By her own admission, Anita talks a lot! But we think it’s one of her best assets, especially when it comes to fundraising for St Barnabas.
Anita was no stranger to the hospice when she joined our volunteer fundraising group in 1995. Sadly, her mother passed away in the Inpatient Unit in Lincoln, and many years before, two of Anita’s neighbours were cared for when the Unit was located on Lindum Terrace, Lincoln.
When the time was right, Anita went along to an event about volunteering and who should be mentioned but St Barnabas Hospice! It was no coincidence, so Anita put herself forward to join our group of fundraising volunteers. When good friend and Chair of the group, Margaret, called Anita, the first thing she said was, “about time!”
Her first fundraising adventure took her to Bassingham village gala. Anita was picked up in a big van packed with merchandise, and off she went to sell our wares. Apparently, she had a marvellous time! So much so that she took our merchandise and hospice message all over Lincoln and beyond with the fundraising group, raising money and spreading the word. There were craft fairs, outdoor cinemas, flower arranging evenings, plant sales… the list goes on. Stamford Midnight Walk saw Anita greeting walkers at 1am, and the Colour Dash event tested her sales skills. She was part of the team that made the Lincoln Dragonboat Race a success too – but she couldn’t be persuaded to paddle!
Give Anita a busy, buzzing atmosphere and she comes into her own. So when she had the chance to get involved in a fundraising fashion event, she didn’t hesitate. Funnily enough, she always puts herself forward to help out with activities in Lincoln’s Waterside Centre too… we wonder if that has anything to do with being treated to breakfast by the Centre’s manager?!
Not long ago, Anita was chosen by us to help at a Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce dinner held at one of our Hospices. She knew how important the event was and was looking forward to being part of it. What she didn’t know was that she was there to receive a special award for all she does for St Barnabas. It was a lovely surprise for her, but even then, Anita wasn’t lost for words!
There’s no doubt that Anita is a people-person with a very caring heart. She knows just what to say and always has the right words. It’s why so many people open up to her and share their St Barnabas stories. And when they do, Anita is only too happy to listen.
In her own words…
“If I’m passionate about something I throw myself into it. People say if they cut me in half, I’d have St Barnabas running through me. I think they’re right!”
To see all 40 Faces and their stories, please visit: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/40faces