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Former Gogglebox star Marina Wingrove is to step back from her fundraising work – after raising £41,000 for good causes.

Marina has been a keen supporter of Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) over the years, raising £11,396 for the charity from events including coffee mornings, afternoon teas and Christmas fairs.

Now Marina, who rose to fame on the Channel 4 TV show alongside her friend Mary Cook, has put away her best china and, after a 17 year stint of fundraising, has hosted her last ever coffee morning. 

Along with supporting Children’s Hospice South West, Marina has also raised funds for Macmillan and the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity. Marina’s dedication to a good cause was honoured at the special event attended by her fellow residents at Monica Wills House and representatives from CHSW and Great Western Air Ambulance Charity.

Marina, described as the ‘life and soul’ of the party at the retirement complex at the tender age of 89, said: “It’s surprising over the years how all the money builds up. 

They just love quizzes and raffles in here. Any excuse to get together and have a chat amongst themselves. I’m very grateful to all the residents for their support. They’re very generous and they always buy a raffle ticket or donate prizes. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. I’m sorry to give it up, but it’s time for me to stop and have a rest now. I’ll be 90 at Christmas!

Marina appeared with best friend Mary on Channel 4’s Gogglebox, until Mary sadly passed away in 2021. The cheeky Bristolians quickly became firm favourites with the show’s legion of fans, which regularly attracts more than 3 million viewers each week.

The friends were signed up for the show after being discovered by producers on their way to do some shopping. Marina was on her way to catch the bus down to Asda when she was approached and asked if she watched the show. She told them she did and then was asked to appear on it.

I went across to catch the bus down to Asda and this young girl comes up to me and says 'do you ever watch Gogglebox?' I said, 'well I have done' and she said 'do you want to be on it?' I thought, 'I’m game for a laugh, like'. Then she said 'have you got a friend?' And like that, Mary came round the corner on her scooter.

“I’ve lived with the St Monica Trust for 18 years. I enjoy my life here and wouldn’t want to have lived anywhere else. It’s a nice place to live. I’ll still go to the quizzes and I like my music and parties. It’s not like I can get up and dance any more, but that’s what my right hand’s for – to have a drink! I’ll still always available to help if needed.”

Retirement Village Manager Claire said: "Whereas we’re sorry to see Marina call time on her charity work, we think that if anyone deserves a well-earned rest, it’s her.

“From raising money to organising events, to helping promote the work of the St Monica Trust, Marina’s contribution to our community has been huge – not to mention being the life and soul of our parties.”

Marina opted to support CHSW after her friend Margaret lost four children as babies. Marina said: “My dear late friend Margaret had 4 babies and they all sadly passed away. Back in those days there wasn’t the support for them that there is now with Charlton Farm and Children's Hospice South West.”

I have also been very lucky to have visited Charlton Farm on occasions and so I know all about the special work they do up there helping so many local families 

Margaret’s adopted daughter Carol keeps in touch with Marina and added ‘Mum’ (Margaret) had always wanted to support charities that help families and children who have experienced challenges just like she did all those years ago. 

CHSW Area Fundraiser for Bristol Amanda Leonard said: “We are truly grateful for the support we have received from Marina and her friends and it has been a pleasure to get to know Marina over the years. Their regular coffee mornings have been a perfect way for friends to get together and catch up while also helping wonderful local causes.”

At the Children’s Hospice South West we look after children who have life-limiting and life-threatening conditions. We are there to support families from point of diagnoses throughout their whole journey to bereavement support and beyond. The support we provide extends to the whole family for as long as they need it.”

Parents can recharge their batteries, siblings are supported by a dedicated team and they spend time playing and talking through their feelings all in a comfortable home from home environment. We would not be able to support over 250 families in the Bristol and Somerset area without the energy, devotion and sheer generosity of supporters just like Marina as we rely on voluntary donations to continue to care for local children with life-limiting conditions and their families.