To donate for the current year's challenge please donate on the 2023 fundraising page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/barbarawalmsley2023

About 37 years ago I perched on a high stool outside the wool shop in Cookham, with my Oxfam collecting tin. At the end of the weekend, with sponsorship added to the collection, I had raised the princely sum of £313.13, which was quite a respectable total in those days.

I remember thinking, ‘I must do it again next year’ but I don't think I

ever imagined that I would still be doggedly refusing to stop all these years later!

There has been major progress in the fight against poverty. More people are surviving disasters. More girls are getting an education. And more families have clean water than ever before. You can see the problem. The money we raise together supports such large numbers of people who are living in desperate situations, that I just can’t stop… and no one at the moment has offered to take over from me. Funny that.

The range of Oxfam's activities in over 60 countries is extraordinary. Apart from the extensive water and sanitation projects in areas of natural disasters, often with cash-for-work schemes, Oxfam is expert in supporting local people to set up their own small businesses in order to become independent. It campaigns for those suffering from discrimination, threats to our planet through climate change and the Covid vaccine equality for the world's poorest countries..

This is the 37th year of my "fast", You know the set up. This year I am doing 30 hours collecting at Sainsbury's over Friday 14th, Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th and my cardboard friend will be doing the "fasting". I hope to beat last year's total of £15,900 in this Oxfam's 80th birthday year. The coffee morning was a wonderful event which was enjoyed by everyone. David Emanuel held us spellbound with his stories of Princess Diana and there was so much laughter. We raised over £675 since all the expenses were covered by a supporter.
The collection at Sainsbury's was equally successful and raised over £1,340 which was even more than last year. The generosity of the shoppers makes me feel both grateful and humble.

Please think kindly of this ageing 85 year old who is still tough, passionate and ambitious!

I never cease to be amazed by your loyalty and generosity over the years.

Your support has been amazing but, tragically and through no fault of their own, innocent people are still suffering. But together we can continue to make a difference.