Two volunteer fundraisers who have helped raise nearly £190,000 for Katharine House were treated to an afternoon tea at the hospice to thank them for their support.
The afternoon tea was organised as a celebration to thank and congratulate both Dot Tagg and Pat Russell for all their amazing hard work, commitment, and dedication as volunteers over the past 30 years.
Having met whilst volunteering at the hospice in 1991 and becoming firm friends, the duo joined forces and have now raised £189,672.96 by hosting raffles and a KHH stall, encouraging businesses and individuals to donate top quality items for them to sell in aid of the hospice. At the Fairport Festival alone, they managed to raise a staggering £90,000 over the years.
As a thank you for their support, the hospice treated Pat and Dot to an afternoon tea, complete with cakes and scones freshly baked by the hospice catering team, on Tuesday 18 July.
Pat has been volunteering at the hospice since it opened, having been told by a friend that they were looking for volunteers.
Dot first started volunteering at the hospice in 1991 and later even went on to work for the hospice. “I was at a time of my life when I wanted to find a job but hadn’t worked in an office before so thought I could get experience as a volunteer. I heard that the hospice was looking for volunteers, so I joined in 91. Little did I know I would end up working here a few years later!
“The hospice has grown and changed a lot over the years. We used to all muck in together and do each other’s roles when they weren’t around. It’s very specialised now but is as important now to the community as it has ever been. Wherever you go, you always hear people saying good things about the hospice. All the nursing staff go above and beyond and everyone can see that.”
Dot said the hospice holds a special place in her heart: “It’s about doing things to help people who aren’t as fortunate as yourselves. Giving something back and helping people.”
Pat holds a regular coffee morning in Deddington. She said: “I love being able to give the people of Deddington a chance to raise money for the hospice as they are very supportive of Katharine House. It means a lot to me to be able to make that happen.”
Community and Events Officer Rachel Burns said: “These two superstars have done so much for the hospice we really wanted to do a little something to thank them and let them know how much we appreciate everything they have done for us.
“We can’t stress enough how important our volunteers are to us, especially when they’re raising so much money for us! We simply wouldn’t be here without the support of each and every one.”
If you have been inspired by Pat and Dot’s story, why not join them and the wonderful team of volunteers at Katharine House to attend local events to help raise funds for the hospice.
For further information, please contact Karen Welsh, Head of Marketing at Katharine House Hospice on 07969 992416, or email karen.welsh@khh.org.uk
