She purchased four little teapots to put on that shelf which started a trend that now sees 220 spouted containers adorning more than 10 shelves.

On Sunday Leonie will walk out of the café for the last time as the business has been sold, and with the new owner not wanting them, she is selling them to raise money for a Stroud family who have been devastated by cancer.

In 1987 Garry Tilse, 51, was diagnosed with testicular cancer and received radiotherapy therapy.

In October this year he was diagnosed with a large intrusive sarcoma in his right hip which doctors believe may be caused by the radiotherapy therapy.

Garry started trial chemotherapy treatment early last month and was later sent to John Hunter Hospital for emergency surgery on a blocked bowel.

The surgery was successful, but Garry had several complications and only came home from hospital last week. He is still receiving treatment for the sarcoma.

In April this year his wife Leanne was diagnosed with breast cancer.

The 45-year-old had a right breast mastectomy.

She had two separate tumours which meant two different chemotherapy treatments that will last six months which she is currently receiving weekly.

Between both Garry and Leanne’s different treatments neither has been able to work.

Leonie Bowden wants her teapots to go to good homes and knows the money will go to a good cause.

“I value the teapots which have been given to me, but I think their original owners would be happy with what I am doing,” Leonie said.

“I’ve had people from Sydney, Walcha, Nowendoc, Coonabarabran and the Stroud area who have given me teapots.

“People visit from out of the area, see the teapots and then bring one back next time they are in Stroud.

“I’ve met some wonderful people over the years who have been very generous in giving me their teapots.”

The teapots are for sale at the café till Sunday and will then be put on ebay.

If anyone wishes to purchase a teapot phone Leonie on 4994 5222 or email gift@bravo.net.au

A benefit day will be held in Stroud on January 21 next year for the Tilse family to help them pay their expenses such as travel and medical and everyday things like groceries and bills.

For more information contact Josephine Lyall on 0447 635 732, Jasmin Pannowitz 0447 185 529 and Denise Hughes 0419 478 762.