Tell us about your job working in fundraising? What’s your typical day/week?
My job is to support the Head of Fundraising, Area Fundraisers, Event Fundraisers, Regional Partnership Fundraiser, Young Ambassadors, Friends Groups, and Volunteers with admin tasks or any other help they may require within their roles.
I am the first point of contact for supporters wanting to hold a fundraising event and for any enquiries regarding Childrens Hospice South West. It’s great to see so many people wanting to help and support CHSW.
What do you enjoy most about working at CHSW and/or in fundraising?
I find great joy in working for CHSW and being a part of the Fundraising Team. It's not just a job for me, it's a deeply fulfilling experience.
What I appreciate most is the sense of purpose that I get from my job. Knowing that our efforts directly impact the lives of babies, children, young people, and their families is incredibly rewarding.
The Fundraising Team are a close-knit team who share the same goal – to make a positive difference to each of the families we support. Our team combines friendship, support, and a shared dedication. It’s a privilege to work with everyone at CHSW.
What motivated you to apply to your role?
I was at a crossroads in my career. I wanted to make a meaningful impact, contributing to a cause that truly matters.
Supporting children, young people, and families at CHSW allows me to be part of a community that is full of empathy and compassion. It is a privilege to play a role in making a positive difference in the lives of those who need it most.
How did you become a Fundraising Administrator? What job were you doing before?
Before working for CHSW I was a Cleaning Manager on a military base.
I was part of a military families committee that volunteered their time holding events for the children of serving military personnel. I loved being part of something that could make a positive impact on people’s lives.
I felt incredibly lucky to be offered an interview for the job of Fundraising Administrator. Since joining the CHSW family, I feel that mine and my family’s life has changed for the better.
What would you say are the skills you need to do your job? Have you learnt any new skills since being in post?
Organisational skills: The ability to juggle multiple tasks, events, team members, and be there for our supporters.
Communication skills: Effective communication, both written and verbal, are essential for interacting with colleagues, our supporters, and the community.
Empathy: Compassion and empathy are needed to connect with the families and convey the mission of CHSW to potential donors.
Teamwork: Collaboration and the ability to build and maintain partnerships are essential, as fundraising often requires a collective effort.
These skills, when combined with dedication and a passion for the cause, enable a Fundraising Administrator to excel in their role and make a lasting impact.
If you could do another job within CHSW for the day, what would it be?
I would love to work with the Sibling Team for the day as I admire the work they do with the brothers and sisters of children and young people with life-limiting conditions.
How does it feel to be a part of the CHSW family?
Being part of the CHSW family is an incredibly heartwarming and fulfilling experience. I love being part of a team of like-minded individuals who share the same commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of children, young people, and their families.
Tell us anything else you love about your role/CHSW...
Being part of the CHSW family is like having an extended support system. It is an incredibly special and humbling experience that brings joy, fulfilment, and a deep sense of purpose to the work we do every day.
What inspires you in your working life?
Our team's resilience and determination are a constant source of inspiration.