An Oxford hospice has called on the whole county to stick the kettle on and organise a tea party as part of its latest fundraising campaign.

Helen and Douglas House is hoping to brew up a wave of goodwill for its latest Tea@3 campaign, which last year raised £12,342 for the children and young people’s respite care hospice.

The campaign encourages people, organisations and businesses to host a tea party – perhaps in combination with a quiz or a raffle – to raise cash for the hospice, in Leopold Street, East Oxford, which needs £4.5m in donations every year to survive.

The charity is well known for its annual Childish Things fundraiser starring well-known comedians.

The hospice was also used by Conservative Party leader and Witney MP David Cameron and his wife Samantha for respite care for their son Ivan, who suffered from severe cerebral palsy and a rare form of epilepsy before he died earlier this year.

Although afternoon tea is traditionally taken at 3pm, party organisers can hold their events at any time.

Last year, the charity received 151 donations from different tea parties and members of the public who wanted to give to the campaign.

So far the hospice has sent out 74 Tea@3 packs but organisers are hoping more people will come forward so that they can beat last year’s total. Community fundraising manager Ruth Hazeldine said she hoped to be drinking to another successful campaign.

She said: “We are really, really pleased with the response we’ve had so far and we’re looking forward to a successful campaign.

“Last year the weather wasn’t so good so people were not as enthusiastic about having the parties.

“This year we’re looking forward to more good weather so it will lead to more parties.”

Last year, one group held a coffee party and another a barbecue, while Savills estate agents held a Mad Hatters Tea Party in Alice in Wonderland costume.

The majority of events take place over the weekend June 19 to 21.

But organisers say participants can brew a cuppa and hold a tea party when they like.

For more information or a Tea@3 pack call Ruth or Mary on 01865 799150.

cwalker@oxfordmail.co.uk