There can’t be many of us who have enjoyed the privilege of being served afternoon tea by last year’s Strictly Come Dancing winner.

But that’s what Anne Freeman was treated to during a memorable day in London.

A leukaemia sufferer since 2012, the 63-year-old Swanscombe resident is helped by blood cancer charities like Bloodwise raising money to invest in research and improve the lives of patients.

She and sister Sarah, who was diagnosed with the same disease in 2002, were invited to Muriel’s Kitchen in Soho for tea, cake and sandwiches alongside a group of other people with blood cancer, all supported by Bloodwise.

Strictly’s Ore Oduba waited on the group, as did journalist John Sergeant and the original Calendar Girls, before they went to the gala performance of new musical The Girls at the Phoenix Theatre.

Anne said: “We thoroughly enjoyed the super afternoon tea. The original Calendar Girls were so friendly and down to earth, we were chatting away as if we had known them for years. It was also nice to meet John Sergeant and his lovely wife – they were really great company.

“We weren’t expecting Gary Barlow to come on at the end of the musical, a total surprise.

“Everyone was on their feet and the atmosphere was electric. Our thanks must go to all the Bloodwise team for making our day so special.”

The Girls musical will support the charity, long associated with the original Calendar Girls and their story, which has raised millions of pounds for research into blood cancers like leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.

Inspired by the girls’ achievements, Bloodwise launched the Tea With The Girls campaign to raise money and give cancer patients the chance to enjoy an afternoon with some famous faces.

Mr Oduba said: "Tea with the original Calendar Girls? What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.

“It was a real privilege to sit with some of the families whose lives have been changed thanks to the tireless work Bloodwise does.”

Anyone who fancies the chance of enjoying such an occasion, should visit bloodwise.org.uk/tea-with-the-girls.