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Organisation Details
Purple Heart Wishes
Sub theme: Health and Wellbeing
Stellify Award: This opportunity is part of 'Make a Difference'
Organisation Description: Based in Manchester and Gloucestershire, Purple Heart Wishes is a charity that grants wishes for people diagnosed with a terminal illness in their early adult life. We give these people the opportunity to experience something they have always wanted to do, by themselves or with family and friends. Allowing them the chance to fulfil a dream of a lifetime and helping them to build fantastic memories of their experience no matter how big or small.
The charity started after Lyndsey Roughton (my youngest daughter), a young professional from Manchester lost her life at the age of 29, after a five year battle with a brain tumour. When Lyndsey's family found out her prognosis was terminal they decided to ensure that everyday was filled with new experiences, fun and laughter. They also fundraised to ensure she had her trip of a lifetime to visit Thailand. Although this was a very scary time for the family, as doctors had warned she may not come back from her trip. She did come back and she survived another 18 months. This goes to show that positive experiences such as trips or gifts that people have always wanted can have a massive affect on peoples lives.
The charity started after Lyndsey Roughton (my youngest daughter), a young professional from Manchester lost her life at the age of 29, after a five year battle with a brain tumour. When Lyndsey's family found out her prognosis was terminal they decided to ensure that everyday was filled with new experiences, fun and laughter. They also fundraised to ensure she had her trip of a lifetime to visit Thailand. Although this was a very scary time for the family, as doctors had warned she may not come back from her trip. She did come back and she survived another 18 months. This goes to show that positive experiences such as trips or gifts that people have always wanted can have a massive affect on peoples lives.
Description of role: Purple Heart Wishes is a UK-registered charity that grants wishes to adults aged 18–55 who are living with a terminal illness, helping them to create precious memories with their families, friends and the people they love.
The charity was founded by Susan Roughton in memory of her daughter, Lyndsey. When Susan and her family were told that there was nothing more doctors could do for Lyndsey, they decided that the time she had left would be filled with experiences, laughter, adventures, family, friends and love.
As Susan describes it:
“We couldn’t change how much time Lyndsey had left, but we could change how that time was spent.”
After Lyndsey passed away, Susan wanted to give other families facing a terminal diagnosis the opportunity to create those same precious memories, and Purple Heart Wishes was born.
Today, the charity grants wishes across the UK. As it continues to grow, it is looking for more enthusiastic and reliable volunteers who would like to make a meaningful difference and become part of its friendly volunteer community.
There are many opportunities to get involved, including volunteering at major events and fundraising activities such as:
• Football matches at the Etihad Stadium, serving food and drinks to supporters from a charity kiosk
• Events at Bolton Wanderers Football Club
• Parklife and events at Wythenshawe Park
• Concerts and shows at the AO Arena, helping to serve food and drinks from a charity kiosk
• Events at The Warehouse Project
• Other festivals, fundraising activities, and special events throughout the year
There is plenty to choose from, allowing you to volunteer around your other commitments. Volunteering is also a great way to meet new people, work as part of a team, gain valuable experience in customer service, communication skills, inner confidence and also see the difference your contribution makes.
With an average wish costing approximately £500, every shift completed by our volunteers helps the charity to grant another special wish and creating lasting memories for someone living with a terminal illness and their loved ones.
If you are interested in joining this fabulous and friendly group of volunteers, please come along on your Volunteer Open Day. We would love to meet you, tell you more about the opportunities available and answer any questions you may have.
I hope to see you there!
Margaret
The charity was founded by Susan Roughton in memory of her daughter, Lyndsey. When Susan and her family were told that there was nothing more doctors could do for Lyndsey, they decided that the time she had left would be filled with experiences, laughter, adventures, family, friends and love.
As Susan describes it:
“We couldn’t change how much time Lyndsey had left, but we could change how that time was spent.”
After Lyndsey passed away, Susan wanted to give other families facing a terminal diagnosis the opportunity to create those same precious memories, and Purple Heart Wishes was born.
Today, the charity grants wishes across the UK. As it continues to grow, it is looking for more enthusiastic and reliable volunteers who would like to make a meaningful difference and become part of its friendly volunteer community.
There are many opportunities to get involved, including volunteering at major events and fundraising activities such as:
• Football matches at the Etihad Stadium, serving food and drinks to supporters from a charity kiosk
• Events at Bolton Wanderers Football Club
• Parklife and events at Wythenshawe Park
• Concerts and shows at the AO Arena, helping to serve food and drinks from a charity kiosk
• Events at The Warehouse Project
• Other festivals, fundraising activities, and special events throughout the year
There is plenty to choose from, allowing you to volunteer around your other commitments. Volunteering is also a great way to meet new people, work as part of a team, gain valuable experience in customer service, communication skills, inner confidence and also see the difference your contribution makes.
With an average wish costing approximately £500, every shift completed by our volunteers helps the charity to grant another special wish and creating lasting memories for someone living with a terminal illness and their loved ones.
If you are interested in joining this fabulous and friendly group of volunteers, please come along on your Volunteer Open Day. We would love to meet you, tell you more about the opportunities available and answer any questions you may have.
I hope to see you there!
Margaret
Skills / qualities associated with the role: Customer Service, Fundraising, Team Working
Are volunteer expenses available?: Yes
Duration of role: Ongoing / Long term
Opportunity times: Tuesday Evening, Wednesday Evening, Thursday Evening, Friday Evening, Saturday Morning, Saturday Afternoon, Saturday Evening, Sunday Morning, Sunday Afternoon, Sunday Evening
DBS required: Off
Can reasonable adjustments be made regarding additional needs?: Yes
Is this organisation part of the Sports Volunteering Scheme (SVS)?: No
Minimum hours commitment: 5
Location:
Manchester