Shropshire woman raises more than £83k for hospice charity in memory of her late wife

A Shropshire woman has has raised thousands of pounds through quizzes, garden parties and other events to support the hospice that cared for her late wife.

Eight years after the death of her wife, Mandy de Winter, a supporter of Severn Hospice has raised more than £83,000 for the charity which cared for her in her final days.

Mandy was a wonderful musician and hugely respected dance teacher and she died at the charity’s hospice in Apley, Telford in 2018.

Since her death, her wife Judy King has raised thousands of pounds through a variety of different activities.

She said: “I don’t believe in just asking for donations because are so many worthwhile charities out there, and I don’t want to put anyone in a position where they feel awkward if I were to ask for a donation.

“Instead I offer a variety of different experiences which I hope will encourage people to take part in, experience and have fun and in exchange make a donation.

"Amongst other things, I have organised an online quiz on her birthday and a day of Circle Dance to her music and her choreographies on the day she died. It is a day of celebration, laughter, and love.

"Every year I open my garden and people come to enjoy tea and cake and share good company. I sell greetings cards made from my photographs; I play tennis, and I have also organised several fundraising mornings with a raffle - and more.

"The only time I have asked for donations was when I climbed Snowdon in the dark and people were happy to sponsor me because they know I hate walking up-hill and we started the walk at 2am and they were glad not to have to do it themselves!

“It’s now eight years since Mandy died and she is still talked about, remembered and loved. People have been extraordinarily generous - a testament to how loved Mandy was and how important they have come to realise that hospice care is.”

But for Judy, the most important part of her fundraising is raising awareness for the charity which enabled Mandy to remain in control of her care whilst she could and to die pain free, surrounded by love.

Judy said: “I never knew about hospice care until we needed it, and now I’m part of a family that I would never wished to have joined, but the love, care and support I continue to receive from Severn Hospice has been extraordinary and that has helped me to move on with my life without Mandy by my side.”

Elodie Home, associate director of income generation at Severn Hospice, said: “Judy is a wonderful supporter of Severn Hospice, and over the years we’ve built a truly special relationship with her.

“Her passion for our cause shines through in everything she does. Most recently, she took part in filming for a Hospice UK video about hospice care, which perfectly reflects her commitment to raising awareness of the vital support hospices provide and helping more people understand the difference we make.

“To have raised an astonishing £83,150 in just eight years is a remarkable achievement. What makes it even more special is that Judy has no plans to stop, and we are so grateful that she wants to continue supporting local families through her fundraising.

“Supporters like Judy are at the very heart of Severn Hospice. Their generosity, dedication and kindness help ensure we can be there for local people and their loved ones when they need us most.”