Lorna Hopley began fundraising efforts in April to buy gifts for staff at the Hospital after recovering from breaking her hip, arm and shoulder last year and has so far raised more than £2,500.
Originally inspired by her friend Teresa Goncalves who runs marathons for charity, Mrs Hopley has received comparisons to Captain Tom Moore – the 100–year–old former British Army officer who raised over £33 million for the NHS by doing laps of his garden in Bedfordshire.
Despite the money she has already raised, Mrs Hopley – from St Brelade – said the ‘sky is the limit’ for her fundraising targets, with her aiming to keep doing her walks until October.
‘The more I get, the more treats for the staff. I just want them all to feel that we Islanders respect what a great job they do for us, from the laundry right up to the consultants. Only problem is, I have no idea how many people work at the Hospital.
‘I have made inquiries as to what treats they would like besides chocolates and fancy tins of biscuits and I’ve added baskets of fruit, proper coffee and hand cream to the list – so I will definitely need a boost to the funds.’
Mrs Hopley commented on the highs and lows of the fundraising experience so far, explaining that some days were better than others.
‘The ups are great and put a spring in your step,’ said Mrs Hopley. ‘The downs are hard work and you do consider giving up, especially when your whole body is in pain. The worst downs are when people promise to sponsor you, take all the details from you, really raise your hopes and then don’t bother. I feel like crying sometimes.
‘But then that one small donation comes in and you’re hooked on the merry-go-round again.’
Having now gained an understanding of what it takes to raise funds for charity, Mrs Hopley is encouraging others to give it a go. ‘Would I encourage others to take up fundraising? Yes, if the cause is close to your heart and going to put a huge smile on your face.
‘Yes, if you have a very large circle of friends and work colleagues and yes, definitely if you can get the media on your side. It really is hard work if you’re relying on the goodwill of the general public. Asking people for money is the hardest part.’
Anyone who would like to donate should visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lorna-hopley-1.
