I retired about three years ago after working as a chef for 46 years, firstly in the Women’s Royal Air Force.My last 15 years was again working as a chef running the kitchen and the Café for a Mental Health Project.The Café was run by volunteers, mostly from the centre, which gave them confidence and a purpose in life.

I have always enjoyed running and at my time at the project I ran 2 half marathons as part of the staff team. We raised a reasonable amount of money for the project which was very much needed.

I’d only just retired when the pandemic hit the world, so we all had to slow down or stop but I did go out running which was very good for my well-being. One day I was out running and noticed Age UK Hayes charity shop, I looked in the window as I love shopping and I thought that looks good, I fancy doing some volunteering there. I spoke to the manager she gave me a volunteering form to fill-in and I have now been volunteering for 15 months and I love every minute of it, meeting the customers and being with other volunteers and staff.

I want to give myself a challenge, so I have signed up for a local 10k run at Osterley Park, instead of just running for myself I thought I’d like to run for the charity I volunteer for,Age UK Hillingdon Harrow and Brent. So please could you spare a few pounds to sponsor me to help older people in our community.

As an independent local charity, Age UK Hillingdon, Harrow, and Brent relies on your support & donations to maintain and enhance their 12 services within the local community. They support the most vulnerable, helping them to stay independent, safe, healthy, active and help with isolation as well as loneliness.

Their mission is to make life better for older people, as everyone should have someone to turn.

With support from you, Age UK HHB can reach out to many more vulnerable people helping later life better for them.