Stuart Stockley
Stuart's Sahara Challenge
Fundraising for Compton Care Group Ltd
Story
Many of you will have known Yvonne for a long time and be well aware of the spirit with which she enjoyed life. She was the type of person that communities rely upon – kind, giving, helpful and considerate. When she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000, right up to her untimely death in 2008, those of us who came into daily contact with her could only marvel at her strength of character. Never once did she complain, never once did she voice the obvious, “why has this happened to me”. Throughout her life she always placed the needs of others before her own.
“Marvellous” may not be the best word to describe a life, but it is just one of many that well describes Yvonne. Her work in the community was such that it touched hundreds of people who will never appreciate how much she has helped improve their lives.
She helped raise thousands of pounds for various charities through sponsored events. Some of these in her own garden, but most through the usual walks and jogs etc. Latterly she was heavily involved with the National Gardens Scheme raising funds for cancer related charities. Many of you will have visited her garden, through the NGS, and possibly marvelled at her inventiveness and courage in designing a garden that was so different. What you may not know is that she collected a number of prestigious national awards for her efforts and her garden was featured on television and in magazines and newspapers on numerous occasions. You may have seen the BBC TV series ‘Open Gardens’ – the pilot for this was filmed in Yvonne’s garden and without her drive and personality it has been said that this successful series might never have reached our TV screens.
Yvonne felt passionately protective about her community. She reorganised her local Neighbourhood Watch Scheme, being responsible for a bi-monthly newsletter going out to hundreds of homes. So successful were her efforts that the local scheme grew from just one street, to one that now covers 90% of this part of Wolverhampton. Her efforts were posthumously recognised by West Midlands Police Authority when she was awarded a ‘Good Citizenship Award’.
No campaign was too small or too large for Yvonne. From getting local parks cleared of rubbish; improving street cleaning and lighting; making dog owners aware of their responsibilities, to major environmental battles involving local land owners. In every case she put her name to, she was 100% successful in what she set out to achieve.
After retiring she became very interested in photography. Despite being, in her own words “a mere novice”, her skills were recognised by the organisers of a competition to commemorate the work of Lord Lichfield. Upon hearing that she had won a prize, her smile could have lit up a room. Her reaction was a typical …. “See, nothing is impossible”. Sadly, in Yvonne’s case, as it has been with many of our friends, colleagues and acquaintances, that did not prove to be completely true.
Above all else, Yvonne was a family person. Like all parents she wanted to see both of her children happily settled down and she was looking forward so much to ‘going shopping’ with any future granddaughters.
The care and love shown by local cancer charities, led by Compton Hospice, meant that Yvonne was able to face her final months with compassion, humility, free from pain and surrounded by peace and love.
I would like to add my own efforts, in Yvonne’s memory, to raise money for Compton Hospice by taking part in The Compton Hospice Sahara Challenge. This involves a trek across part of the Sahara Desert in October 2010 to a small community in Morocco where a group of volunteers will help refurbish a community building, to be used as a school-house, primarily for girls who currently have little opportunity to receive an education. Any sponsorship received will go directly to Compton Hospice via this 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 and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
Please give as generously as you feel able, in memory of a wonderful lady and to help Compton Hospice in the tremendous work they do .... Thank you so much, Stu xxx