We are a very friendly, dedicated bunch who come from all walks of life, all with one aim – to raise as much money as possible to enable Marie Curie nurses to provide support to as many terminally ill people and their families in Dorset as possible.

Some of us have first-hand experience of the type of support Marie Curie offers, others just want to help a much loved and needed charity.

We all bring different strengths and skills to the group, and everyone is valued. The type of activities we get involved in range from street collections, barn dances, sponsored walks, games nights and so much more.

We have great fun while fundraising and appreciate any support that can be given. From an hour or two for a collection in a supermarket to a more regular commitment helping the group with organising events, there is something for everyone, whatever your free time allows.

Please contact Richard Ayres  07761 154320 for an informal chat to find out how you can get involved.

Here are some of our volunteers:

Marie Curie Fundraisers
Liz Gordon of Brilliant Fish PR and Marie Curie Fundraiser

Liz Gordon

I first met some of the group when I was teaching them how to use social media to raise awareness of their activities. I was so blown away by their passion and commitment (and sense of fun!) that I volunteered to help with a collection on Poole Quay. It was so much fun and I met some lovely people who donated. Quite a few mentioned how grateful they were for the Marie Curie nurse that helped their family member, it was really touching. I run my own business and don’t get a lot of spare time so a 2 hour slot collecting every now and then is great for me. I also help the group with some PR as that is what I do!

Val Sawdy Chair of Poole Marie Curie Fundraising Group

Val Sawdy

I first volunteered for Marie Curie in October 2012.  Immediately after I retired from full-time employment, I was diagnosed with cancer and having experienced excellent surgery and treatment, as soon as I recovered, I wanted to do something to help others who were less fortunate than I had been.  My search for volunteering opportunities coincided with Marie Curie’s decision to set up a new fundraising group in Poole and I was invited to chair the new group when it was launched in January 2013.   

Since then we have raised over £400,000 and group members who joined as strangers have become firm friends.   We are always ready to welcome new members.  It is free to join and we organise a wide variety of social activities and fundraising events.  Our programme has included archery and a zumbathon, so literally A-Z, and a huge variety of other activities in between!

We aim to keep the “fun” in fundraising and we recognise that people are busy and have other commitments.  There is no pressure to do more than people are comfortable with and we are grateful for people to volunteer as and when they can, whether it’s collecting occasionally, or helping with a coffee morning, baking a cake, manning a stall at a fete, having a “wear yellow” day at work, or whatever.  There are so many ways in which people can use their skills and experience to help, or use their contacts to raise awareness of our charity. 

For me, one of the great things about giving my time to Marie Curie is that the money we raise is banked locally and used to help fund Marie Curie nursing care for local patients and vital emotional support to the whole family as they cope with terminal illness.  When I am out collecting, people who donate often tell me that they will always be grateful to the wonderful Marie Curie nurses who helped their family.  I am lucky, through my voluntary role, to know many of our local Marie Curie nurses, and I wholeheartedly agree that they really are very special people who do a fantastic job. 

Julie Payne, Marie Curie fundraiser

Julie Payne

I’ve been part of the Poole Fundraising Group since it formed in January 2013. 

Marie Curie nurses were part of the team who looked after my husband at home in his last few weeks, even staying overnight when I needed them.  The care and dedication they showed was in a different league which inspired me to do my bit to help raise money for Marie Curie nurses so that other patients can benefit from their expertise.  It helps to know that all the money we raise is spent in the Dorset area. 

It’s a very friendly and sociable group so we have fun while raising money for this brilliant cause.

Emma Graham, Marie Curie fundraiser

Emma Graham

I lost my dad to lung cancer in January 2011. My dad’s wish was to die at home, this was made easier because we had the support of Marie Curie. Whilst we would have managed, it was lovely to know that they were there, especially overnight which can seem like a lonely scary time. They not only supported dad, but us as a family. Sadly the following year in 2012, my gran was in hospital but wanted to spend her final days at home, Marie Curie were there for us again and we were able to make this possible.

In 2012 I held a ‘Blooming Great Tea Party’ to celebrate my dad’s birthday. In 2013 I decided to sign up and collect for Marie Curie during their ‘Great Daffodil Appeal’, this is where I met Val and Richard who work so hard to organise our group. I’ve been really glad to be able to give something back, and find it very rewarding being part of this local group. I’ve even got my children involved who are now both great supporters of Marie Curie too! I really would recommend anyone with a few spare hours to give it a go!

If you are a business and looking for a charity to support, we would love to hear from you!

We can offer advice and support on team activities or we are happy to receive the fruits of your fundraising efforts. If you have staff who are thinking of taking part in any races, marathons or competitions, we can provide support materials like t-shirts, sponsorship forms etc.

Please contact Richard Ayres for full details.

T: 07761 154320
E: [email protected]

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