Hi, my name is Julie Williams and I had the privilege of joining Hospice of the Valleys at the beginning of January 2019 as their Business & Community Fundraising Manager.  I live in Nantyglo so was already aware what a great Charity this is, however, it’s only now that I am here that I have seen with my own eyes and appreciate what our wonderful staff, nurses and volunteers do on a daily basis and the positive impact that they are having on patients and their families in Blaenau Gwent.  We only receive partial NHS funding and it costs over £4,000 a day to provide our services free of charge within the local community, therefore it’s more important than ever before to bring much needed funds into the Hospice.

My role is very exciting, fast paced and no two days are the same….something I love.  I work with businesses, individuals and organisations in the community to support and encourage them to fundraise, supporting with ideas and to maximise fundraising potential.

As important as this is I love telling people about the Hospice, dispelling myths and that we do so much to improve people’s quality of life especially through difficult and challenging times and also support their families.

So far I have had so many memorable experiences such as working with Ebbw Vale College Beauty Students who are looking to fundraise, they came in to offer some pampering treatments at our Day Centre and made a huge difference, it was lovely to see patients leaving with beaming smiles having had an enjoyable day.

It really doesn’t feel like a job to me, seeing how I can help businesses and groups within the local community of Blaenau Gwent get engaged with and support the Hospice is so rewarding both personally and professionally.

As for my spare time….what little there is with an active 9 year old son who plays piano and football I enjoy using a local gym in Brynmawr, do regular ParkRuns and also sing in a Choir.