An NSPCC fundraiser is celebrating a remarkable eight decades of volunteering with the children's protection charity.
Maureen Wolly, 86, joined her mother supporting the NSPCC at the tender age of six. Today, she is part of the East Cheshire Branch of the charity's North West fundraising team.
Her mother was a member of the Wilmslow League of Pity, a group of fundraisers in Cheshire who supported the NSPCC through fundraising events, many of which were held in the former Wilmslow Village Hall. Maureen would often join her mother for events such as Easter parties.
From there, Maureen's mother moved to the NSPCC committee to organise events and always ensured Maureen and sister Gill were involved and supporting children is a cause that has never left Maureen's heart.
Maureen said "Looking back, I worked with so many brilliant people who made it their mission to keep children safe.
"80 years is such an incredible milestone. It's difficult to comprehend, but one thing I do know is that I wouldn't change it for anything."
With her experience, Maureen encourages anyone who can spare some time to volunteer for the NSPCC.
Maureen added: "I understand volunteer numbers have fallen across many charities since the pandemic. That is a great shame and if my decades of helping out has taught me anything, it's that volunteering is one of the best things a person can do. I would encourage anyone who gave up volunteering during those terrible years of the pandemic to seriously consider lending a hand again.
"And to anyone who has never volunteered before I would encourage them to give it a try. There are many organisations in Cheshire as well as up and down the country who would truly appreciate the support."
To mark Maureen's 80 years with the NSPCC, CEO Peter Wanless has written a letter of thanks to her.
In the letter, Sir Peter wrote: "The parties you held in Wilmslow sound like great fun and I am sure were enjoyed by all.
"You will have seen many changes over your 80 years of volunteering. However, our unwavering aim has always been to end child cruelty and I know you share our passion in this.
"Your commitment and long service to the NSPCC is remarkable and you are a member of a very elite group of fundraisers who have fundraised, campaigned and influenced on our behalf for so many decades."
Janette Drew, NSPCC Community Fundraiser in the North West, works regularly with Maureen.
She said: "Maureen has surely got to be one of our longest-ever serving volunteers, and I can't thank her enough for her years in supporting the NSPCC.
"Without the help of volunteers such as Maureen, we would not be able to carry on our with our mission of ensuring every child in the country has a safe upbringing.
"She's a great raffle ticket seller and is an inspiring person to work with."
To find out more about fundraising opportunities with the NSPCC, visit: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/support-us/charity-fundraising/.
