Back in December 2023 we hosted our Heart Hero Awards ceremony, celebrating inspirational BHF supporters. From those who have gone above and beyond to help others while coping with the impact of a heart and circulatory disease, to individuals who have raised vital funds for the BHF’s lifesaving research.
Pat started fundraising for the BHF in 2008, after losing both of her parents to heart disease before the age of 60. At the ceremony Pat won ‘Fundraiser of the Year’ for her dedication and commitment to the BHF.
She initially fundraised alone and with the support of her local connections but in 2014, she decided to form the Amber Valley Fundraising Group, in Derbyshire, with the support of her husband Mike and daughter Kelly. Over the past nine years the group has grown and now has eight additional active members.
Pat’s primary role is treasurer of the fundraising group, but not only that! She’s the energy, passion and enthusiasm that keeps the group motivated and encouraged to try new events.
The group organises numerous events throughout the year, from supermarket collections to choir concerts. They also host an annual ferret racing event and a local swimathon. Pat is always the driving force - she is always updating social media to promote their events, writing cards and letters of thanks to group supporters, printing certificates and ordering materials for the group’s next event.
As treasurer, Pat spends hours counting pennies from collection tins and completing spreadsheets and reports. She takes great pride in ensuring the whole group is up to date with what they’ve raised and the impact on our research through her monthly treasurer reports. Pat has been personally responsible for securing match funding for the group events through Barclay’s bank, doubling their fundraising income and helping them achieve their £50,000 milestone in 2022.
In addition, in 2018 Pat was introduced to a retiring member of the local Ashbourne Fundraising Group. He told her about a Swimathon event that they’d been doing for years but were unable to continue. Inspired by his story, Pat was determined to continue the Swimathon legacy and she was instrumental in organising the first Alfreton Swimathon back in 2019. The event has happened each year ever since.
Similarly, in 2023, she heard about the retirement of the Matlock Group In Memorium secretary. Pat’s dogged determination to ensure that the BHF maintained it’s great work locally meant that she took over the role, in addition to her current fundraising. She now writes to thank bereaved families in North Derbyshire who have donated to the BHF, this alone secures around £1,000 per month in donations. Where other local fundraising groups have declined over the years, the Amber Valley Fundraising Group has flourished thanks to Pat. In 2020, the group even changed its name from the ‘Alfreton Fundraising Group’ to ‘The Amber Valley Fundraising Group’ to reflect the wider geographical area that they cover and to be more inclusive to new members.
Pat is a phenomenal BHF ambassador and a whirlwind of energy. The team is so proud of her for being recognised nationally for her contribution.
Thank you, Pat, for all your hard work and determination over the years, with your support, we’re able to fund more lifesaving research.