A reason to rise

I began fundraising with Leonard Cheshire about 9 years ago. I live on my own and the days used to stretch out in front of me. But  volunteering – in addition to another role as a befriender - provides me with a real purpose. I love representing the charity in Dumfries, it’s connected me to so many people. 

I’ll give you an example. I was just talking to someone on the bus one morning - he was in a wheelchair and we spoke about his poor eyesight.  It was just a natural conversation. I explained what Leonard Cheshire did and what we stand for in terms of supporting people with disabilities to live a better life.

I ended up persuading him to come along to a meeting and six years down the line, Bill’s raised thousands of pounds and has become a friend!  That’s the magic of fundraising for a common cause and it’s given us both a reason to get up in the morning.

With the help of a local Volunteer Co-ordinator, we’ve built up a network of local fundraisers organically. Leonard Cheshire collection cans are a common sight in a growing number of local shops and businesses. This has developed into regular street and supermarket collections in several neighbouring towns. We now have team of five that have raised more than £20,000 over the last five years. 

The warm, positive feedback I get from the public is like fuel to my fire. I relish getting into town and just chatting with folk. 

It’s amazing to see so many young people donating their pocket money. Once you get to know people, you’ll find them bringing you bottles of water, or a coffee now and then. Someone even brought me a sun hat during a particularly sweltering day of fundraising! 

Recently we’ve raised money to purchase bridge cameras, gas fuelled BBQ sets, garden furniture, lounge furniture for our homes and materials for a new gardening project.

The simple fact that we can enhance lives through our work gives us all an immense reward. 

It’s a win, win all round!