Sheila Jones, a member of the ‘Non-Stoppers’ gives us an insight into their work:
Who are the ‘Non-Stoppers?’
Sheila, Rita, Peggy and Joyce (supported by friends and family).
Why did you get together?
My husband Eric passed away at Willowbrook Hospice in 2000. The way Eric was treated and cared for and the way that care was extended to the whole family can never be put into words. We made the decision to put our gratitude into action by helping the Hospice to raise money.‘
Why the name?
The Non-Stopper Begonia is the name of Eric’s favourite flowers and also reflects the nature of the group – we don’t stop!
What do you do?
We have lots of laughs! We attend local fetes and carnivals including the Bierfest and usually do Tombola, Hoopla, Lucky Dips or Play your Cards Right.
We also do our own events such as Music under the Mistletoe at Christmas and Tea at Three in June as well as help the Hospice Fundraising Team with other events.
What have been the highlights?
Everything we do is a highlight and we have great pleasure in organising our Christmas event, Music Under the Mistletoe. ‘Music Under the Mistletoe’ at Rainhill Church in 2003 was a personal highlight. It was a lot of hard work but was an extremely successful day and very rewarding. Every event we attend is special to us, the amount of support and goodwill we receive is fantastic.
What is your advice on volunteering?
Personally it has helped me over the last 7 years, particularly as I have had first hand experience of the Hospice and the work it does. We all get a great deal of satisfaction doing what we do. We totally believe in the cause and we are helping in a very worthwhile way. We have had lots of laughs (and tears) and have made some fantastic friends along the way!
