Donate Refer

CHSW Volunteer
Ellie Maunder
Ellie has been volunteering for CHSW for many years and frequently helps out at a variety of different events.
What is your volunteering role at CHSW?

I support many CHSW fundraising and corporate events in Devon and Cornwall throughout the year. I regularly give support on CHSW stands at local fetes and fairs, sometimes dressing up as the CHSW mascot. I also help in CHSW's tent at the Royal Cornwall Show; coordinate the dog show at the annual Port Eliot Dog Festival and give a hand at the Plymouth Half Marathon and Plymouth 10K - I've even started the 10K Plymouth race with a loud airhorn!

In the past I have shared our family’s story on stage at the Saltash Memory Walk; been interviewed for the radio; represented CHSW as an Ambassador at the Christmas candlelit Carol Service and collecting cheques on behalf of CHSW at events including Dance Shows. In 2017, I took part in the Plymouth Bubble Rush and volunteered as a paint thrower at the Rainbow Run in Exeter.

As well as volunteering, I enjoy fundraising for CHSW, I have raised sponsorship by taking part in Rainbow Runs and baking cookies and cake-pops to sell at events. 

I also support and attend events organised by our own CHSW fundraising group, The Daisy Chain Family Group, this can be anything from Gala Dinners to charity balls and garden parties!

I also help at events organised by the Ivybridge Friends of CHSW Group including September Song and this year will be helping at their Fashion Show on 6 October to raise money for CHSW.

What was it that interested you about volunteering?

CHSW has become a very precious part of my life since November 2009 when my baby cousin Daisy died aged 16 weeks old, at one of the CHSW hospices, Little Bridge House.

Daisy had a rare and incurable condition causing weakness of the muscles; (Type 1) Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA.) CHSW provided Daisy, my Auntie and Uncle with fantastic medical, physical and emotional care, support and love throughout and until the end of Daisy’s short but happy life.

As a volunteer and fundraiser I know that I am helping CHSW to raise funds so they can continue to make an incredible difference to the lives of life-limited children and their families.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I love attending, supporting and taking part in all CHSW events; especially my favourite one; the Rainbow Run. My aim is to encourage other young people to volunteer.

I hope that CHSW increases the number of child-friendly fundraising activities; like the Rainbow Run and the new Bubble Rush; so more young people will have an opportunity to get involved. Through participating and fundraising, they will become more aware of charities like CHSW and will then be inspired to become volunteers and fundraisers.