Inspired by my 30th birthday I'm proud to have raised £169,881 for Haven House Children's Hospice since 2014. In total I have also raised more than £200,000 for UK charities, helped by some incredibly generous businesses and celebrities. Working as a freelance photographer I'd had an opportunity to meet the many wonderful staff, children and families at Haven House Children's Hospice. With a milestone birthday approaching I wanted to celebrate by supporting the important work the hospice does in the local community. My original goal was to source 30 auction prizes to mark my 30th birthday. Five years later, with the support of friends and family, businesses and a host of celebrities including Kate Moss, Andy Murray and Usain Bolt, I have surpassed my original goal, with no plans to slow down yet.

 

As a freelance photographer I've visited the hospice on many occasions. My passion for fundraising helped me win Vodafone Foundation's 'World of Difference' programme twice giving me the opportunity to work with two separate charities. I was incredibly fortunate because one year over 11,000 people registered an interest in winning. I picked Haven House for the second work placement. In 2013 I spent two months working with Haven House. It was a wonderful experience because it enabled me to meet some of the families who are supported by the hospice. I also managed to raise over £4,000. As a result of this unique experience I was inspired to raise additional funds to cover the costs for a whole month of care, support and fun for the children who visit Haven House. In 2014 I launched 30 Donations with no budget and lots of enthusiasm. I thought that if I could raise £3,000 it would make a difference. Once I'd raised over £30,000 I literally couldn't stop! I have successfully approached businesses and celebrities for prizes to be used in silent & live auctions, raffles and competitions. One example of an extraordinary prize is a holiday in the West Indies at a luxury villa, which was kindly donated on two separate occasions by Peter de Savary raising £17,000. Other donors include Soho House, Palazzo Versace Dubai, The Dorchester Collection, Kate Moss and Manolo Blahnik CBE, etc... By supporting the annual Haven House Ball I have raised over £122,000.

 

I feel so inspired it's almost impossible to stop fundraising! It's also great fun to work with celebrities and inspirational business leaders. If I can inspire more young people to support their local charities, then I have made a positive difference. Volunteers are our unsung heroes and I'm incredibly proud to volunteer for Haven House. 100% of all funds raised go directly to the hospice.

 

There are many reasons why I support Haven House. One reason that I rarely talk about is that fact that I would like to honour the memory of my sister who died in childbirth. It's an unspoken grief that has motivated me to donate my time and energy. I believe that every life is precious so I hope that the money raised by my appeal ensures that families are able to create many wonderful memories at Haven House. Being a volunteer has been life changing for me and I'm so grateful to everyone that has supported me throughout the years.