Kind mum's fundraising mission

The kind-hearted 25-year-old, of Blackpool, has pledged to raise £1,000 for the oncology department at Blackpool Victoria Hospital. She is holding a series of fundraising events over the coming months, to help patients at the hospital receive the best possible care.

And she is collecting items and putting together festive hampers for the hospital, for young carers, and for women at Fylde coast women’s department.

She has already held a ladies night, Halloween event and her next fundraiser will be a quiz night, at St Kentigern’s Church, Newton Drive, Blackpool, on November 18, followed by a festive fun day on December 11, at Talbot Conservatives Club. She volunteers and fundraises as full-time work is difficult due to her own health problems.

She said: “I really enjoy volunteering, and fundraising is like a goal for me.

“It gives me something to focus on and distracts me from my own health issues.

“I love organising events and at the end of it, it’s amazing to think how that money might make a difference and could help people. I’ve asked the hospital what they need and the money will go towards that.

“I do hampers every Christmas. A couple of weeks before Christmas, I take them to the women’s centre, young carers and the children’s hospital.

“They contain little treats, pampering items and things which might come in useful. Nappies, teddies, sweets and figurines for the youngsters, diaries, bed socks and so on. I just collect stuff through the year and put them together.

“I’ve had help from women’s aid in the past and they’re amazing. I’ve been volunteering for my local Sure Start and through that met lots of different people and had support from people.

“This is my way really of putting something back, of giving something to the community. It’s a lot of work and organising, but I just feel great doing it.

“I’ve got two children and I get them involved in giving out the hampers. It helps them to understand people don’t always have everything and some people don’t have much in life.

“My friends and local businesses have been really generous and I’m hoping more people might donate items for the raffle for the next two events.”

Nikki’s ladies night took place at her home and included games, a raffle and buffet. The family fun night on November 18 will take place between 8 and 10pm and includes a quiz, curry, tombola and raffle. The Christmas event on December 11 takes place between noon and 4pm, featuring a visit from Father Christmas, stalls, tombola and raffle.

To contact Nikki to help, email [email protected]

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