Meet our fundraising volunteer, Kim
Rosie’s Trust volunteer, Kim, is pictured with her Shih Tzu, Daisy.
Long-serving volunteer, Kim Hamilton, has shared an inspirational update on her latest fundraising challenge for Rosie’s Trust, inspired by her Shih Tzu, Daisy.
Kim, can you please tell us why you have chosen to raise funds for Rosie’s Trust?
I wanted to improve my fitness and lose some weight for health reasons, and I set myself the challenge of doing this for charity – and Rosie’s Trust is my favourite charity, so I’m always looking for ways to support their work.
The support services offered free-of-charge, 365 days a year, by Rosie’s Trust are vital in order to keep people and their pets together during the most vulnerable times of a person’s life. Pets are family, and bring so much comfort to their owners. Rosie’s Trust is able to care for people by caring for their pets.
What kind of fundraising are you doing, and how has it been progressing?
Recently, together with my friend Ruth, I have undertaken some long walks, which have included a trek from Giant’s Park to Carrickfergus, which is ten miles. I’ve also walked from Lisburn Tow Path to Stranmillis, which is 14 miles, and Newtownabbey Way, an eight mile return journey.
I’m also eating sensibly, and going to the gym regularly. I hope to get to my personal target weight by Christmas. However, I’m not putting myself under unnecessary pressure – the challenge is about getting to my target weight sensibly, and raising some vital funds for Rosie’s Trust. I’m delighted to say that so far the challenge is progressing really well!
Do you have a pet that has inspired your fundraising?
All my pets have always inspired me – but I have to give a special shout-out to my Shih Tzu, Daisy, who is four in October, and has inspired this particular challenge. She does lots of zoomies and, as her mummy, I need to be able to keep up with her, so making sure I’m fit enough to play with her is a big motivator for me.
What do you hope your fundraising will achieve for the people and pets cared for by Rosie’s Trust?
To-date with this challenge, I have raised £425 for Rosie’s Trust, which I know will go directly towards caring for people by caring for their pets. It will also allow the charity to train more volunteers so that those facing cancer treatment, end of life care, and older people with mobility issues, will be able to keep their much-loved cats and dogs by their side. I know from personal experience that pets bring a great deal of joy into our lives, and if my fundraising can help those supported by Rosie’s Trust to stay together with their pets at home then that will bring me a great deal of joy.
How can people support you, and get involved?
A big thank-you to my family and friends for all their support with my fundraising. I hope, through this Q and A, that I can inspire a wider network of people to support the charity by donating, or taking on their own fundraising challenge. There are lots of ways to support, including through my JustGiving page here, or making a donation on the Rosie’s Trust website here. Every time someone makes a donation, it really spurs me on to keep going with my challenge!
What message would you share with anyone thinking about taking on their own fundraising challenge?
I would say go for it! Not only will you be achieving a personal goal in whatever you choose to do, but you will also be bringing a lot of joy to people who may otherwise have been separated from their much-loved pet when they need them the most. My advice would be to get in touch with the Rosie’s Trust team – they will be able to provide any help or support you need along the way with your fundraising.
How will you celebrate once you’ve completed your fundraising goal?
A nice glass of white wine, and I will also treat myself to some new clothes!
If you’re inspired by Kim’s fundraising story, visit here on the Rosie’s Trust website for ideas of how you can help the charity to keep caring for people by caring for their pets. Or get in touch with the team by emailing mail@rosiestrust.org