Pictured above: Joanne James takes a rest amongst the
daffodils during her campaign to raise £1,000 for the Marie
Curie cancer charity
A Redditch woman is thrilled that the hard work she has put in
these last few months has reaped rewards for a charity close to her
heart.
"Marie Curie looked after my Gran when she had cancer three
years ago," explained 29-year-old Joanne James. "She wanted
everyone to give money to Marie Curie instead of buying flowers for
her funeral.
"So I decided to volunteer in their Great Daffodil Appeal
annually, in thanks for the care they gave to my Gran and to keep
her memory alive. With my husbands help and the fantastic
generosity of the people of Redditch, I have been really surprised
and pleased at this years collections £689.55. We even ran
out of Daffodils and space in our collection tins."
Joanne's employers, Pertemps People Development Group (PPDG),
who are based in Albert Street, pledged a further £310 so the
mother of one could reach her goal of £1000.
"It costs Marie Curie £20 per hour to pay for home based
nursing care, care that really matters to both the patient and
their carer," said Joanne.
"Being able to donate £1000 means 50 hours of care can be
provided, which would make a huge difference to someone dying of
cancer and their family."
Mrs James hard work has been admired by her fellow workers at
PPDG, who have supported her campaigns.
Lynn Ward who works alongside Joanne, said: "This is the second
year running that Jo has dedicated her spare time to support this
wonderful, deserving Charity, which is very close to her heart. She
has notched up an amazing £1,000 in collections over the last
12 months, standing outside shopping centres and supermarkets in
all weathers.
"Jo is a truly passionate and caring person and the people of
Redditch and Bromsgrove, who have given so generously, are shining
examples of communities that care. The money raised will touch so
many lives and make a big difference to all those in need. Jo's
winning smile says it all!"