Over £5,000 raised for Marie Curie

Updated: 28 Jan 2025

The Oddfellows’ Heart of England Branch, based in Leamington Spa, has donated £5,315.13 to the Marie Curie Hospice, West Midlands, following a year of fundraising activity.

Marie Curie Nurse Anne Curry

A team effort

The Branch’s outgoing Chairman, Laura Greenway, who works as a District Nurse, chose to raise money for the UK’s leading end of life charity after working closely with Marie Curie’s teams while caring for her patients.

The total was raised by members through sponsored events, such as a half marathon, walks and rowing challenges.

Donations also came in through the annual Grand Draw – where members sell homemade baking, produce, cards, and crafts – as well as afternoon teas, and Christmas and Easter-themed tombolas and raffles.

Yvette Glover, District Secretary of Heart of England Oddfellows, said: “It was a real team effort, and we are proud to be able to make this donation to such a wonderful charity.

“Community and helping people are at the core of what we stand for at the Oddfellows and we know that this money will go a long way to looking after those who need it most.”

Thankful beneficiaries

Marie Curie provides essential nursing and hospice care for people with any terminal illness, a free support line, and a wealth of information and support on all aspects of dying, death, and bereavement.

Rachael Ryan, Community Fundraiser for the Marie Curie in the West Midlands said: “A huge thank you to the Heart of England Oddfellows for choosing Marie Curie as their Chairman’s charity of the year and the generous donation of £5,315.13.

“The money raised will help ensure Marie Curie can provide vital care and support to more families in the Midlands affected by any terminal illness, grief, and bereavement.”

Previous beneficiaries of Heart of England Oddfellows’ generosity have included the Alzheimer’s Society, Midlands Air Ambulance, Myton Hospices, Prostate Cancer UK and Breast Cancer Care.

The incoming Chairman, Katie Guthrie, has chosen to fundraise for the Warwickshire and Worcestershire branch of mental health charity, Mind.

Oddfellows branches nationwide

The 830-member-strong Heart of England Branch helps to make up around 100 branches and almost 40,000 members of the Oddfellows – one of the largest and oldest friendly societies in the UK. It hosts regular in-person and online events in and around Leamington Spa.

For more information about the Heart of England Oddfellows, its fundraising activities, and what events are coming up call Yvette on 01926 424112, email yvette.glover@oddfellows.co.uk or visit our Events page.

If you're not sure where your nearest Oddfellows Branch is, our handy Branch Finder will help you find it.