NSPCC volunteer celebrates 80 years with charity

Maureen Wolly, pictured with husband Geoff, says she would not change her 80 years volunteering "for anything"

An "inspiring" volunteer, who is celebrating 80 years of helping the NSPCC, has said she is "proud" of the charity's vital work to keep children safe.

Maureen Wolly, 86, was six when she followed in her mother's footsteps and started volunteering for the child protection charity.

Eight decades on and the "great raffle ticket seller" is still supporting the cause as part of the NSPCC's East Cheshire fundraising team.

"I wouldn't change it for anything," she said, urging others to volunteer if they could.

Ms Wolly's mother was an NSPCC committee member who organised fundraising events in the Wilmslow area and got both of her daughters involved.

The charity's cause has remained in her heart ever since.

She said: “I am proud to have supported such an important charity.

“I worked with so many brilliant people who made it their mission to keep children safe."

“Eighty years is such an incredible milestone," she said.

"One thing I do know is that I wouldn’t change it for anything.”

She encouraged anyone with some spare time to volunteer for the NSPCC or other charities, particularly as numbers have dipped since the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Volunteering is one of the best things a person can do," she said.

'Elite fundraiser'

To mark Ms Wolly's remarkable service, NSPCC Chief Executive Sir Peter Wanless has written a letter of thanks to her.

In the letter, he wrote: “Your commitment and long service to the NSPCC is remarkable and you are a member of a very elite group of fundraisers who have fundraised, campaigned and influenced on our behalf for so many decades.

"The parties you held in Wilmslow sound like great fun and I am sure were enjoyed by all."

Janette Drew, NSPCC community fundraiser, said Ms Wolly was "inspiring" to work with.

She said: “Maureen has surely got to be one of our longest-ever serving volunteers, and I can’t thank her enough for her years in supporting the NSPCC.

“Without the help of volunteers such as Maureen, we would not be able to carry on with our mission of ensuring every child in the country has a safe upbringing."