“EACH ran through my veins for many years and became part of me” – Anne, Barbara and Chrissie have helped raise nearly £125,000 with EACH’s Peterborough Friends Group

Tireless charity supporters have spoken of their pride and delight after raising nearly £125,000 for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).

Barbara Davies, 78, Anne Simmons and Chrissie Rawlinson, both 77, have been linchpins of the organisation’s Peterborough Friends Group.

Alongside others, they have organised countless popular coffee mornings, raffles, tombolas and bucket collections, as well as helping raise awareness of the charity’s work at fetes, festivals, carol services and firework displays.

Anne has been at the heart of the group since its inaugural meeting, in 2010, Barbara joined 12 years ago and served as treasurer for a decade while Chrissie has been involved since 2015.

All three have now decided the time is right to hand on the baton to others – and they say fundraising is enjoyable, rewarding and something they would recommend.

“People have said ‘why do you want to volunteer for a hospice? What a sad and upsetting place it must be’,” said mum-of-two Anne, who lives in Yaxley.

“However, nothing could be further from the truth and I’ve always found it such a positive, uplifting environment.

“EACH needs people to help, volunteer and raise funds and it’s always been important to me to do what I can.

“Rather than buying each other presents, Peter, my husband, and I always made a donation at Christmas.

“I must have been on a mailing list and received a letter asking if I might be interested in becoming part of a new Peterborough Friends Group.

“I didn’t know anyone at the first meeting and we went around the room, introducing ourselves and explaining why we wanted to get involved.

“One of the original members had a grandchild that was cared for by EACH, while another had a grandson who sadly died at Milton.

“One was a nurse who looked after premature babies, so everyone had their own personal reasons for wanting to help.

“I went on to make many great friends and met some real characters. It’s been very fun and sociable.”

Barbara, who lives in Peterborough, was a driving force for many years, before deciding to step down in February.

“EACH ran through my veins for many years and became part of me,” said the mum of two, who also has seven grandsons.

“It took up a lot of my time but was always worth it and something I enjoyed and found very rewarding.

“It always amazed me how many people I spoke to who had a connection with EACH. It makes you realise how special and far-reaching that care and support is.

“So many people made a contribution, including many of my great friends who always got involved and were supportive.

“It really was a team effort and volunteering is definitely something I’d recommend to anyone. It gives you a great sense of achievement and an opportunity to make a real difference.”

Chrissie, who lives in Easton-on-the-Hill, started volunteering for EACH after retiring 14 years ago, initially helping on the reception at Milton.

She then joined the Friends Group and soon became secretary, replacing Anne.

“It’s been amazing – a huge part of my life – and I have so many happy memories,” she said.

“It’s been a lot of hard work but something that’s given us a lot of pleasure and we’re so grateful for everyone’s support.

“It’s made me so thankful for what I have and I want to stay involved in some capacity, even if it’s just a case of helping out occasionally.”

At its height, the Peterborough Friends Group had 15 members.

However, that number slowly dwindled and some called it a day after the pandemic.

Anne and Chrissie recently had another look around Milton after meeting up with EACH Community Fundraiser Helena Davis.

They presented a cheque for £3,258, for money raised during 2023.

Helena then confirmed that the total raised since 2010 is an incredible £124,084.

“I feel so proud and couldn’t believe it when we found out how much we’d raised,” said Chrissie, who is married to Jerry, has three children and seven grandchildren. She spent much of her working life with Cambridgeshire County Council.

“It’s hugely rewarding and I hope that money has made a real difference.”

“I couldn’t be more happy or proud of everything we achieved together, as a team,” added Barbara.

“It’s so much money and our privilege to have helped and supported such a magnificent charity.”

Anyone interested in volunteering for EACH and/or raising funds and awareness in the Peterborough area can find out more by emailing Helena via Helena.Davis@each.org.uk

Alternatively, Helena will be available to chat when EACH hosts a Skydiving Day at Peterborough Airfield on 27th April.

Find our notes to editors here.

Keep in touch:

For further information about this release please contact:

Matt Plummer | Media and PR Manager | 07738 328058 | Matt.Plummer@each.org.uk

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