Our Fundraising Heroes – Mary

We wanted to know why she chose AAM, how she fundraised and what’s next. Here she is speaking with Marketing and Community Fundraising Coordinator Lauren. 

You’ve been a fab fundraiser for us a few times now. What made you want to fundraise for AAM in the first place? 

My son, Joel, has been attending IMPs for many years. Singing, performing, and creating music has given him confidence, social contact and great enjoyment. It's been really important for him.  

What motivates me to fundraise for a local charity like AAM is the impact that I see first-hand. It's the joy that it gives in our local community and the amazing work that you do that spurs me on. 

You were one of our ‘Rowling’ Gnomes one year and Seas’ing the Day as a fabulous fish the next. Of the two Dragon Boat races you took part in, which was your favourite and why?  

I loved taking part in both. The first was new, wacky and exciting; the second was wacky and exciting - and we won a prize! Both were fabulous fun. 

Last year, you smashed your target and raised over £300 for AAM as part of the Seas the Day team. Tell us how you went about raising the funds, how did you get the word out?   

I did all my fundraising through social media. I'm not great at asking people for money, but my subtle means of persuasion were a little biography and a short video that made people smile!  

We loved your ‘Baby Shark’ video. It inspired an on-the-day sing-along and got stuck in our heads for weeks! What gave you the idea to get in front of the camera?  

I have a dressing-up box (from years of 'am dram') and enjoy a silly performance. Baby Shark was easy for Joel to learn and my daughter to edit. She’s an animator, so she was able to edit and enhance my videos. It was about playing to our own peculiar strengths!  

We’re so grateful for your support and everything you’ve done for AAM - you rock! Do you think you’ll be taking up another challenge this year or taking a well-deserved break?  

Thank you - I'm grateful for everything AAM has done for Joel. We’ll be focusing on his move to supported living, so I'm not likely to complete any impressive physical challenges this year. There are lots of big changes ahead, so we’ll see! 

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