To mark the occasion, we caught up with Jane Donnelly of the East Coker Committee in Somerset, who has been fundraising for Action for an incredible 45 years, to learn more about her story and what inspires her to keep giving…  

You’ve supported Action since 1983, how did you first get involved?

It was by accident really! A group of mums from a local toddler group had set up a fundraising group for Action. This was before I even had my own children. Their first event was a coffee morning, and I was asked if I could help. It went from there. I helped out a few more times and was asked to join the committee. By 1986 I’d become the chair and then a regional chair. I had no idea I’d still be fundraising nearly 45 years later. 

You’ve organised and been involved in so many different fundraising activities over the years. Which ones make you proud? 

There can’t be too many things we haven’t done! We used to do sponsored walks, coffee mornings, barn dances, a lot of balls, then craft fairs. We’ve kept scrapbooks of all the things we’ve done over the years, so we’re able to look back. We’ve learnt what works and what doesn’t, and we’ve always been able to adapt. The main focus now is our summer Cream Teas and autumn Diva Lunch events. 

What inspires you today to continue supporting Action?

When I got to 40 years supporting the charity, I started to think maybe it was time to retire. But then when my grandson George was born and was so unwell due to a very rare heart condition, and I thought 'no I can’t stop now'. The doctors and nurses caring for him have been amazing. If he’d been born 10 years ago, he wouldn’t have made it. It does bring it home to you, why we’re fundraising, and so much research only happens because of charities like Action Medical Research. 

In the theme of ‘Give to Gain’, what has stayed with you after all these years of giving your time to Action?

When I was growing up, my dad had a favourite saying, ‘there was a man, they called him mad, because the more he gave, the more he had’. I probably didn’t understand this at the time, but I can honestly say that after all the years of fundraising for Action, I certainly do now. I have had the chance to meet so many wonderful people over the years and don’t regret a minute of it.  

What would you say to someone who’s thinking about volunteering? 

I always say that 'we are all volunteers', and any help will be appreciated. We all have other things going on in our lives that sometimes mean we have to take a step back for a while. But over the years, we have become a very tight group of friends who help and support each other. If you are giving up your valuable free time, it has to be enjoyable and rewarding. Hopefully, this is something we have managed to achieve with our committee, as well as having a lot of fun on the way! 

We can’t thank the incredible women who support our fundraising enough. The generosity, time and dedication of volunteers like Jane are the heart of our fundraising efforts. Quite simply, we couldn’t do what we do without them. 

We are always looking for volunteers, so be sure to check out how you can become an Action volunteer. Even just a few hours can make a real difference, and you will be supporting our life-saving work helping sick babies and children.  

Become an Action volunteer: Volunteers | Action Medical Research