TUESDAY, February 4 was World Cancer Day.
To mark the event, and to raise funds for breast cancer charity CoppaFeel!, Wokingham resident Dalia Ismail held a Coppa-Curry Night at The Tamarind Tree restaurant, on Peach Street.
Her sell-out event was a huge success.
“I only set the date two weeks ago, but the restaurant was filled with almost 60 people, and the atmosphere was amazing,” said Dalia.
“I didn’t realise it was World Cancer Day when I made the booking, so the timing worked out really well.”
As well as enjoying a selection of starters, curries, rice and bread, diners at the event were able to connect with friends, have fun trying on a giant boob costume, taste Coppa Cupcakes made by Dalia, and take part in a raffle.
Dalia continued: “There were lots of amazing raffle prizes, donated by individuals and local business, including a meal for four donated by The Tamarind Tree, two sound bath sessions donated by Mindset Unlimited, and champagne, whisky and two boxes of crystal glasses donated by Nisa on Barkham Road.”
Dalia filled the restaurant with balloons and Coppafeel information leaflets.
“It’s important to me to take every opportunity to encourage people to stop and think about their health,” she said.
“It’s so easy to ignore warning signs when we have busy lives.”
She was diagnosed with breast cancer herself two and a half years ago.
Despite having undergone surgery and cancer treatment, last year she climbed the Himalayas with a team of other cancer surviving fundraisers, and has helped raise large amounts of money for breast cancer awareness charity Coppafeel.
Her recent Wokingham event raised £1,400 in just one night, which she says will help the charity stamp out late detection of breast cancer.
“I feel so fortunate that everyone came, and that I have such an amazing and generous community,” she said.
“And special thanks to the Tamarind Tree team, not only for the amazing food, but for so kindly helping me prepare the room and to blow up balloons.
“All the feedback I have received about the evening has been so positive.”
Coppa-Curry Night was such a success that Dalia is planning another event in due course.
For information, visit: the-tamarind-tree.co.uk and coppafeel.org
