When Marie was interviewed by one of the Hospice founders, Jenny Freeman, little did she know St Barnabas would become a constant in her life for the next 39 years (and counting!).
Rewind to 1984, and office junior Marie, earned every penny of her £25 a week pay packet. Working out of St Barnabas’ office on Steep Hill in Lincoln, she helped process donations from across the county. Everything was done manually, from counting money to thanking donors and recording income. There wasn’t a computer in sight, but there was plenty of Tippex lying around the office! Without a photocopier, even duplicate copies of documents were produced by hand. But there was a silver lining! It kept Marie and her colleagues moving and a little warmer in the chilly 12th-century building with just fans for heat. And when the pipes froze in the winter, it wasn’t unusual to find one of them in the Wig and Mitre pub opposite, filling up the kettle!
Fast forward to 1993 and office manager Marie revolutionised the donation process from her warm office on Cardinal Close in Lincoln. It all began when then-General Manager Ken Davidson decided the Hospice needed a computer to manage the big annual fundraiser, the Gold Rush Raffle. And it wasn’t long before Marie took on the mantle of modernising how the Hospice managed charitable income and took care of supporters. Her changes have stood the test of time and still form the foundation of the donation process today. Thankfully Marie stood the test of time too and continues to be an integral part of the supporter care team!
In her 39 years as part of the St Barnabas family, Marie has played a significant role in helping St Barnabas change, grow and develop to care for more patients and their families across Lincolnshire. For as long as she’s been involved with the Hospice, Marie has given up her spare time to support fundraising events big and small. She’s stood out in the pouring rain for hours on end, lugged pots and plants from pillar to post in the hot sunshine, spent all day working and still stayed out until after midnight making sure events run smoothly. Marie also led donations to the successful St Barnabas Wildflower campaign in 2021, in memory of her mum.
St Barnabas really is a family affair for Marie, and some might say serendipity was at play when the careers office suggested she apply for a job at the Hospice. Because just four years after joining and meeting van driver David, they tied the knot…on 11th June, St Barnabas Day!
In her own words…
“I’m often asked why I stayed so long, and it’s simple really. It’s because of the care given to patients and families. The end product can sometimes get overlooked when you’re flat out dealing with donations day in and day out. But then I’ll read a note attached to a cheque and remember why I always want to be a part of St Barnabas.”