‘I have fantastic support from my friends, family, work colleagues and members from the Women’s Institute’

It’s a Sunday in late August 2015 and Netherfield Primary School in Nottingham is a hive of activity: brightly coloured bunting flutters in the breeze, a range of impressively stocked stalls line the playground, and the soothing strains of saxophone music fill the air. People from all sections of the community have come together for the annual Strawberry Cream Tea, and the goal is to raise funds for Breast Cancer Care. By the end of the event, and a good few cups of tea and cakes later, an astonishing £2260 has been raised for this vital cause.

For the past five decades, Nottingham native Sharon Ellis has dedicated her time and energy to a range of benevolent causes throughout the city. Sharon began volunteering in 1975 and her desire to assist and contribute to charities and vital community projects knows no bounds.

‘I first started volunteering when I worked at the old Mapperley Hospital’ reflects Sharon. ‘I decided to raise some money to buy extra cakes and sweets.’ These charitable endeavours continued into the 1980s when her career path lead to St Francis Hospital. ‘I would do raffles for the ward funds, for things like the Christmas party or for presents.’

Those who have benefitted from Sharon’s indefatigable kindness and compassion include: The Jason Spencer Trust, Joshua Dale Skate Park and St George’s Community Centre – to name but a few. Most recently, Sharon helped to raise over £1000 for St John’s Baptist Church in Carlton to create a community cinema. Sharon clearly takes great satisfaction from her fundraising work and proudly stated that ‘we made the vicar cry’ when funds were presented to the church!

Sharon’s unique life experiences, coupled with the variety of people she encounters through her community work, naturally influence the projects she decides to undertake. ‘My fund raising for Breast Cancer Care is the closest to my heart as my best friend Barbara Perston died of breast cancer. She was a lovely person and so kind.’ The continuing success of the annual Strawberry Cream Tea is testimony to Sharon’s commitment to raise funds for those affected by the scourge of cancer.

The organisation and coordination of fundraising events requires many hours of careful preparation. However, Sharon modestly states: ‘I have fantastic support from my friends, family, work colleagues and members from the Women’s Institute.’ The ability to positively influence and manage a range of individuals with different temperaments and skills is paramount in order to successfully raise funds for good causes. Sharon clearly possesses this priceless ability: to bring people from all walks of life together to serve a higher purpose. ‘It’s important that your helpers do what they want to do as they are giving up their time – so you cannot be too bossy.’

One of Sharon’s proudest achievements was to be nominated for the Pride of Gedling award by Mayor Meredith Lawrence. Indeed, having now worked at Lings Bar Hospital in Gamston for the past 23 years, Sharon has truly dedicated her life to assisting those in our local community and beyond. She looks forward to continuing her exceptional work and making more and more friends in the future.

The next Strawberry Cream Tea takes place at Netherfield Primary School, Nottingham, NG4 2LR on Sunday 21st August 2016. Tickets cost £5 and the event runs from 2pm to 4pm. The Mayoress of Gedling will be in attendance and live entertainment will be provided by Saxophinist Andy Cahill, Soprano Singer Lily Taylor-Ward and close-up magician David Fox. To make a contribution to Breast Cancer Care, click the following link: Sharon’s Just Giving Page.

The author of the article is David Fox, a professional magician and freelance writer who is based in Nottingham. Website: www.davidfoxcorporatemagic.com telephone: 07946 686 258.