Maldonian photographer raises over £5,000 in just one week

The Wickham Bishops-based photographer had people queuing round the block at sale locations. And even had demands for a second print run by those eager to purchase a calendar after copies had sold out.

Inspiration for the calendar came from a visit to her former colleague Joy Dorrell’s street stall, which sells donated items to raise money for the hospice. Seeing what Joy was doing motivated Paula to come up with a fundraising idea herself.

Paula states: “When I saw what Joy was doing, it made me think ‘what can I do?’

“I went home and came up with the calendar idea. I selected my favourite landscape shots taken during 2020 and within a week, I had placed an order for 400 calendars with my local printer. It was such fun to produce and I am delighted with how successful it has been.”

Of Joy, Paula says: “She’s amazing! She has raised £3,000 to date from her stall. She is out there rain or shine and always has the biggest smile on her face. Farleigh is so important to our local community. Both myself and Joy know people that have had loved ones cared for by them. It’s a cause close to the hearts of many in our area.”

Joy’s stall began in April 2020 as the country was experiencing the first wave of the pandemic. Along with her friends and neighbours of Freshwater Crescent in Heybridge, she organised a daily street sale, where passers-by can purchase books, DVDs, bric-a-brac and games. Her efforts have so far raised an incredible £3,000 and is still going strong despite the winter weather.

Debbie De Boltz, Fundraising Manager at Farleigh Hospice said: “We’re so thankful to Paula for her phenomenal fundraising efforts. The calendar has been really popular with our supporters and has received some great engagement on social media.

“Farleigh greatly appreciates the efforts of both Paula and Joy in inspiring each other to raise such a large amount. It’s a fantastic example of friends working together to help support a vital service for the community. These donations will help us to continue to provide care to people in mid-Essex with a life-limiting illness as well as offer much needed support to their loved ones.”

Paula describes herself as an ‘absolute camera geek ‘and while she takes both landscape and wildlife shots, wildlife is her true passion. She says: “Maldon is just beautiful. I am so lucky where I live, I’m surrounded by countryside and woodlands. I always have my camera with me because you never know what wonderful things you will see. I never leave the house without my camera or my dog.”

The Maldonian photographer has plans for a 2022 calendar to raise even more money. Next year’s calendar will feature her most popular wildlife shots as voted for by her social media followers. It will go on sale in December 2020 and, based on how quickly the 2021 one sold out, we would advise contacting her early to put your name down for one.

Want to help?
Visit our fundraising page www.farleighhospice.org/fundraise
to find how you can start fundraising for Farleigh Hospice and help support people in our community affected by a life-limiting illness or bereavement.