Tell us a bit about yourself Shirley.
I was born in Guildford and have lived there for the whole of my life. I will be 79 this year and on my 40th year volunteering I will be 80. I volunteer not only for the British Heart Foundation but also with many other charities in Guildford. I have worked with every new Mayor of Guildford for the last 40 years helping with their charities and they have in turn supported mine.
Is there a personal link to the BHF?
The reason I became a volunteer for the British Heart Foundation was because I did a massive favour for my dear friend, Maureen Lemin, whose father had heart problems. After visiting the heart consultant with her father, she was approached by the new committee of the BHF fundraising group to see if she would help organise a raffle. She then asked me if I could assist her with the raffle which I did, and this followed by us being asked if we would both join the Committee. I said I would give them a year but have been there ever since.
What do your friends think of your volunteering?
I have been lucky to have a vast number of friends and family who have supported all my charity work, but my biggest supporter has always been my husband, Brian, who has given his time to me to make me what I am. A few years ago, I was presented with the British Empire Medal by the Queen, and I’m locally known as ‘Mrs Guildford’ and ‘The Heart Lady’.
What do you do outside of volunteering?
In my leisure time I enjoy playing outdoor bowls for Castle Green Bowling Club which has also been a massive support to me in raising money for the British Heart Foundation.
What do you enjoy about volunteering? Do you have a favourite type of event or responsibility?
I enjoy volunteering because I like to put the fun into fundraising and I thoroughly enjoy meeting people because I am a people person and that is why I have a big following in Guildford which continues today. I like all the events and take on all the responsibility of organising them. As a group we do a whole variety of events, such as bucket collections at Tesco, regular quiz nights, and a summer open garden with stalls and items to sell.
Has it helped you at all?
After nearly 40 years volunteering, I feel that your confidence does build up because you make many friends and gives you status and respect.
Over the years since taking on the role of Chairman and Leader of the British Heart Foundation Guildford Fundraising Group, I have noticed the new volunteers and helpers that join us seem to come back for more because they enjoy the companionship, friendship and happiness that comes with volunteering and that is what makes you a brilliant volunteer.
Shirley also wanted to take the time to celebrate her lifelong friend, Maureen. Maureen has also been a dedicated volunteer raising thousands of pounds always enjoying dressing up being and happy when out volunteering. In her spare time Maureen is a gardener and wonderful card maker with her cards raising lots of money for the BHF.
Maureen’s words of wisdom are, “You only volunteer if you like people, especially seeing smiles on their faces when you show the same, and you put FUN into FUNdraising. Always say thank you.”
We thank Shirley and Maureen for their ongoing dedication and commitment to BHF for so many years, and a big “happy birthday” Shirley.