Livingston-based charity Team Jak is hosting a series of fundraising tea parties across Scotland in September as part of Childhood Cancer Awareness month. The initiative, named TJ's Big Brew, will feature tea parties and coffee mornings at the charity's Livingston and Aberdeen bases, as well as pop-up venues in Glasgow and Fife.
Charity's impact and fundraising goal
Founded in 2015, Team Jak has raised more than £5 million to help deliver emotional, social, and practical support to those affected by a childhood diagnosis of cancer or other associated illness. Every week, the charity supports around 50 children and their families on cancer wards in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen.
Allison Barr, who set up the charity in honour of her son Jak Trueman after he passed away at the age of 15, is urging local communities to support next month's initiatives and help bring in more much-needed funds.
Allison Barr's appeal
"The kindness and generosity of the public helps create the smiles and ease the journey for families across Scotland," she said. "Our work spans music and therapeutic play, counselling, bereavement support, wellbeing sessions, and memory-making for families navigating the toughest of times."
"Every penny raised helps Team Jak deliver our unique mix of emotional, social, and practical support to those affected by childhood cancer - when and where they need it most. To mark Childhood Cancer Awareness month in September, we are organising tea parties and coffee mornings known as TJ's Big Brew."
"It's a privilege to be able to support our young people with cancer and this is an easy fundraiser everyone can get involved in - you can make it as small or large as you would like and we have a full fundraising pack on our website," she added. "I'd urge families in the local communities to host their own get-togethers, whether it's with family, friends, neighbours or work colleagues and do what they can to raise what will be vital funds."
