St. Luke’s Hospice hosts International Women’s Day Afternoon Tea to celebrate and empower women

St. Luke’s Hospice held an International Women’s Day Afternoon Tea on Friday 6th March 2026 at Stock Brook Manor Country Club, bringing together local businesses and business owners to celebrate inspirational women while supporting a vital cause.  

The event provided a platform to recognise inspiring women, to share experiences, celebrate accomplishments, and connect with others who are making a difference in their communities. Among the featured speakers was Chris Sansom, whose wife was supported by St. Luke's Hospice, Emma Marns, author and freelance journalist, the charity’s Chief Executive Eileen Marshall, and Lavena Babbs and Lana Lee from Pineapple Care. 

 

The event also showcased local entrepreneurs with stalls selling unique products and, to help raise funds, there was a raffle, silent auction featuring items donated by local businesses, and a song auction performed by Lara Luu. 

 

Jackie Ross, Corporate Fundraising Manager at St. Luke’s Hospice, said: “We were delighted to bring local businesses together once again for our second International Women’s Day event. It was wonderful to see the community unite in support of St. Luke’s Hospice. Thank you to everyone who attended, our generous sponsors, those who donated raffle and auction prizes, our inspiring speakers, all our volunteers, our Host Sarah Gilsenan and the team at Stock Brook Manor Country Club for helping to make the afternoon so special.  

 

“I would encourage any businesses in the area interested in supporting St. Luke’s Hospice to please get in touch with our Corporate Fundraising team on 01268 524973, and become part of the growing community of companies helping us to provide compassionate palliative and end of life care for local people and their families.” 

 

The St. Luke’s Hospice International Women’s Day Afternoon Tea was kindly sponsored by Pineapple Care Services Ltd, the Welcome Reception was sponsored by the Chigwell Group PLC, Pianist was sponsored by PIP Mechanical & Electrical Engineers & Contractors and Programme sponsored by F. E. J. Green Funeral Directors.