I am very much a ‘people person’ and once I get going, I can talk for hours. This is what I really enjoy about my role: I get to talk with people from local groups and organisations, schools, churches, businesses, supermarkets and more, about lots of fun ways to raise funds. For instance, I could go from meeting with a local garden centre about a ‘plant-athon’, cake sale, and collection, to discuss a sponsored walk with a local primary school, or a chat to a team of budding runners who would like to take on a marathon in support of us.

However people decide to fundraise, I have the added pleasure of supporting them on their journey and making sure they have fun. After all, fundraising starts with the word ‘fun’, so it should be!

As we continue to grow into our new Home in High Wycombe, I have already had the pleasure of meeting with supporters and have been overwhelmed by their generosity. At Christmas, I was invited to attend Wycombe and District Royal Artillery Association’s Christmas lunch and this was a wonderful opportunity to meet members and understand the military community in High Wycombe.

As I explore the local area, I discover amazing people who have a genuine interest in supporting charities; I recently met with an organisation who meet for lunch once a month and hold a collection, which they then donate to a chosen cause. They kindly presented us with a gift of £500 from their recent collection, to put towards our High Wycombe minibus appeal.

Over the next months, I will be concentrating on raising funds for a minibus for our Home. The vehicle will be able to take residents on a variety of trips and outings to local parks, restaurants, pubs, museums, theatres and more – connecting residents with their community and enhancing well-being.