Gran throw's Mad Hatter's Tea Party birthday celebration to raise charity cash

Mad Hatter's Tea Party at the Allum Ale House in aid of South Tyneside Churches Key Project.
From left Shirley Walker and Lisa Coates — Mad Hatter's Tea Party at the Allum Ale House in aid of South Tyneside Churches Key Project. From left Shirley Walker and Lisa Coates

Shirley Walker, from South Shields, will throw the party this Sunday at the Alum Ale House in aid of South Tyneside Churches’ KEY Project, a charity which provides support and accommodation for 16 to 25-year-olds who are affected by homelessness.

Shirley, an area manager for a field marketing company, said: “After hearing about KEY Project something really struck a chord. You don’t think about youngsters in South Shields being on the streets.

“Hopefully, the event will raise awareness of KEY Project and the work it does.”

The charity helps those threatened or experiencing homelessness due to domestic violence, debts and relationship or family breakdowns.

Ross Allen, KEY Project manager, said: “South Tyneside has some of the most deprived wards in the country.

“Despite this, or perhaps because of it, South Tyneside has a strong sense of community and this is another great example of how local people are coming together to help those less fortunate than themselves.”

The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party will start at 3.45pm this Sunday with blues performer Howard Baker kicking off the event.

The event is open to  the public.