A dedicated fundraiser who has been organising garage sales, stalls and community events for nearly 25 years has reflected with pride after raising an incredible £38,200 for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
Dee Peart has been supporting the charity since 2002 but stepped up her efforts following the launch of The Nook Appeal in 2016, which raised money to build EACH’s purpose-built hospice in Framingham Earl.
Over the years, she has organised countless garage sales and stalls, as well as hosting fundraising events in her local town hall featuring tombolas, silent auctions and bric-a-brac sales.
She has also secured donations from local businesses and recently organised a tombola stall on the day EACH opened its new shop in Aylsham.
“Fundraising has become such a big part of my life, and it’s given me an awful lot of joy and satisfaction,” said mum-of-two Dee, 79.
“I first got the bug when my girls were young and started pre-school.
“It’s just become a part of me ever since, and, in more recent years, I’ve been proud to raise funds for EACH.
“People often ask if I have a personal connection and the truth is that I don’t, although I’ve met families that have received support.
“It’s amazing to hear about the difference it’s made, and I’ve been fortunate enough to visit The Nook twice – once for a tour when the building work was nearly complete and again when it was officially opened by The Princess of Wales.
“It’s an awe-inspiring place, and one thing I always remember is stepping into a small room looking out onto some trees.
“I was told it was simply a space where people could have a quiet, private moment if they needed time to themselves, and that took my breath away.
“I can’t explain why it affected me so much, but it made me feel very thoughtful and emotional.”
Dee, who has been encouraged throughout by husband Mervyn, says her achievements have only been possible thanks to family, friends and her local community in Aylsham.
“I couldn’t have done it without the support of a lovely group of friends,” she said.
“I’ve met some amazing people down the years, and I’m very proud of what we’ve managed to achieve.
“On a personal note, I don’t like any fuss or attention but love to help and always say it’s not about me – it’s about EACH.
“It’s a charity I feel so passionately about because of my love of children.”
Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Dee, who also has three grandchildren, continued fundraising from home, selling books, puzzles, clothing, china and bedding from her front garden and raising nearly £12,000.
People would browse the items using an honesty box, with unsold and returned goods stored overnight in the couple’s garage and summerhouse.
“People would buy things and then bring them back for others to enjoy, so we were selling some things three or four times,” she said.
“We’d get everything out in the morning and had an honesty box attached to one of the tables.”
Shortly after the pandemic, Mervyn suffered a stroke, meaning the couple have had to reduce the scale of their fundraising.
“I’m finding it more difficult physically, although not mentally,” said Dee (pictured on the left alongside friends Gwen and Marion), who regularly donates to and shops in EACH shops, including those in Sheringham, Wroxham and Aylsham.
“We’re having to slow down but still feel committed and will continue to do whatever we can to help.
“In addition to the fabulous people we’ve met, I must add that we’ve always felt so supported and appreciated by the fundraising team at EACH.
“We’re made so welcome when we pop into the office, and it’s a pleasure to be involved and do what we can to help.”
EACH Community Fundraiser Megan Kemp described Dee and Mervyn’s efforts as “inspiring”.
She said: “They’re wonderful people, and the amount they’ve raised is absolutely staggering.
“Their incredible commitment over the past two decades has been nothing short of inspiring, and we’re so grateful for everything they’ve done to help families receiving care and support from EACH.
“I hope they’re both incredibly proud of their remarkable achievements.”
Picture: Karen Self/EACH
