East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices’ (EACH) new Director of Fundraising says she has been ‘blown away’ by the ‘phenomenal’ generosity of supporters and is determined to help the charity navigate the toughest funding climate of her career.
Gemma Zweck joined in May after previously spending six successful years at St Helena Hospice, in Colchester – starting as Lottery Executive Manager before becoming Commercial Director and Chief Commercial Officer.
She then had a spell in hospitality before realising her heart was in the third sector and specifically income generation – opening the door to what she hopes and believes will be a long, fulfilling career with EACH.
“It’s already been better and more enjoyable than I could have hoped,” said the 44-year-old mum-of-two, who lives in Colchester.
“EACH is a charity I’ve always admired from afar, but before I started, I wondered how I’d feel about working for a children’s hospice.
“Being a parent myself, I wasn’t sure how it would affect me or how much it would tug at my heartstrings.
“There are undoubtedly times when it’s hard, sad and emotionally challenging, and it’s very different to an adult hospice environment.
“However, it’s a fantastic charity and a role I’m already finding incredibly rewarding.
“EACH does such important work and when I meet families or read their stories, it fills me with immense pride to think about the difference our funds make.
“It’s an overwhelmingly positive feeling and so motivational, knowing we’re directly helping and making a difference.
“Even though I’ve worked for another hospice, this feels very different.
“In an adult setting, very sadly, you know people are nearing the end of their life. It feels more clinical and final.
“Here, children can receive care for several years and then transition into adult services.
“It’s not just about end of life. Instead, it’s about creating memories, making the most of life and taking a more holistic approach.”
Gemma, who grew up in Clacton, admits a career in the third sector was not part of her long-term plan after graduating from the University of Essex with a degree in Criminology and Sociology, in 2003.
Prior to St Helena, she worked for retail and hospitality companies, including giants like Lidl, Bella Italia and Greene King.
Then she had something of a lightbulb moment and realised she wanted a career that gave her a greater sense of purpose.
It led to her joining St Helena in 2019, where she enjoyed numerous highlights over the next six years, driving significant income growth and overseeing teams responsible for generating more than £13 million in annual income – a record-breaking performance for the Essex charity.
“Working in hospitality was great but soon felt like a 24-7 slog,” said Gemma.
“It consumed me and left me with very little time for my family.
“At that point, my two children were still young, and I had a moment of re-evaluation. I wanted a job that allowed me to spend time with them. I didn’t want to miss my opportunity and had an epiphany.
“Did I want to continue in a role generating profits for shareholders, or did I want to do something that gave me a real, strong sense of value? It was an easy decision, and the more I thought about it, the more it resonated with me.
“I’m the type of person who puts everything into my work, and it certainly helps when there’s a real purpose to what I do.
“That’s when I moved into the fundraising world, and the rest is history. I haven’t looked back since.”
While passionate and motivated by her new role, Gemma admits it comes with huge pressure, knowing every pound directly affects the children and families being supported by EACH.
She also says fundraising is currently more challenging than at any point in her career.
“I feel a great sense of responsibility to implement and deliver our fundraising strategy, to ensure we meet our targets,” she said.
“I take it very personally, but seeing where the money goes and the difference it makes spurs me on enormously.
“I’m excited about the opportunities we have here, and I know the rest of the team feel the same.
“They’re invested and engaged, bringing such a positive energy and fully embracing what we’re trying to achieve.
“Everyone wears their lanyard with pride and is committed and motivated to raising the funds we need.
“That said, many hospices are struggling, and it’s a demanding environment.
“We have fewer resources and smaller teams compared to the corporate world I once worked in, and this is by far the hardest fundraising landscape I’ve known.
“It’s difficult out there, and all the data tells us less people are giving to charities.
“They aren’t as loyal to one cause anymore, people rotate their charity support and there are more and more to choose from. That means extra competition and a crowded market.
“Then there’s the wider economic environment, with rising bills and ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
“People have less disposable income, and businesses are facing the same pressures – now having to deal with mounting costs like the National Insurance hike.
“They also have less to play with, so it’s a real challenge, and we’re relying on people giving up their hard-earned cash to support us.”
Thankfully for EACH, Gemma says there is extraordinary warmth and goodwill from the public, and she is constantly stunned by their kindness and generosity – both in terms of fundraising and volunteering.
“It’s phenomenal,” said the keen swimmer, who also enjoys keeping fit by going to the gym.
“They do so much and an example that always touches me is people leaving money in their Will.
“Many resonate with a charity supporting children, and many find it shocking that children’s hospices get so little funding from the government.
“When I tell people we only receive around 15 per cent of our income that way, they can’t believe it and assume we’re funded by the NHS.
“EACH does such important work – not just for the children receiving care but also their parents, siblings and extended family.
“Some people think of a children’s hospice as a dark, gloomy place but it’s a misconception.
“In reality, our three settings are wonderful places – bright, cheerful and colourful, where people go above and beyond to deliver gold-standard care.
“They’re full of life, rather than death, and I’ve got so much respect for all my colleagues, especially those in our care teams.
“I consider myself lucky to work with such passionate people, and they’re our greatest ambassadors.
“They help us do our jobs, and they’re inspiring. I think those of us who work in different areas of the organisation look at them in awe.”
Aside from her work, Gemma, who is married to Jamie and mum to Ellie, 20, and Jack, 19, is currently facing a personal challenge of her own after being diagnosed with breast cancer in March.
She has just started her second round of chemotherapy, which was previously three-weekly but now every Thursday morning.
“My treatment takes it out of me, and some days are undoubtedly harder than others,” she said.
“I just want to be the same old me, doing something that makes me happy and fulfilled.
“My diagnosis has certainly made me re-evaluate life again, in terms of what I stand for, spending time with the people I love and what I do for a living.
“I’ve thrown everything into my work and that’s important to me because it’s so close to my heart. I love it and couldn’t sit at home doing nothing.
“My diagnosis has also made me more empathetic in terms of the parents and families receiving our support.
“Clearly, my situation is very different and it’s about me, rather than my child.
“However, there are parallels – we’ve both been thrust into the unknown, into a world we didn’t sign up for.
“We also suddenly find ourselves in a clinical environment, being confronted with letters, conversations and terminology we don’t always understand.
“I don’t want to be defined by my diagnosis, though, and I consider myself lucky to have such a rewarding vocation.
“It becomes your life, and I’m always happy to go above and beyond, feeling incredibly fortunate and genuinely privileged to now be settled within such an outstanding organisation.”
