“I think the Sunflower Walk gives people an opportunity to come together, celebrate loved ones and have that time to walk and reflect on why they’re taking part and why they’re fundraising for the Hospice.”
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Behind every Thames Hospice fundraising event is a huge amount of planning, organisation and care. From recruiting participants and volunteers to arranging first aid, suppliers, signage and event-day logistics, there is a lot that happens long before anyone crosses a finish line.
As Senior Events Fundraiser, Emma helps bring those events to life while supporting the people who take on challenges to raise vital funds for Thames Hospice.
“My role is supporting our mass participation events, including the Sunflower Walk, Open Water Swim and other fundraising challenges. I also support people taking on events in the community, from the London Marathon and London Landmarks to half marathons, treks, mountain climbs and other personal challenges.
“I’m there to support them on their fundraising journey and encourage them to raise as much as they can.”
No two days are the same
Emma’s role changes throughout the year depending on which events are coming up.
At certain points, the focus might be on recruiting swimmers for the Open Water Swim, ordering swim hats and promoting the event. At others, attention turns to supporting London Marathon runners from the moment they are offered a charity place right through to race day.
“There really isn’t a typical day because it depends on the time of year and what event I’m working on.
“It could be checking in with challengers, seeing how their fundraising is going, sending out T-shirts or fundraising materials, doing risk assessments or making sure all the logistics behind an event are running smoothly.”
That can include booking photographers, videographers and first aid, recruiting volunteers, briefing participants, organising suppliers and making sure all the equipment needed on the day is ready.
What happens behind the scenes?
For participants, a fundraising event might begin when they arrive on the day. For Emma and the fundraising team, the work begins months earlier.
Event week itself can be especially busy.
“You’re planning signage, getting all the kit together, making sure volunteers are briefed and making sure participants know where they need to go and what they’re doing.
“Then after the event there’s the thanking, counting the money, working out what we’ve raised and thanking all of the suppliers and volunteers who helped make the event happen.”
There is also a huge amount of work that people never see.
Risk assessments, emergency plans, cancellation plans, council liaison, route planning and contingency arrangements are all essential parts of running a safe event.
“With events, things can come up that you’re not expecting, so you have to deal with them and have contingency plans in place. There are always things that are outside your control, and you have to work around them and still try to put on the best event you can.”
Everything Sunflower Walk
One of the events Emma knows particularly well is the Sunflower Walk.
The event gives local people the chance to come together, enjoy a walk and raise money for hospice care. Participants can choose from different distances, including a shorter route around Bray Lake, a route around Dorney Lake and a longer challenge towards Windsor and back.
People can take part in memory of a loved one, to support Thames Hospice, or simply because they want to raise money for local hospice care.
“It’s a lovely opportunity for local people to come together and support hospice care while enjoying the scenery around the Hospice.
“People can walk in memory of somebody, or they can simply walk because they want to support the Hospice.”
For Emma, the Sunflower Walk is particularly special because of the atmosphere it creates.
“I think the Sunflower Walk gives people an opportunity to come together, celebrate loved ones and have that time to walk and reflect on why they’re taking part and why they’re fundraising for the Hospice.”
Once participants finish their walk, the event continues in the Hospice garden, with music, food, stalls and the chance to celebrate together.
“There’s such a lovely atmosphere when people come back into the garden. The music is on, everyone is together and you look around and realise all these people have come together to support the Hospice for one cause.”
A record-breaking moment
After more than four years at Thames Hospice, Emma has experienced plenty of memorable fundraising moments.
One of the biggest was the 2023 Sunflower Walk, which raised more than £100,000.
“I’m really proud that the Sunflower Walk was a record-breaker in 2023. Raising over £100,000 was one of those moments where you stop and think, ‘Wow, that’s a lot.’”
Watching events grow year after year has also been a source of pride, from the Open Water Swim to marathon challenges and other community fundraising.
Supporting people every step of the way
A huge part of Emma’s role is supporting people throughout their fundraising journey.
That might mean checking in with them, sending fundraising materials, helping with ideas or simply offering encouragement when the challenge ahead feels difficult.
“I feel very lucky that I genuinely love my job. I get to speak to amazing supporters, hear their stories and support them through challenges that can be physically difficult and emotionally important to them.
“Sometimes I feel like I’m their little cheerleader behind the scenes, encouraging them and helping them along the way.”
For Emma, seeing someone complete a challenge after following their journey from the beginning is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.
“When you’ve followed someone’s fundraising journey and then you see them cross that finish line, it’s such a special moment. You just think, ‘Well done.’”
Every participant makes a difference
Fundraising events are about far more than the day itself. The money raised helps Thames Hospice continue providing compassionate care to patients and families.
“Taking part in the Sunflower Walk helps ensure that we can continue providing compassionate care to patients and their families who need it most.
“Every participant, every fundraising page and every pound raised makes a difference to hospice care.”
For Emma, that is why encouraging people to fundraise is just as important as encouraging them to take part.
“With an event, there are really two parts. You recruit people to take part, but once they’ve signed up, you also support and encourage them to fundraise.
“That fundraising is what helps make such a difference.”
Why take part?
For anyone thinking about joining the Sunflower Walk, Emma’s message is simple: get involved.
“It’s such a joyful event. There’s a real sense of camaraderie and people coming together.
“It’s an opportunity to spend time with family and friends, remember loved ones, meet other people supporting the Hospice and enjoy being part of something really positive.”
And for Emma, seeing everyone together at the end of the day is what makes all the behind-the-scenes work worthwhile.
“When everyone is back in the garden after the walk and you see them chatting, celebrating and enjoying the atmosphere, that’s when you realise what the event means.
“All of those people have come together to support Thames Hospice, and that’s really special.”
Our services are free of charge to all those in our community who need vital hospice care but this is only made possible through the charitable support and generosity of our amazing community. We need to raise £44,000 each day to fund our services 365 days a year to the people who need us most.
We’ve never needed you, our wonderful supporters, more than we need you today. Please donate what you can to help keep hospice care available for those in desperate need.
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