Celebrate the end of summer with a Caribbean tea party for a good cause

Celebrate the end of summer with treats and entertainment at this special Caribbean tea party, whilst contributing to a good cause.

Mr Alex Hairdressing Foundation will host a fundraising event, The End of Summer Caribbean Tea Party, on September 29, at The Woodlawns Center, in Leigham Court Road, Streatham.

This vibrant event promises an afternoon of Caribbean-inspired delights, all in support of the charity’s work with aspiring students in the hairdressing industry who need assistance with course fees and equipment.

Guests can expect everything from rum punch to tea, sandwiches, cakes and savoury nibbles, all infused with the flavours of the Caribbean. 

There will also be a host of lively entertainment, raffles, and a silent auction with exclusive items and experiences up for grabs.

Attendees are encouraged to come dressed to impress, with a special prize for the Best Dressed attendee.

Jackie Lilly, of Mr Alex Hairdressing Foundation said: “This event not only promises a fantastic time but also allows us to make a real difference in the lives of students striving to build careers in the hairdressing industry.”

Alex Lilly was a child of the Windrush generation who left Jamaica in 1959 to immigrate to the UK.

Mr Lilly was a mature student when he embarked on his dream career of becoming a hairdresser at the age of 33.

He ran his own salon in Streatham’s Leigham Court Road, taught in colleges, took part in hair and fashion shows and was nominated for Afro Hairdresser of the year twice.

In February 1996, Alex was diagnosed with Leukemia and despite the efforts of the medical team at the Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton, they were unable to find a match for him to have a bone marrow transplant and he passed away in July 1997.

Before his passing, a Leukaemia sponsored walk was organised by his wife and family in September 1996 and again after his passing in September 1997, along with a hairdressing marathon. These events were arranged to bring attention to the lack of awareness of the disease in the Afro Caribbean community.

Mr Alex Hairdressing Foundation is a registered charity which has been set up by Mr Lilly’s family in his memory. 

The charity aims to assist at least five underprivileged people a year to enter the field of hairdressing and become qualified.

Nicola Osinaike, Mr Lilly’s niece said: “Mr. Alex was not only a pioneer in hairdressing, he was my beloved uncle. 

“His legacy is more than just the art he created with hair but his commitment to uplift countless others.  

“Our family is immensely proud of his contributions and believe the Foundation is a driving force to support the next generation of professional hairdressers.”

The festivities start at 3pm and continue until 7pm. Tickets for the event are priced at £30 each, plus booking fee, and can be purchased through Matterpay. 

Pictured top: Guests at the Mr Alex Hairdressing Foundation recent awards ceremony (Picture: Mr Alex Hairdressing Foundation)