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A former NHS nurse from Sellindge has been recognised for more than a decade of tireless fundraising in support of dementia services across East Kent Hospitals.
Sue Threadingham, who previously worked for the NHS at the William Harvey Hospital, was recently nominated for Fundraiser of the Year at the Ashford Hero Awards, held at the Stour Centre in Ashford. She received a highly commended accolade in what judges described as a particularly strong category.
Sue has been fundraising for East Kent Hospitals Charity for more than 12 years, raising an incredible £13,260.34 to date for their dementia appeal.
She began fundraising following the death of her mother, who lived with dementia. Since then, Sue has raised thousands of pounds by selling home-made jams, chutneys, produce and crafts, using traditional recipes from the 1940s alongside new ideas and customer requests. Her items are sold from a stall outside her home and at fairs and events across Kent, where they frequently sell out.
Sue, 76, spent her career working for the NHS as a sister in theatre recovery at the William Harvey Hospital before retiring. Her daughter still works at the hospital, and Sue continues to maintain close links with the Trust, regularly visiting to see how her fundraising has helped improve care for patients living with dementia.
She said: “I just hope that others will take up fundraising - it’s an ideal occupation in retirement. Dementia seems to be very much in the news again recently.”
Hannah Harvey, Fundraising Officer for the Charity, has built a close bond with Sue since joining the charity team in 2024. She said:
“Sue’s commitment to supporting dementia services over so many years is extraordinary. The time, energy and care she puts into her fundraising is reflected in the lasting impact it has had for patients, families and staff. This accolade is so well deserved and we are very proud of her amazing achievement.”
The photograph accompanying this press release was kindly provided by the Stour Centre, who supported the use of the image to help share Sue’s story and celebrate her achievement.
