An interview with Lorraine Kelly
.... as she Makes Time for Tea
Here, Lorraine talks about The Eve Appeal charity, the Make Time for Tea campaign, and what we can all do to make a difference.
Please start by telling us about the Make Time for Tea campaign?
I’ve been working with The Eve Appeal for a few years now, supporting their ‘Make Time for Tea’ campaign during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. It’s a great idea because it’s so simple for people to get involved in. Women (and men too!) are encouraged to host tea parties to fund raise for The Eve Appeal (Tea standing for The Eve Appeal). The tea parties raise money that then goes towards much-needed research into ovarian cancer.
Why is this campaign so important to you?
When The Eve Appeal approached me to back their ‘Make Time for Tea’ campaign, I was stunned by the statistics. Over 65% of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer will die and that figure really stuck in my head. It is the fourth most common cause of cancer death in UK women, and whilst treatment has advanced over the last 20 years, unfortunately survival rates have changed very little. And did you know that over the same period, survival rates for breast and cervical cancers have greatly improved? There is still a big challenge ahead to raise awareness and funds to support more research into ovarian cancer. By backing this campaign, I hope I can motivate more people to be involved so we can all play a small part in making a big difference.
You say the survival rates for ovarian cancer are low. Where can women go to review the symptoms and what action should they take if they have any concerns?
The good news is that early diagnosis can save lives – survival rates for ovarian cancer are higher the earlier the cancer is diagnosed. Previously known as the ‘silent killer’ because symptoms are vague, now there is agreement on the signs and symptoms by the medical profession.
You have inspired us to ‘Make Time for Tea.’ Tell us what we need to do to get involved.
That’s great to hear! As I said earlier, it really is very easy to get involved. The charity has put together a great fundraising pack full of inspiring ideas on how to hold your own ‘Make Time for Tea’ party and some recipes (some from celebrities) are also included on their website. Now in its seventh year, the campaign has a Vintage theme for 2012. Just call The Eve Appeal on T: 020 7299 4430 or visit www.eveappeal.org.uk/maketimefortea to get your fundraising pack.
Will you host a ‘Make Time for Tea’ party and if so, who will be coming?
Yes, I will be hosting my own ‘Make Time for TEA’ party too. I am inviting close friends that go back years and years, and family members. I very much look forward to a having a good catch up with those nearest and dearest to me – like most working women, I am usually rushing around, so it will be good to sit down, relax and catch up with everyone’s news. And great to think we will be raising funds at the same time! The charity wants to hit its target of £150,000, and is aiming for approximately 500 tea parties to be held across the UK – so please get involved!
What other activities do you have coming up soon?
Well, I should mention that some time in June, three party holders for the ‘Make Time for Tea’ campaign and their guest will win a prize to come and view the live filming of ‘Lorraine’ and then enjoy brunch at a top London Hotel.
Other activities include taking part in a Ladies Midnight Tiara Walk on 8 May to support The Strathcarron Hospice - based in Stirlingshire.
On the work front, I am traveling up and down the country filming ‘Lorraine’ Monday to Thursday each week. I also write columns for The Sun on Saturday, The Sunday Post and Best Magazine, so life keeps me pretty busy! On my days off, I like to relax with my family and close friends, and get outside to enjoy the great Scottish countryside. Oh, and watch my home football team, Dundee United too!
(SCROLL DOWN TO BOTTOM FOR DOWNLOADABLE PICS)
Liz Engel, Press Office
The Eve Appeal
M: 07812 150832
T: 020 7299 4430
The Eve Appeal was set up to fund groundbreaking research into all gynaecological cancers at the Gynaecological Cancer Research Centre, UCL.
Our vision is a world where more women survive and fewer women are diagnosed with gynaecological cancers.
Tags:
