Fundraising Friends

Fundraising and Friendship

The AGE UK befriending service is a lifeline for so many of our members but it is also a life enhancing experience for so many of our volunteers whose lives have been enriched by the friendships they’ve made.

Debbie Crompton, a production co-ordinator for Sky Sports Football Department and local Fulham resident has been been an AGE UK befriender to Doris xxx for five years and immensely values the close friendship and bond her and Doris now share.

We spoke to Debbie to hear all about her experience as a befriender, what drives her to keep going and the impressive way she is helping to raise money for AGE UK

How long have you been a befriender?

I've been a befriender for just under 5 years. Doris was my first befriendee (is that a word?) During the Covid lockdown in March and April, I volunteered to deliver lunches 2-3 times a week for Age UK to those in need in the local area, due to work being very quiet and my company allowing me to do this when possible. It was around this time that I also met 99-year-old Ellen, whose grocery shopping I have been doing since spring. She is an amazing woman and looks no older than 75! (She also has 6 bottles of wine on her shopping list every week - obviously the secret to a long life!)

What motivated you become a befriender?

I heard an advert on the radio with the statistics on how many people are suffering with loneliness. It inspired me to get involved and do my bit to help people in my local area and I thought the befriending scheme was the ideal situation - to just have a chat to someone on a regularly basis, or even just listen, knowing a lot of people go days on end without any human contact. I knew this could help someone else but also be extremely rewarding for myself.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself (what you do, whether you're local to Hammersmith & Fulham, your hobbies etc) - this doesn’t need to be long - really just a snap shot of your life!

I have lived in Fulham for 7 years after moving to do a journalism course. I work as a production co-ordinator for Sky Sports Football Department. So football is obviously a huge passion but one that has been scuppered somewhat this year with no fans! I got married to Sam two years ago and we are moving to South Oxfordshire at the end of the year after a decade in London - exciting but scary!

What is it about the voluntary work you do that makes you want to continue?

This year more than ever, the work I do has been so important. I always knew there were so many in need and it is so rewarding to know you have made someone's day or helped someone out. Even what I consider a small act, can be the most amazing moment for someone else and this makes me want to continue this week even when I move to the country if possible!

How would you describe Doris?

Doris is the most vivacious, inspiring woman who has so many incredible stories to tell. She has an amazing laugh and a hilarious sense of humour but also such warmth and generosity, hence her wanting to do something to raise money. I often sit and just listen to her stories from days gone by, especially her fascinating times growing up in Nigeria. She has been through some hard times in her life but the happiness and affection she shows to all around her is inspiring. 

How has your relationship with Doris blossomed in the years you’ve known her?

I feel now that Doris is just part of the family, and her mine! I have 3 nephews who she calls the 3 musketeers and our relationship is just so easy and joyful. I know just picking up the phone to her will be an entertaining conversation or popping in to say hello! She often says my family are her extended family too and I keep her up to date with them all through photos and videos, which I know she loves!

With our AGE UK Charity Shops closed and many of our fundraising events cancelled, we’re relying heavily on wonderful volunteers such as your yourself to help us keep up the good work! Tell us all about the fundraising activities you have been up to?

Doris came up with the idea to do something so I thought we could complete a running/walking/mobility scooter challenge together. Due to her being unwell, I thought I would take it on myself and complete 78km (Doris' age!) over 28 days of lockdown 2.0! So it's 20km a week roughly which I have so far done through running but will likely throw in the odd walk! Doris I'm hoping will be able to join me on her scooter for a few kms towards the end!

To support Debbie, please sponsor her via the Just Giving page:

Help Debbie Smash Her Fundraising Target