'It's been uplifting': Marie Curie volunteer steps down as chair of fundraising group after decade of service
A dedicated volunteer who has stepped down as Chair of the North Leeds Fundraising Group for Marie Curie after 11 years has described her experience of volunteering for the charity as “heart lifting”.
Linda Breckill, 70, has decided to step down from her role as chair of the volunteer team which has raised more than £45,000 for Marie Curie over the past decade.
Linda has been the driving force behind many of the group’s successful charitable initiatives, engaging support from local businesses and organising the annual summer and Christmas fairs which are now cherished highlights of the local calendar.
Reflecting on her time leading the group, Linda said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the Marie Curie North Leeds Fundraising Group. A lot of people have said to me, ‘you’re so good doing all this fundraising’ but the reality is that you get more back than you give.
“Seeing the kindness and generosity of others and seeing the good in human nature is always heart lifting.”
Marie Curie is the UK’s leading end-of-life charity which provides expert end-of-life care for people with any illness they are likely to die from, and support for their family and friends, in our hospices and where they live.
Money raised by the North Leeds Fundraising Group helps the charity to continue to provide people with expert end-of-life care and support both at home and in the charity’s hospices.
As well as this, their vital fundraising supports the charity’s free national support line and webchat, which offers practical and emotional support on everything from symptom management and day-to-day care to financial information and bereavement support.
Although Linda is stepping down as Chair of the group, she will continue to volunteer for the charity - a decision which has been warmly welcomed by the group who value the experience and wisdom she brings.
Marie Curie Community Fundraiser, Sarah Shaw, said: “Linda is an exceptional lady who has always gone above and beyond as Chair of the North Leeds Fundraising Group. While she may be handing over the reins as Chair, we’re delighted she will continue to support Marie Curie and the fundraising group as a volunteer.
“Volunteers are vital to what we do at Marie Curie, helping us to provide expert end of life care and support for people with a terminal illness and their loved ones in Yorkshire and across the UK. With Linda’s legacy firmly in place, the North Leeds Fundraising Group is keen to welcome some new members this year.”