29. Mel King

“I feel as though I’m a part of the fundraising team, not just a volunteer,” says Mel King, who has been an active helper since 2014.

Starting with administrative jobs in the office, Mel has gone on to be a familiar face at Weldmar events, which she describes as ‘all brilliant and important’. A particular favourite was Music by the Lake, but Mel’s also helped at the Summer Fete at the hospice, Light up a Life services, and so many more. She is still regularly seen in the office helping to put fundraising packs and mailings together, and even gets creative making bunting and decorations for events.

In 2019, Mel was asked to join the small group of Volunteer Ambassadors for the fundraising team, going to represent the charity at various events and functions. “I take it very seriously, and it’s lovely to be trusted. I like to get very involved in what I’m doing. I’ve also made a whole new group of friends.”

“It’s a very important charity,” says Mel, “and because it’s based in Dorset it’s very pertinent to me and my family and friends, and it always needs help. It’s vital that we have Weldmar. It’s not just because of my friend Ruth, which is why I got involved in the first place, but the more you get involved the more you see how it works, what they offer, and you know you’ve got to keep it going.”