The annual vintage tea party has been set for Holywells Park in Ipswich this weekend to support St Elizabeth Hospice in memory of a loving father and husband.

Ipswich Star: Christina and Andy Wise with their children Oliver and GraceChristina and Andy Wise with their children Oliver and Grace (Image: Archant)

Dad-of-two Andy Wise lost his battle with kidney cancer in April 2014.

He spent nine weeks at St Elizabeth Hospice in Foxhall Road before his death, where the cause also offered invaluable support to his wife Christina and two children Oliver and Grace.

With his stay estimated to have cost around £30,000, Mrs Wise was determined to raise that amount for the cause.

But remarkably fundraising events organised by the family have raised more than £40,000 to date, with the vintage tea party this Sunday the latest set to boost the hospice.

Ipswich Star: Christina Wise and Bev have previously held vintage tea parties to raise money for St Elizabeth HospiceChristina Wise and Bev have previously held vintage tea parties to raise money for St Elizabeth Hospice

Mrs Wise, now 43, said: “We are really excited, we are hoping it will be something people come along to because they know of the hospice and us, but also people coming through the park that can pop in for a cup of tea.

“This will be the third vintage tea party we have done and we hope it will be bigger and better than ever.”

Ipswich Borough Council has donated the venue for free, with the afternoon running from 2-4.30pm set to feature teas, coffees and cakes, face painting, children’s activities, tombola, 1940s-themed quartet performing and dancing.

In its first year it raised £300, while last year’s second event gathered £1,000 for the hospice.

Fundraising activities form a crucial part of the hospice’s funding, with Mrs Wise having first hand experience of just how important the cause is to the community.

“It’s something me and my children love to do,” Mrs Wise, herself an ambassador for the charity said.

“We feel we can give back because they give so much to the community.

She added: “We cannot describe how important they were – they became our second family and they wrapped their hands around us.

“It was very hard work but we have got very fond memories of the hospice and the support they gave to me and to the family as a whole. You cannot put a price on that.”

For those who are unable to make the event but still wish to support it, a fundraising page is open here.

Anyone who wishes to help with the event can contact Mrs Wise on 07900 934477.