Skegness Fundraising Committee

Shirley & Tigger at The Chapel St Leonards Primary School

Shirley Atherton, Chair Person for Skegness Fundraising Committee for Macmillan, shares with us her reasons for volunteering and her experiences of working with the Macmillan fundraising team in her local area.

Macmillan to me is inspiring. During my years of fundraising I have met so many wonderful people living with cancer, who like me are determined to help others and put something back as a thank you for the help we received from Macmillan when we needed it - emotionally, financially, so many many ways. Once you are signed off from the hospital visits and the care of the Macmillan Professionals it is like being cut loose from the Mother Ship, however, it is still there in the distance watching over us ready to help again should we need it.

If everyone gave just a little time to help others what a wonderful place the world would be. Meanwhile, like many, many, others I meet who make me feel very humble it’s a good feeling to help, and that is such a great feeling. As the saying goes, when you help someone, it’s a very good day.

Tanya Taylor, newly appointed Fundraising Manager for Lincolnshire first met Shirley and her wonderful fellow committee members at one of their meetings at Skegness back in April. Tanya says: 'Shirley and her team made me feel so welcome and nothing is too much trouble. Their efforts to raise monies for Macmillan are continuous and meticulously planned right down to every detail and each risk assessment with the help of Shirley’s vice President Margaret Spence and the rest of the team.'

Shirley also has another member of the team who whilst doesn’t attend their bi-monthly meetings is a natural born fundraiser, meet Tigger- Shirley’s little dog.

Shirley and Tigger (dressed in true Macmillan style – see picture) attended The Chapel St Leonards Primary School children on Friday 22 June 2012- and gave a talk to the Assembly. Tigger completely wowed the children and the day was a fantastic success. Tanya continues: 'Our Fundraising Committees and Groups are at the heart of our community and without them we just could not achieve anything year on year – They are all such a fabulous bunch of committed volunteers.'

If Macmillan Cancer Support is your charity and you would like to get involved with volunteering your time in a way that suits you, please contact Macmillan Cancer Support on 0300 1000 200 to find out more or go to www.macmillan.org.uk|.

For more information please call Tanya Taylor, Fundraising Manager for Lincolnshire, Macmillan Cancer Support on 07595 091659.