An administration worker at Hunter Water, Ms Jarvis has stopped work for the annual Cancer Council event every year since it began.

Ms Jarvis and her co-worker, Jill Burke, have kept the annual morning tea going at the organisation’s headquarters for the past quarter-century. 

“The initial one was just in my group, which was the records group,” Ms Jarvis said. “There was probably only about eight or nine of us to start with.

“We had a Tupperware party and someone suggested the Biggest Morning Tea is happening, so let’s do it.”

As the years went by the ladies continued the yearly tradition, adding raffles. According to their numbers, they’ve raised about $36,000.

Asked why they kept participating, the pair said the event supports a cause that everyone can relate with. 

“We all know people that have been touched by cancer,” Ms Burke said. 

“The money’s not just for research,” Ms Jarvis added.

“It’s for helping to pay for rates, or transport to get someone to an appointment. I think that’s important for people to know that’s what the money is for and it’s used here in the Hunter.” 

In somewhat of a succession plan, the ladies hope to find some newbies to take over running the event.

“We’re hoping to find some people that will take it on board for next year, not that we won’t be here,” Ms Burke said. 

“Hunter Water has been a terrific supporter, they supply money for the hot food and things like that.”