Tickled pink by high tea support

Two champions of the annual Pink Ribbon Breakfast went bigger and better than ever before on Sunday to raise funds for the on-going fight against breast cancer. Jenny Fyfe and Cathy Wheeler hosted over 50 local women at the Queen Charlotte Yacht Club for Jenny’s traditionally-hosted Pink Ribbon Breakfast, with a splash of High Tea flair.

While Pink Ribbon Day itself is on May 22, Jenny’s famed kitchen and hosting skills, encouraged by Cathy to go bigger and better this year, resulted in a fabulously pink Sunday morning to start the traditional month of breast cancer support, raising $6200.

“My first one was 12 years ago, after my [breast cancer] diagnosis, run from my kitchen with a few helpers in support”, says Jenny.

“It’s been little more than just a lovely little breakfast with friends but last year Cathy said we should try do something bigger and better. We’ve had to ask for staff and sponsorship which we’ve never done before, but people have been amazingly generous from gift contributions to making food or having local college students willing to serve food and drinks.”

Jenny’s daughter-in-law Shiloh flew from Auckland to work in the kitchen for her eighth event, while Mayor Nadine Taylor gave her time as an MC and local mum Carlie Tomson spoke about her journey through the system to those in attendance.

Cathy says that the ripple effect of cancer diagnoses are hard to ignore, but with the experience that her and Jenny have gone through, it keeps them motivated to contribute to helping.  “It became very personal for all of us when Jenny had her diagnosis, then I was diagnosed two years ago – but one year, Jenny went round the table and there was just under half of the attendees being affected,” says Cathy.

“Cancer is a forever battle that we can do our best to fight and it’s unreal how much impact there is, but the cancer care and process is just seamless so it’s so worthwhile to keep that excellent care properly supported. If what we do Sunday in stunning surrounds helps more women access breast cancer screening and assist those going through treatment, it’s well worthwhile. We’ve managed to beat it so far”, Jenny summarised, “and that’s what we celebrate.”

Join a Pink Ribbon Breakfast on May 22.