Charity involvement generally starts when you’re impacted by something. Since my diagnosis I’ve been involved with many charities including Clatterbridge Cancer Charity,  Macmillan, Look Good Feel Better and Sarcoma UK.

As you will see from my social presence most of my time is spent doing activities for Clatterbridge Cancer Centre. So why is this? Well, they keep me engaged.  All activities are completely charitable – I donate my time and do not get anything in return.  

So how do they keep me engaged?

Is simple really,  they are personal. They simply keep in touch. As soon as I see an email or a call from the Clatterbridge Cancer Charity I eagerly open it to see what I can do or how I can help, as do my friends and family.   This small charity makes each and every single volunteer feel important and valued. This is what makes the charity a success. 

Last month my mum and I was helping in the office at the charity and the phone calls the workers handled were incredible.  People wanted to donate in their will,  donate goods,  donate money and even donate their time.  People are literally banging on their doors to help.  This is fantastic. 

It’s not all like this. 

Unfortunately not all charities get this and do not engage their supporters which is a massive shame as they are missing a trick. Not all supporters can climb mountains and run marathons. We all have different skills which can be extremely useful and these should be explored. 

Onwards and upwards.

I look forward to helping out in 2017 and giving back to the very people who have saved my life.