Leighton Buzzard manager’s afternoon tea deliveries raise £1.2k for Willen Hospice

Development manager Rita Richardson was determined that Covid-19 wasn’t going to stop Laburnum Court residents raising funds for charity, and so came up with a plan to deliver delicious treats right to their apartments.

As their usual group gathering couldn’t go ahead, Rita organised door-to-door deliveries and raised an impressive £1,260 for the hospice.

She said: “I thought, if they can’t come to afternoon tea then it will go to them!

“I was delighted with the total, as over the last nine years that I’ve been here I’ve raised £25,004 for charity.

“Thank you to the residents, because without them it wouldn’t be worthwhile doing.”

Indeed, the residents were so touched by Rita’s efforts that one lady, Marian White, contacted the LBO and asked us to speak to Rita and let people know about her efforts.

Rita normally holds three charity afternoon teas per year - one in March for a charity of choice; a breast cancer strawberry tea in June; and one in September for Macmillan.

She had planned to hold the Willen Hospice afternoon tea in March, however the pandemic put a stop to her plans.

Highlighting the community spirit they share, Rita said: “They are manic afternoons but we always have brilliant fun.

“We have games such as raffles and ‘guess the number’ to win champagne and chocolates. I have two friends, Karen and Di, who always help me out.”

Rita is a breast cancer survivor, which is why she chose to help the cause, while she selected Macmillan because they offered her support when she was poorly.

“It’s just a little pay back to say thank you very much,” she added. “I chose Willen Hospice because one of my lovely residents sadly passed away last year and Willen took the greatest care of her and all her family, so it was very close to our hearts.

“I just hope it helps to highlight the need to help these charities, especially at this moment in time.”