Gareth’s blog: Getting to know you!

Gareth’s blog: Getting to know you!

Getting to know our supporters is a real privilege. Whether it’s a fundraising group, a business or a school coming into the hospice to see how their donation helps, meeting volunteers in our shops, or welcoming people at one of our open days – it’s always an honour to hear your stories and understand what drives your support.

A shared sense of community

Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to meet supporters from all walks of life – people of all ages, backgrounds, cultures and faiths. What unites you all is your shared sense of community and your desire to make a difference for children and families who need us most. I’ve had the chance to visit mosques and churches, join in community iftars during Ramadan, and meet with groups and organisations who have come together to champion our cause. Every time, I’m struck by the passion and generosity that fuels your support.

Behind every supporter is a story. Some share their own experiences of child bereavement. Others are motivated by their desire to help families facing the unimaginable. Many of our volunteer groups simply love fundraising – and the sense of friendship and purpose it brings.

A couple of years ago, I experienced this first-hand while out walking on Ingleborough in the Yorkshire Dales with my scout group. I bumped into some walkers sporting Forget Me Not purple t-shirts. When I asked if they were doing the Three Peaks, they told me they were – just weeks after a family member had used the snowflake suite at Russell House, where they had said goodbye to their little baby boy. So soon after such a devastating loss, their friends and family came together to take on this huge challenge, raising money for Forget Me Not. When I spoke to some of the team, I was inspired by their incredible determination to make a difference.

There are so many different reasons people support Forget Me Not, and just as many ways of doing it – from a monthly donation, to shopping in our shops, taking on a sponsored challenge or leaving a gift in your will. But what unites you all is your generosity and your belief in what we do.

What do you think?

As a charity, we know Forget Me Not is more than a hospice – to the families we support, it’s a home from home. And now we really want to know more about what you, our supporters, think. The more we get to know you, the better we can make sure that supporting us is as meaningful and rewarding for you as it is vital for the families we care for.

That’s why we’re running a supporter survey right now – to help us understand more about you, your experiences and what matters most. It takes just a few minutes to complete, and you could even win a £100 Amazon voucher.

👉 Click here to take part

Thank you for everything you do. We can’t wait to get to know you better.