Over 37 years of BHF fundraising
Dougie and Pauline have been members of the Carterton BHF Fundraising Branch since it was first formed in 1985. Pauline’s father had a stroke then a heart attack and passed away when she was 16 years old so BHF was a charity she was eager to support.
Dougie remembers, “Pauline started helping to fundraise about 40 years ago when friends started doing bingo to raise funds when they both had family members with heart problems. I at the time supported and helped them and joined the committee a few years later.”
To date the branch has raised more than £329,000! On 12 May they were invited to Buckingham Palace for a garden party to celebrate their fundraising efforts, along with friend and Carterton Group Chairperson Edie, and BHF Fundraising Manager, Alison.
A once in a lifetime opportunity
“We were surprised and proud to find out we had been nominated to receive a British Empire Medal each for our work for the BHF and community and to be nominated by someone who had attended one of our events,” Dougie explains. “We accepted straight away!”
Dougie reminisces, “We walked through the gardens from Hyde Park corner gate, the lawns well-manicured, the shrubs and plants perfect, taking photos as we went. We then walked onto the lawns at the rear of the palace where marquees were set up and in to the marquee where drinks and finger sandwiches and cakes were available.
“Charles and Camilla arrived from the Palace Terrace down the steps and passing through all the guests, talking to some as they made their way to the Royal Tea Tent.
It was a day to remember with friends by our side.”
From garden parties to Christmas lights
“We enjoy the BHF fundraising events we’ve helped organise over the years. We hold an event in August in our garden which involves party tents, gazebos and a floor put down for the live entertainment, and dancing.
“We put up lights at Christmas, and open the garden to visitors, most of them returning each year, and then with their children, and we become friends to many of them.
“When talking to visitors at any of our events, they all tell us about one of their family, relative, or friend that has been affected by heart problems and why they support us.”
We, at BHF, are so proud that Dougie and Pauline have been recognised for their extraordinary continued support. Dougie and Pauline will be collecting their medals at the presentation event in July – we can’t wait to see the pictures.
