Rachael Gee started working at Blythe House and Helen’s Trust as our fundraising and events coordinator in January 2022, after studying hospitality, conferencing and events management at A Level in Buxton, and then at university in Sheffield.
It is Rachael’s role to organise and coordinate our fundraising events to help raise the vital income needed to provide free hospice care and services to local people. It costs £2million every year to keep our services running and the hospice receives less than 20% of its income from the government; 80% must be raised through fundraising, and our local shops.
Rachael, who lives in Bamford, says: ‘I love the diverseness of my role; every day is completely different – one day I can be speaking to businesses about sponsoring a tee at our fundraising golf day, and then the next I will be working with our marketing team putting together a video for TikTok on how to make a Christmas wreath!
‘I am so grateful for the support from our local community, including individuals and businesses. Thanks to their remarkable generosity, the care and support that we provide remains completely free of charge to local patients and their families.
‘My proudest achievement since starting at the hospice has to be organising our Chatsworth 10k. It is our huge, flagship event and every year, over 1,000 runners take part in the beautiful grounds of Chatsworth. It was amazing to see the fundraising team and colleagues from across the hospice come together to support the event. A huge amount of work went into it; in the lead up and of course on the day. It was very emotional but such a good feeling having the support from colleagues, volunteers, friends and family there.
‘Our fundraising event portfolio has grown so much for 2023 and I am really looking forward to making them bigger and better as the years go on. We have an action-packed programme including golf days, a fire walk, abseil, the UK’s highest skydive, and the return of our super popular Chatsworth 10k and Jingle Bell Jog running events. There is something for everyone who would like to get involved in supporting their local charity!
‘I also help to mentor and support all our amazing fundraisers who are taking on challenges to raise funds for the hospice. So, if you’re thinking of taking on a marathon or another running event or challenge, I would love to hear from you.
‘If you have any queries, or you’d like to get involved in supporting your local hospice, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
‘Outside of work, I love to spend time with my two little boys and on my parents’ farm in Edale. I also enjoy walking and keeping fit.’
Find out more about this year’s fundraising events for the hospice.
Contact Rachael on:
- 01298 384105
- Rachael.gee@blythehouse.co.uk
