Each year, we recognise the amazing contribution made by all of our workforce – we simply wouldn’t be here without them. We also take the opportunity to celebrate our staff and volunteers who have completed long service with the Hospice. This year, Perdita received her 20 year long service award. Here, she shares some of her highlights.

“When I was working for Water Aid in London I commuted daily from Battle. It was a long journey, and after having my son Zach, I knew I needed a change. My brother-in-law spotted an advert in The Guardian for a Head of Fundraising and Marketing at the Hospice. I didn’t know anything about the Hospice at the time – where it was, what it did, but I applied anyway. I was lucky enough to get an interview, met the Chief Executive and board members, and was offered the role. I started in March 2005.

“Back then, the Fundraising Team was just four people, and the Marketing Team was just me. We were based in Youldon House on Pevensey Road in St Leonards on Sea and a lot of what we did was manual – I can still remember handwritten ledgers for the Lottery accounts! Our shops were run solely by volunteers and some of events we introduced are still staples on our calendar; Open Gardens, Moonlight Walk and Lights of Love, to name a few.

“In 2010, I went on maternity leave again to have my daughter, Xanthe. That’s when the Marketing Team began to grow and was managed separately from the Fundraising Team. Over time, we added Trust and Legacy Fundraisers to the Fundraising Team, built a stronger admin team, and expanded our community outreach. We also introduced new events like Colour the Coast and the Follow that Duck campaign, which brought fun and energy to our fundraising.

“Of course, there were tough times. We had to close St Augustine’s Nursing Home and the Pine Tree Restaurant in Bexhill, both decisions made with heavy hearts. And then came the fire. It was devastating. But the way the community rallied around us was nothing short of amazing. Their support helped us recover and move forward.

“The COVID-19 pandemic was devastating for income generation. All our shops had to close, most events were cancelled, or became virtual, and the Lottery Team had to re-invent the way it collected payments for some of our players who have a Collector visit. But again, we adapted and came through stronger.

“Over these 20 years, the biggest joy has been the people. The teams I’ve worked with have been passionate, talented, and truly inspiring. They’ve made every day a pleasure. A couple of highlights for me are being invited to the Queen’s Garden Party through a previous Chair of the Hospice, it was a real treat. And of course, Follow that Duck. That campaign made such a splash throughout Hastings and Rother and people still talk about it today.

“It’s been a joy to be part of the Hospice’s journey.”