There are some afternoons that linger long after the last cup of tea is poured. The SheInspires Afternoon Tea at The Midland Manchester was one of those afternoons — full of laughter, fashion, generosity, and a spirit that can only be described as magical.
Together, we raised an incredible £5,105.26 for the Empower 50K Girls initiative. But what we gained was far more than numbers on a page.
A Room Alive with Energy
The room lit up with conversation, colour, and connection. Small businesses showcased their passions, SheInspires winners shared their journeys, and a raffle — transformed by the dazzling duo of Helen and Estelle — became pure entertainment. It wasn’t just tickets and prizes; it was theatre, humour, and joy wrapped into one.
And then there was the fashion show. Bold. Joyful. Unexpected. A safe space where comfort zones dissolved into laughter. I even joined in myself — stepping onto the catwalk for the very first time. Did I end up buying the dress? Yes, of course I did. Because sometimes empowerment looks like saying yes to joy, to courage, and to moments that remind us we are alive.
Seeds of Legacy
Beyond the sparkle and fun came the moments that touched my heart.
The lovely Julie Robinson, a true friend of SheInspires, returned once again to pledge the sponsorship of another school. Beside her, the gentle Claire Dexter, with the softest voice yet the greatest impact, leaned in quietly and whispered her pledge to sponsor a school too. Sometimes the quietest gestures carry the loudest hope.
Susie Sprigg spoke with vision about uniting investment with legacy — the kind of thinking that plants seeds for generations to come. And Lisa Williams of WomenFest embraced Empower 50K Girls as part of her fundraising vision for the year ahead. These are not just pledges. They are legacies in motion.
The Magic Behind the Scenes
None of this would have been possible without the magic touch of Sue France, the queen of networking and a SheInspires winner herself, who curated the afternoon with elegance and purpose. With calm grace, Siân held registrations and ticketing together, while the ever-wonderful staff at The Midland ensured that every detail was delivered with warmth.
Empower 50K Girls: The Heart of It All
At the centre of this beautiful afternoon was a shared mission: to empower 50,000 girls locally and globally.
Through health, wealth, and education, the Empower 50K Girls initiative opens doors for girls who might otherwise be left behind. From teaching financial literacy in schools, to creating spaces of confidence and leadership, to ensuring that girls from menstrual to menopause journeys are equipped with dignity and knowledge — this initiative is about transforming futures.
Every raffle ticket bought, every pledge made, every pound raised is not just charity — it is investment in a generation of girls who will grow into leaders, decision-makers, and change-makers.
Gratitude Beyond Measure
And then — to every single person who attended. Thank you. From the bottom of my heart. You made this happen. Your presence, your laughter, your generosity — you turned an afternoon into a movement.
Each of you is part of this story of change and impact. And as you look through the official photos, know that you are woven into the legacy we are creating together.
This was more than an afternoon tea. It was community. It was courage. It was fun. It was hope in action. And together, we are shaping a brighter tomorrow for 50,000 girls.
#SheInspires #Empower50KGirls #TogetherWeRise #WomenSupportingWomen
Event Photography
A full gallery from the event is available on our Zenfolio Gallery.
