Janet – Our Fundraiser

Hi, my name is Janet.

I have been in Spain since October 2007, after retiring in February. Originally from the Island of Guernsey, I moved to the UK when I was thirty and took up a second career in Sales & Marketing. This was mainly in the Hotel industry working for some of the big hotel chains – Forte, Thistle & De Vere.

Throughout my life I have always enjoyed doing work for charity as I feel it important to give something back. While working at the De Vere Hotel in Southampton the Management was approached by Macmillan Cancer Relief asking for Volunteers to set up an Appeal Committee to fundraise for a huge Appeal starting in the area.

My Boss thought I was the ideal person (little did he know I would end up working for Macmillan!) and I got to work on organising a Gala Dinner Dance at the Hotel.

About a year later the Appeal Manager left and I got the job! It was the best job I had ever had – I met such lovely people, most of whom had been touched by Cancer in one way or another, and the job satisfaction was enormous.

My job involved setting up teams of volunteers all over Hampshire willing to fundraise for the appeal, as well as giving talks to all types of groups including Townswomen Guilds, Rotary and Lions Clubs.

Although a tough job it was great fun too – the first event I attended in my official capacity was a Go Karting Day, and I don’t think my ears have been the same since! The Appeal grew momentum and we provided five Macmillan Nurses and a Radiographer for South Hampshire.

Once settled in Spain I was looking for things to do and saw an article in one of the papers regarding Cancer Support Group (MABS) setting up a new branch for the Murcia/Mar Menor area. The article explained what the charity did and was asking for volunteers to be Carers, Translators, Drivers but also for Fundraising – and the rest, as they say, is History!