importance of early detection and also the support needed for those living with cancer,” she posted on her Facebook page.
She decided that she wanted to raise money for Action Cancer to help women under 50 get screened for cancer. “I realised that you do not get invited to your breast screening officially until you are 50, but can go onto the Action Cancer bus from 40 to 50.” She said she wanted to raise money for the Action Cancer bus to come to her local area in south Down. “Due to interest, I wish to cover two days if possible,” she said.
Natalie said she would also like to give money to support the other work being done by Action Cancer and Macmillan Cancer Support, such as supporting those living with cancer. She said that Macmillan was helpful to her own father, who passed away three years ago from cancer.
Natalie said that she wanted to thank everyone for all the kind donations, as well as their love and support during this time and help to make the event a success on Saturday. “We had a lot of helpers,” she said. She stated that without people attending, they would not have been able to raise as much money for the charities.
She added that one unexpected benefit of the event was getting to meet and chat with a number of people who were dealing with cancer themselves or were affected by cancer in some way.
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