Fundraising from the heart

479. Helen Fox

Helen Fox from Liskeard, South East Cornwall, has dedicated the last 30 years to fundraising for the Liskeard branch of the BHF and has either led on, or participated in nearly every event. Over the last 12 months she has helped to organise 30 events to mark the 30th anniversary of the branch, from garden parties to quiz nights.

Helen joined the newly formed Liskeard branch of the BHF in 1985 when she was a school pupil at Liskeard Senior School, after hearing an inspiring talk at her school by a BHF representative. At the age of 15, she raised over £500 within a school year through various activities, including non school uniform days, tuck shops and sponsored events. For the 30 years since then, Helen has played an instrumental part in organising every event in her local area, to help fund pioneering research which aims to prevent coronary heart disease.

The Liskeard branch celebrated their 30th anniversary last year, and Helen came up with the idea of organising 30 fundraising events during the year. This feat has been surpassed with 35 successful events being organised across the local area, including garden parties, fashion shows, coffee mornings, quiz nights and local supermarket collections. Helen has recently been named the BHF’s Fundraising Volunteer of the Year for her incredible contribution to the charity.

Helen is currently organising a silent auction event on 12th March, for which she has sourced all of the auction prizes. So far, Helen has secured 125 lots for the auction including a week in a Polperro Holiday Home, attraction tickets and meals at local restaurants.

Prime Minister David Cameron said:

“Over the last three decades Helen has raised a fantastic amount of money to support the important work of the British Heart Foundation. From garden parties to sky-diving, Helen has inspired a huge number of people to support her and I am delighted to recognise her as the UK’s 479th Point of Light.”

Helen Fox said:

“I was shocked to hear that I had been given a Point of Light Award. To be recognised for doing something I love for a charity I am so passionate about is amazing. I love organising events where people can have fun and also raise money for this worthy cause, it’s a win win. I couldn’t succeed without the support of my family, friends and the Liskeard BHF. The last 30 years have flown past and I hope I will be able to carry on for at least the next 30years!”

Linda Fenn, Head of Volunteering at the British Heart Foundation, said:

“Helen is one of the most inspirational Fundraisers we’ve ever met, she is as excited and passionate now as she was 30 years ago and truly deserves the Point of Light award. We’re fortunate enough to work with some amazing fundraising volunteers at the BHF and Helen’s achievements never fail to inspire us all. Over the past 30 years she has brought so much life to Liskeard, her laugh and smile are infectious and thanks to her relentless determination she has helped to raise vital funds for life saving heart research. Every contribution, big or small, plays a crucial part in every breakthrough we make and we are incredibly grateful for Helen’s support.”