Keith fundraiser Trisha Davidson gets set for 12th strawberry tea baking marathon to boost Breast Cancer Now
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A KEITH cancer fundraiser is getting set for a baking marathon ahead of her 12th summer strawberry tea.
Trisha Davidson's annual tea at Netherton Farm, off the A96 on the outskirts of the town, has grown to become a key event on the local calendar.
Over the last 11 years, Trisha has raised around £46,000 in total for Breast Cancer Now, assisted by husband Harold and their children, Tiegan and Brodie.
Since its first year held in the farm garage it has attracted huge support, both locally and beyond.
The pandemic forced the organiser to adapt last year's event to delivery only – but Trisha and her helpers still managed to notch up £18,810, her biggest total yet. The tally was cranked up by her nephew, then six-year-old Lewis Mackay, who raised more than £8000 of the sum through a bike challenge.
As the pandemic rolls on, the farmer's wife will still not be able to welcome people at Netherton's usual decorated marquee tent this summer – but she will be running strawberry tea deliveries every Saturday and Sunday this June.
For a donation to Trisha's cause, deliveries can be made to customers in Keith and Newmill, with a collect option for people outwith those areas.
Trisha has already started her fundraising for this year through Mother's Day and Easter raffles.
And scores of people signed up in May to take on a physical challenge which Trisha has organised as a secondary fundraiser for this year.
There is still time for walkers, runners, cyclists and scooters to join up – with those aged under 11 challenged to complete 50 kilometres; 75k for 12 to 17-year-olds; and 100k for over-18s.
Goodies will be handed out to participants who complete the challenges and spot prizes will be up for grabs along the way.
Those in the youngest age group will receive a gym bag, a certificate and entry into a prize draw to win a family day out at Landmark, while the 12 to 17 age group will receive a water bottle, certificate and a chance to win a family ticket for Tree Zone, at Rothiemurchus. Adult entrants will get a travel coffee mug, certificate and a prize draw for a Macallan Distillery tour for two or a meal at the Laichmoray Hotel in Elgin.
Trisha said: "We've had to change our ways for a while to keep up fundraising during the pandemic.
"But it's always so well supported, both locally and by people further afield. People really go out of their way to support us.
"It just goes to show how many people have been affected by breast cancer or know someone who has been affected.
"We're running the physical challenge as something extra for this year. Through the pandemic a lot more people have got more into fitness and getting outdoors. So far we've had 40 adults sign up and 20 in the youngest age group."
Entry fees are £10 for the first two categories and £15 for adults. People can email trishasstrawberrytea@yahoo.com, phone 07920 512501 or message through the Facebook page to sign up or to place their strawberry tea orders.
