Special Guest Joins Carers Plus Yorkshire for Afternoon Tea to Celebrate 30 Years of Community Support

Imagine getting to your 30th birthday party. It’s a massive milestone, and you’d want to celebrate it with everyone who has been part of the journey. That’s exactly what Carers Plus Yorkshire did. This incredible charity recently threw a special afternoon tea party to mark an amazing 30 years of providing support to people across the region.

The event, held on Monday 23rd February 2026, wasn't just about celebrating the past; it was also a moment to honour a very special person and look forward to the future. With a last-minute change of special guest and plenty of scones to go around, it was a celebration filled with laughter, memories, and a huge amount of heart.

A royal visit and a big milestone

Thirty years is a long time. It’s three whole decades of dedicated work, helping people who might otherwise feel alone. Carers Plus Yorkshire has spent these years offering vital support to unpaid carers. These are the unsung heroes in our communities – people who look after a family member or friend who needs extra help, often juggling it with school, work, and their own lives. So, this 30th anniversary was a huge deal and deserved a proper celebration.

The event was originally planned to welcome a royal visitor, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, who is the President of Carers Trust. But, as sometimes happens in Britain, the weather had other ideas. Due to the bad conditions, the Princess Royal couldn't make it. It could have been a disappointment, but the day was saved by another very important guest. His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Mrs Johanna Ropner, stepped in to join the celebration. A Lord-Lieutenant is the King's personal representative in the county, so it was still a very special occasion for everyone involved. On arrival, the Lord-Lieutenant was welcomed by the charity's Chair of Trustees, Michael Hunt, and its Chief Executive Officer, Elizabeth McPherson, ready for a memorable afternoon.

Celebrating three decades of support

The party kicked off with some heartfelt speeches. Both Michael and Elizabeth stood up to talk about the charity’s journey over the last 30 years. They spoke about how much Carers Plus Yorkshire has grown, from its small beginnings to the essential service it is today. They also paid tribute to the amazing resilience of unpaid carers, acknowledging the tough work they do every single day. A huge thank you was given to the charity’s own team, the incredible staff and volunteers whose collective effort makes everything possible. It was clear that this celebration was for them just as much as it was for the anniversary. The room was full of guests who have been part of the charity’s story, including important figures like North Yorkshire Council’s Richard Webb and the Member of Parliament for Scarborough and Whitby, Alison Hume.

After the speeches, the Lord-Lieutenant didn't just sit back; she got right in there, chatting with everyone. She spent time meeting guests from all the different services the charity offers, from Adult Carers and Veteran Carers to the Young Adult Carers and Young Carers. She listened to their stories, hearing first-hand about the difference the charity's work makes. She also spoke with the dedicated volunteers, staff members, and trustees, getting a real sense of the passion that drives this fantastic Yorkshire organisation. It was a wonderful opportunity for the carers and the team to share their experiences and feel truly seen and appreciated.

A special tribute to John

Amid the celebration, there was a particularly moving part of the afternoon. The CEO, Elizabeth, took a moment to share some words about the late John Suddaby, who had been the Chair of Trustees. It was a time to remember a man who had given so much to the charity. Elizabeth’s tribute to John was deeply personal and heartfelt.

She reflected:

John joined the Board of Trustees over 10 years ago, becoming Chair in November 2024. John was a very caring and passionate Trustee, who gave his full support and backing to all those within the charity. John had previously accessed support while caring for his mother who had Dementia. He had been a passionate advocate for carers, with a strong desire to raise awareness and increase recognition of their contributions.

These words painted a picture of a man whose work came straight from the heart. Because John had been a carer himself, he understood exactly what kind of support people needed. Following this tribute, the Lord-Lieutenant was invited to present a posthumous long-service award to John. It was collected on his behalf by his husband, Peter. You can imagine it was an emotional moment for everyone in the room as they took a moment to remember a truly dedicated champion for unpaid carers and their families.

Cake, conversation, and looking ahead

To bring the formal part of the event to a close, the Lord-Lieutenant cut a beautiful commemorative cake – because what’s a celebration without cake? She also gave a speech, acknowledging the brilliant work of the charity. She spoke with great warmth about the dedication of unpaid carers and pointed out that championing carers is a cause that has long been supported by The Princess Royal, which was a lovely nod to the original royal guest.

After that, it was time for the best part of any afternoon get-together: the tea! Guests tucked into sandwiches, scones, and cakes, and the room buzzed with conversation and happy chatter. It was a chance for everyone – clients, staff, trustees, volunteers, and special guests – to mingle and share memories. They didn't just reflect on the past 30 years; they also looked ahead with excitement for what the future holds for Carers Plus Yorkshire. This charity in Scarborough has built an incredible legacy of support, and this anniversary event was the perfect way to honour it. A massive thank you was extended to all the clients who came along and made the celebration so special, reminding everyone of the strong community spirit that defines this essential Yorkshire charity and the unpaid carers and volunteers who are at its core.