25 years of volunteering
Carole’s journey with Keech began in the year 2000 after she heard an urgent request for help on the local radio. At that time, we needed assistance to rebuild our children’s unit, which had been vandalised. Carole, then 55, jumped into action, contacting local businesses to help secure the items we required to be able to open our doors to families in need.
Now, 25 years later, Carole continues to volunteer. In fact, she has never stopped and has raised an incredible £370,000 for Keech! She has done this through all sorts of activities, including quiz nights, fish and chip suppers, summer fetes, dances, and curry evenings. Every penny raised goes directly towards funding the hospice’s work providing support to patients and families when they need it most.
Helping in so many ways
In addition to fundraising, Carole collects and delivers donation pots from local pubs and shops, serves tea and coffee at hospice events, helps maintain our animal sculptures, and gives talks to community groups to raise awareness about our work.
Remarkably, for the past quarter of a century, Carole has set up her market stall at Ampthill Market every Thursday at 6 am when the market runs, whatever the weather, selling donated items to raise funds for Keech.
Carole and Dave have also spent many Christmas days at the hospice, assisting with cleaning, washing, and supporting kitchen staff to ensure patients and their families can make special memories together.
A night to remember
Carole says: “I was very proud to be nominated for this award, but I couldn’t do any of it without the friends who help me. It was a privilege to attend the awards ceremony. Even though I didn’t win, Andrew Castle who hosted the awards gave me a special mention on stage, which was so nice of him!”
Thank you from all of us
Huge congratulations to Carole on being nominated for this prestigious award. Her tireless volunteering and fundraising efforts have made an immeasurable impact on the lives of so many children and families. On behalf of them all and everyone at Keech Hospice — thank you, Carole!