The Institute of Fundraising is delighted to celebrate the recognition by the Prime Minister, the Rt Hon. Gordon Brown, of six volunteer fundraisers as ‘Everyday Heroes’.
The phenomenal efforts of six volunteer fundraisers including Alison Cordwell of Lancashire, Liam Fairhurst of Soham, Elizabeth Haycock of Northampton, Chris Lavender from Bedfordshire and Phil Pemble of Sutton Coldfield were recognised at a reception held at Number 10 Downing Street on Thursday 24th July for ‘Everyday Heroes’.
Lindsay Boswell, Chief Executive of the Institute of Fundraising, said:
'There are hundreds of thousands of volunteer fundraisers who collectively raise a huge amount of money each year.
' In turn, they make a phenomenal contribution to the work that many voluntary organisations are able to undertake.
'Often the unsung heroes of volunteering, the Institute is delighted that the Prime Minister has chosen to acknowledge the remarkable efforts of these volunteer fundraisers as “Everyday Heroes” at a Downing Street reception yesterday.
'Their efforts and contribution are an example to us all.'
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For further information please contact:
Diana Mackie Tel. 020 7840 1027 / 07793 802 852
Institute of Fundraising
Email Diana Mackie
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. Institute of Fundraising
The Institute of Fundraising’s (www.institute-of-fundraising.org.uk) mission is to support fundraisers, through leadership, representation, standards setting and education, to deliver excellent fundraising. Members are supported through training, networking, the dissemination of best practice and representation on issues that affect the fundraising environment. The Institute of Fundraising is the largest individual representative body in the voluntary sector with 4600 Individual members and 280 Organisational members
2. Everyday Heroes
In October 2007, Alison Cordwell was part of a committee which devised a ‘Hard Hats for Charity’ dinner dance in Rochdale, Lancashire, to benefit Springhill Hospice. The event was arranged on behalf of Alison’s brother’s company, PGC Demolition of Heywood, Lancashire. Guests from the demolition industry were invited to attend a lavish, high-profile event where dress code insisted that all male guests don black tie, dinner suits and the unusual accessory of a hard hat. The event achieved the ambitious fundraising target of £35,000 – enough funds to cover a weeks’ running of the Hospice.
Liam Fairhurst from Soham, Ely was diagnosed with cancer in his leg in 2005, aged 10. Gruelling treatment, including surgery, left Liam unable to walk a mile yet he undertook a mile-long sponsored swim in memory of his friend Jack, who lost his fight against cancer in 2006. Liam has now raised over £150,000 for the UK’s leading children’s cancer charity CLIC Sargent to help other families, like his, who are living with childhood cancer. His fundraising highlights include persuading a panel of millionaires on ITV’s 'Fortune Million Pound Giveaway', to donate £50,741.10 to funded a new holiday home so children and young people with cancer can take a much-needed break with their families. Despite undergoing treatment for cancer, Liam’s selfless dedication to help others has prompted his local media, community and high profile figures to get behind his campaign.
From Towcester, Northampton, retired nurse Elizabeth Haycock supports Marie Curie Cancer Care’s work. For the past 20 years on the last Thursday of October, Liz has put on a fundraising day and evening held in her home. The event is hugely popular amongst local people and has so far raised over £55,000 for the charity and hopes to raise over £60,000 in this Marie Curie Cancer Care’s 60th Anniversary year. Liz has also organised the planting of a Marie Curie Cancer Care Field of Hope with her local branch of the Women’s Food and Farming Union. A wonderful ambassador for the charity, she regularly gives talks about her work as a Marie Curie Cancer Care nurse to local schools and groups inspiring others to support the charity.
Chris Lavender from Sandy, Bedfordshire has been supporting the RAF Benevolent Fund since 1996, annually committing to raise £10,000 for the charity. Despite a busy day job at Marshalls Leasing, Chris continually finds time to both volunteer and fundraise at every opportunity. Passionate about aviation and the work of the Royal Air Force he calls upon his own business and personal networks to raise money for the RAFBF; in 2006 he organised a hugely successful quiz night hosted by the late Jeremy Beadle, raising £15,000. No task too small, Chris helps out at air shows and acts as ambassador to his chosen charity.
Phil Pemble of Walmley, Sutton Coldfield has used his time and talent as a volunteer for worthy causes for a number of years. He has promoted and championed Payroll Giving through his support of the Five of Hearts Payroll Giving consortium in Birmingham. Phil has also been chairman of local charity West Midlands Wooden Spoon since 1998, overseeing several projects including the refurbishment of a playground at a special-needs school in Solihull, costing over £40,000. He has given time and effort to other charities including RNLI, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, Macmillan Cancer Support and SPACE.
3. How2Fundraise
www.how2fundraise.org is a new free website with a wealth of information for anyone looking to raise money for their favourite good causes. The site – built by the Institute of Fundraising and funded by a partnership of the Vodafone UK Foundation and the Office of the Third Sector – offers ideas and information to inspire your fundraising efforts.
