Turning 80 is a milestone worth celebrating, but Joan, a resident at Peacock Close Housing 21’s Retirement Living scheme in Essex, chose to mark her special day by giving back to cause close to her heart.
Joan hosted a special ‘celebrate and donate’ fundraiser in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), raising an impressive £400.
Instead of asking for birthday presents, Joan encouraged family, friends and fellow residents at Peacock Close to make donations to the charity. The fundraiser was inspired by her personal connection to the hospital, where her grandchild received treatment for a number of years after being admitted at just five years old due to ill health.
Supporting charitable causes has long been important to Joan. Alongside fundraising on milestone birthdays, she regularly sets aside a small amount from her savings each month and donates the money to charities at the end of every year. She has previously organised similar fundraisers to mark her 60th and 70th birthdays, making her 80th another opportunity to support a cause that means so much to her.
Joan said: “Since my grandchild was five years old, they received care from Great Ormond Street Hospital due to ill health. I wanted to raise money for the hospital because of the remarkable work they do to save and improve children’s lives. Asking people to donate instead of buying me gifts felt like the perfect way to celebrate my birthday while giving something back.”
Joan’s generosity and fundraising efforts were recognised by Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity, who thanked her for choosing to support them on such a special occasion.
Lucy Kay, Community Fundraising Volunteer for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, said: “We thank Joan for setting up her Celebrate and Donate fundraiser on her 80th birthday in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity.”
“We really appreciate Joan’s generosity of foregoing gifts in favour of donations.”
The money raised will help fund life-saving equipment, pioneering research and innovative treatments, helping seriously ill children from across the UK receive the best possible care and giving them a brighter future.
Faisal Mughal, Local Housing Manager at Peacock Close, said: “Joan is an amazing soul. She is always smiling, happy, very helpful and attentive to all her fellow residents.
“Great Ormond Street Hospital does so much to help poorly children return to full health. The work they do is incredible, and the support they receive from people like Joan makes a real difference. I thank her immensely for all she has provided.”
Everyone at Peacock Close and Housing 21 congratulates Joan on her fantastic fundraising achievement and wishes her a very happy 80th birthday.
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