About 34 years ago I perched on a high stool outside the wool shop in Cookham, with my Oxfam collecting tin. At the end of the weekend, with sponsorship added to the collection, I had raised the princely sum of £313.13, which was quite a respectable total in those days. I remember thinking, ‘I must do it again next year’ but I don't think I ever imagined that I would still be doggedly refusing to stop all of these years later!
There has been major progress in the fight against poverty. More people are surviving disasters. More girls are getting an education. And more families have clean water than ever before. You can see the problem. The money we raise together supports such large numbers of people who are living in desperate situations, that I just can’t stop… and no one at the moment has offered to take over from me. Funny that.

The range of Oxfam's activities in 90 countries is extraordinary. Apart from the extensive water and sanitation projects in areas of natural disasters, often with cash-for-work schemes, Oxfam is expert in supporting local people to set up their own small businesses in order to become independent. It campaigns for those suffering from discrimination, supports poverty projects in the UK and tackles outbreaks of diseases. Spare a thought for aid workers too. They often face complex and sometimes dangerous situations - the Ebola outbreak in the Congo being a prime example - and their courage and dedication is beyond price.

So, please support me again this year. Usual terms: 32 hours of collecting at Sainsbury's over Friday 11th, Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th October. And I'm sure you will remember cardboard Barbara, who will again do the "fasting".

Please send a cheque (made payable to Oxfam not to me!), donate online at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/barbara-walmsley4 or give me cash if it's easier to pop it into Spindlewood. Please let me know if your Gift Aid status has changed, otherwise I will assume it is the same.
I will try to visit as many supporters as I can but, if I can't see you, please sponsor me all the same.

I never cease to be amazed by your loyalty and generosity over the years. Your support has been amazing but, tragically and through no fault of their own, innocent people are still suffering. But together we can continue to make a difference.

On behalf of all those who will benefit, a heartfelt thank you.

With my very warm wishes,

Barbara Walmsley.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.