Sponsored By:
My Plea:
Being nominated for Most Valuable Contribution was a pleasure, being shortlisted is an honour. So, what do I do to warrant this title.
My Name is Lynnette Olding and I am 29yrs of age, and I contribute to the baby loss community.
One winters day two individuals were braving the weather to set up for yet another car boot sale. This is something they did every weekend. These two people were Greg and Jen Phillips. Two people who are now two of my best friends. It was on this day that we were to meet and build a relationship, originally as co-workers, but since much stronger.
I had just lost my mum at the young age of twenty, 24hrs after I found out I was in fact pregnant with my second child. And just 5months after, her grandchild joined her and had to go and play in the clouds. I was in a whirlwind of emotion, my life again torn apart by death. I needed something to focus on. So, after an initial meeting with these two strangers I knew I had to help them.
Their original aim was to raise awareness and money for a separate unit within Derriford hospital. This unit would be a room in which ladies and their families could bring their angels into the world with a little bit more dignity and support than what has previously been on offer. However, after listening to their ambition and the goals that had been set, it was clear to me that they were not going to make the £100,000 target to get the project started by doing car boot sales. At this stage I was a bit firm, still not really knowing these people, I put my foot down and said “come on we need to be doing more if we are ever going to make a difference.”
That day I become the events co-ordinator.
So, here we are probably one of the smallest charities out there with only four (we have picked up another lovely lady along the way) active members smashing that target with a current total of over £120,000. What keeps my determination going is, that as a direct result of my accomplishments, (and help from the others) we now currently have an up and running room.
This allows families the time, rest and empathy that is needed as they start a journey no one ever wishes to be a part of.
To be able to make this happen, I have had to work incredibly hard. Long nights filled with raffle ideas and food options, venues and entertainment for events I put together. I currently have an event that I have grown from a village fete consisting of about 20 attendees, to a party in the park with over 3,000 supporters. I have travelled the whole of the south west raising both money and awareness for still birth in Jasmine’s memory. Including a trip to Cornwall to stand in front of the reginal bank workers of HSBC and tell them why I/we as a charity deserve to have them on board, choosing us as their charity of the year, (and we won).
All of this whilst trying to be a single, motherless mum, working part time, completing my studies currently for my nursing degree, as well as all the other boring jobs such as housework and the like.
The Snowdrop Appeal isn’t what it is because of me, it is because of a beautiful baby girl, born too perfect for earth, because of three people having determination. It was just me that took that determination and made it bloom!
What Other’s Have Said
“Lynnette Works around the clock as a single mum to 4 young children whilst studying for her nursing degree. She is so passionate that she also selflessy organises at least 2 fundraisers a year for the Snowdrop And Central Delivery Suite fund – founded by Greg and Jen after the loss of their beautiful baby girl. Lynnette organises everything from the hiring of the venues, to the flavour of the ice cream & she does it all with a smile on her face and spring in her step. Generally people may seek support from their parents or loved ones buts thats where Lynnette’s strength of character and compassion is on another level. Seven years ago Lynnette watched her own mum pass away, with terminal cancer… She truly is something else!”
Note for u Lynette good luck.your mum would be proud of you all u do.
Well I know lynette for a number of years now I was at her mums bedside when mum passed away and I also help lynette out with the snowdrop appeal I’m like a second mum to lynette and like a nan for her children live them all to but she does an amazing job and very very proud of her love you ❤️
Lynnette is like my sister…she is the most kind hearted person I have ever met, she’s always the first one to do something for others and doesn’t expect anything back, a lot of love and time for her
I have known Lynnette for several years and it always amazes me how she juggles motherhood, housework, studies and fundraising with a smile. I have seen her highs and lows but always with a determination to succeed. She is amazing.
I have known Lynnette for a number of years and it amazes me how she juggles motherhood, housework, her studies and fundraising. I have seen her highs and lows yet her selfless enthusiasm for the Snowdrop Appeal is infectious and she always seems to come up trumps. Lynnette is a shining example of a young person who cares passionately for others and she is worthy of your support.
Voted for you. You have contributed and worked so hard I am proud of you. Kind caring and one of the most beautiful friends I have in my life. Good luck I hope you win!
Lynette has helped me through tough times even when she has gone through things herself..she tirelessly goes above and beyond to help others, i really admire her passion and hardwork being a single mother to four children.
Amazing woman, your mum would be so proud x
I am so happy i met Lynette at uni. She is the inspiration in a mentally and physically demanding day. Lynette is dedicated and passionate in all her life commitments. A truly talented and wonderful addition to my family. I am proud yo call you my friend. Lynette, your dedication, commitment selfless and warm, caring attitude towards the snow drop appeal is uplifting and wonderful to see. Long may it continue. Mwah ?
Well I cannot believe I have written so much and no one seems to be able to read it. I can’t even see what I’ve written!
How long does it take for comments to be added?
I feel that this lovely girl Lynnette should be recognised for all the very hard work and commitment to the fundraising she has done and she made it! So many devoted hours with bringing up 4 kids on her own after her mum died too and I purposely posted so many things remembering Susies birthday. Sad not to see my posts but probably something I did wrong electronically knowing me! Doh! She’s a blessing and I hope she gets an award ((Lynnette deserves it. ) ?
Today it would have been Lynnette’s mum’s birthday and I know for sure how proud she would be to witness the continued dedication and support Lynnette has given to so many people. She has the gift of communication and the heart to do it for others. Dedicated and always ready to give all of herself. A very well deserved nominee. Good luck Lynnette, you truly deserve it! ?xx from Auntie Pam