Friends of a much-loved Donegal woman will raise their tea cups to celebrate her memory with a special fundraiser this weekend.

Arranmore resident Winnie McCauley passed away before Christmas last year following a battle with cancer. She was 56 years old and a highly-regarded mum of two.

Winnie had always wanted to host a tea party fundraiser, so on her anniversary this Sunday her friends have decided to do so in her memory.

“We are putting all our effort into making it the best tea party of the year,” says co-organiser Roseanne Gallagher.

The positive response to the idea, she says, has already been overwhelming.

“I think we are getting such a good response to because of the person Winnie was. She was highly thought of in the community. She was a good friend to a lot of people,” Roseanne said.

Winnie’s Tea Party will go a long way to help others, raising funds for subsidised flights from Donegal Airport to Dublin for cancer patients. Donations will be given to support Ionad Naomh Padraig, who organise the flights for people in rural Donegal.

The fundraiser was inspired by Winnie’s best friend and sister of Roseanne’s, who used the flight service during her own cancer treatment.

“A lot of people are on board to help the cause,” Roseanne said. “You don’t know who’s family is going to be hit by cancer any day.”

A seven-strong committee are working hard finalise plans for the tea party, which will take place at Ionad an Chrois Bhealaigh after Winnie’s anniversary mass on Saturday evening, 7pm.

There will delicious baked treats, vintage style cups and saucers, and music by Paddy and Connie. All ages are welcome, while a separate DVD entertainment room will be opened for younger children. Donations will be taken at the door and a raffle on the night will raise money for the flight fund.