Britain's Most Inspiring Fundraiser Nominee
Winner - Nicole Dryburgh
Nominated by: Evelyn Shannon, friend
Charity:King's College Hospital Fundraising Appeals
Reason for nomination:
"Nicole is a totally blind, hearing impaired, wheelchair bound teenager, and has spinal cancer. She is unquestionably committed and relentless in wanting to raise money. Her courage through her own difficulties has been truly inspirational. Despite chemotherapy, radiotherapy and feeling unwell, she has attended every local fundraising event."
Actions:
Since September 2004 Nicole has raised over £18,000 for the Silver Lining Appeal to equip a neuro-rehabilatation room on the children's ward at King's College Hospital, to help give children a better chance of recovery after brain and spinal injuries. Previously she had raised £4,000 for other charities who had helped her through her initial illness, including Demelza children's hospice.
The fundraising events have been inspirational and fun, brought local people together, and have varied from coffee mornings to bring and buy sales, sponsored silences (one over 36 hours) and walks, a chocolate party, cake events, numerous concerts and poetry evenings, including writing and selling a book of her own poems. Through her website, Nicole is constantly advertising the charity, and it includes a link to her Appeal'??s Justgiving page.
She writes a weekly column in the local paper, sharing her journey through chemotherapy, radiotherapy and her everyday life. This has inspired many local people, including firefighters, a slimming club and a restaurant to raise money for her Appeal.
Finally Nicole's book, about her triumphant story of refusing to give up hope, has just been published and is advertising the Appeal to a new wider audience. At the launch of her book in January the publishers donated £2000 in recognition of the effort that Nicole has been making in raising money for others. Her work continues and she is determined to reach her target of £30,000 in spite of her own many physical disabilities.
Nicole was also nominated by Hilary Drapper (friend), Nikki Groom (former palliative care assistant for Nicole), Felicity Brookesmith (friend) and Jane Wenham-Jones (attended charity events).
