Julie Walters, Andy Murray and wife Kim Sears support Guide Dogs’ virtual tea party

Dame Julie Walters, Andy Murray and his wife Kim Sears were among the host of stars showing their support for the Guide Dogs charity’s virtual tea party.

The actress, 70, led the way as she posed with a giant cup of tea in a spotted mug  while Andy and Kim, both 32, enjoyed their cuppa with their two border terriers.

Celebrities were joining an attempt at a Guinness World Record to hold the world’s biggest virtual tea party in a bid to raise money for the struggling charity. 

Guide Dogs revealed that their income has been dropping throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and encouraged people to donate the ‘cost of a cup of tea’.

To assist with the challenging bid, celebrities including Alan Titchmarsh and Hugh Bonneville also shared images of them enjoying a cup of tea.

Martin Clunes, who is a supporter of the charity, also appeared on Good Morning Britain in his pyjamas on Tuesday to promote the event.

Pam White, fundraising manager at Guide Dogs, said: ‘Over the last few years our wonderful supporters have been hosting tea parties around the country on National Tea Day and donating the proceeds to Guide Dogs.

‘In 2019, Great Guide Dogs Tea Parties across the year raised an incredible £60,000.

‘Of course, we are in a very different situation in 2020 but we wanted to give everyone the chance to join our £GuideDogsFamily and make a difference.

‘We are delighted at how many people have joined us in our attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest virtual tea party.

‘It looks like we’ve smashed it and we’re hopeful for official verification of this next week.’     

In the lead up to the event, famous faces promoted the virtual party by sharing selfies while enjoying a cup of tea either by themselves or with their pet pooches.

The Guide Dogs’ page had been posting their ‘celebrity of the day’ on the page to advertise who has been supporting the initiative.

Doc Matin star Martin, 58, told the Daily Express: ‘The charity does such incredible work supporting people with sight loss.

‘That’s why I’ll be raising a cup and supporting them. I hope many others will join me to raise lots of money and hopefully achieve a Guinness World Record.’

Martin raised a glass of tea as he sat on his sofa surrounded by his furry pals, two Spaniels named Mary Elizabeth and Tina Audrey and his terriers Penelope Jennifer and James Henry. 

Newsreader Fiona, 55, looked fresh-faced as she enjoyed a cup of tea in her garden alongside her beloved Irish Terrier. 

DIY SOS star Nick Knowles was also keen to show his support for the charity as he sent in a selfie of him lifting his ‘yours’ mug towards the camera.

Lorraine Kelly held her branded mug in the air as she joined the other stars in promoting the upcoming event on the charities social media page. 

The tea party will be a Guinness Word Record attempt for the biggest virtual tea party, with Jim Carter, Imelda Staunton and Andrew Marr also set to join in.       

Guide Dogs’ Pam White said: ‘Our income is dropping and it costs us £13 a day to support each of our life-changing dogs. Donating the cost of a cuppa will ensure people with sight loss don’t feel alone.’