The efforts of the Rainford Support Group in helping with our fundraising are fantastic. They are always on the go organising fundraising events and raising money for Willowbrook. If it’s not a Barn Dance it’s an evening with Jimmy Cricket. The work of the Rainford Support Group is never ending and over the years they have raised in excess of £20,000.
We spoke with Viv Gillon, a member of the Rainford Support Group to find out the inspiration behind the hard work.
When and why did you get together?
The Rainford Support Group formed at the very beginning when the hospice was still a dream. A family member suffered greatly with cancer and there were no hospice services to offer support and pain relief.
What do you do?
All kindsof things! Barn Dances, Spring Proms, Choir Evenings, Christmas Fayres, Coffee Mornings, making home made jams… If we are not organising our own events we are helping out at Hospice events and in the office over the busy seasonal periods. Even my son Peter helps out by selling his home made cakes at work. I am now volunteering at the new Rainford shop so come in and say hello.
We have tried to get Viv's secret jam recipes off her but she has denied all access and says they will remain secret!!
What would you say to anyone thinking of volunteering?
Do it! knowing the money we raise is going to such a worthwhile cause and to help local people makes you want to work even harder. It’s nice to hear positive comments about the hospice from people who have used its facilities and knowing that we have had some input makes us feel proud of the work we do.
Without the kindness and generosity of the local people and church groups we could not raise a single penny. Our thanks go to them.
