This spotlight is on Courtney McKelvey, a Project Fundraiser for Marie Curie Cancer Care
What is your job?
I am volunteering as a project fund-raiser for the Marie Curie Cancer Care Community fundraising team.I have been a volunteer collector for three years now and have recently joined a new fundraising group. It gives me great satisfaction to know that all the money raised will allow Marie Curie Nurses to provide more free care to people with terminal illnesses across Northern Ireland and in the Marie Curie Hospice, Belfast.
How did you get there?
In fifth year at Movilla High School, I decided to do my work experience with the Marie Curie Community fundraising team and get a better understanding of what the community fundraisers do on a daily basis.
Do you have a typical working day?
No, every day is varied. I provide general support to the team, speak to volunteers who are willing to donate an hour of their time, deliver collection boxes, meet fundraising groups – the list is endless but it is all fun.
What qualifications do you have?
I have completed an extended diploma in Business at South Eastern Regional College in Bangor. I am really inspired by the great work that the charity does so I decided to take a year out to work with them.
What other skills do you need in your role?
You need to be passionate and believe in what you are doing. Every day I speak to people or relatives of those who are battling or have lost someone to a terminal illness so you have to be caring and understanding when dealing with sensitive issues. I lost my dad to cancer so I can relate to the difficult situations people living with terminal illnesses have to face. You also need to be enthusiastic about the cause and believe wholeheartedly in what you are raising money for. My role as a project fundraiser at Marie Curie has definitely helped strengthen my confidence and interpersonal skills.
What is the best thing about your job?
Hearing stories about how Marie Curie has helped others, bringing a smile to those who may be suffering and meeting our fundraising targets. The great thing about my role is that it has become such a big part of my life. I held my 18th birthday party in aid of Marie Curie. Instead of presents, I asked all my friends and family to make a donation to Marie Curie and we raised £1,000. That is the great thing about fundraising, no matter how much you raise, you are always making a difference.
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What do you think are the greatest challenges/pressures of the job?
The greatest challenge is meeting our targets. Fundraising is essential to keep the charity going and to allow Marie Curie Nurses to provide more free care to people with a terminal illness in their own home. It only takes £20 for the charity to provide one hour of free nursing care. I put pressure on myself to help the team meet fund-raising targets but it is all worth it in the end.
What advice would you give someone considering a career in your profession?
Go for it. I cannot describe how good it makes you feel to raise money for the charity, it is the most rewarding job that you can ever have. I would suggest contacting your local fundraising group and finding out which ways you could get involved. Fundraising changes everything. You feel good about helping others and knowing that the money you helped raise is helping people who need it most. It is when you see the work that the Marie Curie Nurses do that you understand how important the funds raised are. I would definitely recommend it to anyone, without a doubt.
To access a Marie Curie nurse, speak to your GP or district nurse. For more information, please visit www.mariecurie.org.uk.
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