She first became aware of the hospice via friends at All Saints Church in Woodford Green, London. Since then she has held many different volunteering positions, from her first role processing Gift Aid, a task she still performs with enthusiasm to this day, to assisting with bucket collections, delivering newsletters and manning the reception desk.
Mary has volunteered at many of the hospice’s events and even taken part in fundraising runs, and she was instrumental in forming the hospice’s first links with supporters in the local community. Her background in financial administration has meant she has become an important part of the hospice’s finance team.
The hospice has long been a key part of Mary’s life and she has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to its history, so much so that she collated the names of more than 100 notable public figures who have planted trees in its arboretum. She also recently helped the marketing team with their Legacy Open Day, sharing memories and photos of her long service at Haven House.
What has driven Mary to take on all these roles has been her dedication to help the hospice become a homely environment for children and their families. Mary says:
“I feel so privileged to have been involved with Haven House almost from its conception with the founder. You could not fail to be inspired by Sue’s passionate dream and ultimate fulfilment to create a happy and welcoming hospice for children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions, a place which is just as important for their parents and siblings too.
I have been blessed to have shared this journey with so many wonderful friends past and present who have helped to achieve Sue Irwin’s remarkable goal and I hope to continue to do so for many more years to come.”
For more information visit Haven House
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