The CHASE Lets Lunch campaign has got off to a roaring start with 55 events being held across the region so far this month, ranging from lunches at home, in restaurants, in local pubs to coffee mornings with scrumptious cakes.

The CHASE Let’s Lunch campaign, which is now in its third year, has encouraged individuals, clubs, schools and businesses across South West London, Surrey and Sussex to organise events hosting a meal throughout March to raise money for families with children who are not expected to reach their 19th birthday. Mealtimes are an important part of the day for families supported by the children’s hospice charity, which is why CHASE chose this originally as a fundraising theme. It’s a way for families and friends or colleagues to get together and help CHASE at the same time.

CHASE care team member Jo Eatenton, who is currently on maternity leave decided she wanted to hold an event at home in North Cheam, with friends and family. Liz Hill also from North Cheam helped her to make a range of wonderful cakes and biscuits – so on this occasion everyone forgot about the calories and tucked in including Liz’s mum Joan Clarke from Epsom.

Jo said it has been brilliant to see everyone, Mums with babies, friends and relatives all came along and their coffee morning, which stretched well into lunch time raised over £122 for CHASE!

CHASE events manager Diana de Moura Stewart said: “There are 55 lunch events happening in the CHASE area throughout March – and people are still signing up so its not too late to organise your own event. We have lots of ideas on how you can raise money at your lunch - look on our website for details. It’s a great excuse to get together with friends and help to raise money for CHASE at the same time."

To find out more about how to take part in a CHASE Let’s Lunch event, to download celebrity recipes or to order your free fundraising pack, call 01483 454213, email letslunch@chasecare.org.uk or log on to www.chasecare.org.uk/letslunch.