STEVE AND CHRIS SYER

Over the last 18 years we have had the enormous privilege to be volunteers for James Hopkins Trust but our association with the Trust goes back to its beginnings in 1989. Steve, my husband, worked with Vance at Rank Xerox in the Forest of Dean when James was born. When Vance and Heather set up the Trust we would support their events, buy raffle tickets and when they decided to build Kites Corner we supported the ‘buy a brick’ campaign. We remember selling Christmas cards in the Mall in Gloucester and at the Cheltenham Christmas Charity Market and attending various fetes and Christmas fayres.

When Kites Corner opened in 2003 we started supporting the Trust on a more regular basis as the centre was not far from where we lived. Our involvement increased 5 years ago when we moved nearer to the charity. Steve helps with the production of posters, labels and other I.T tasks whilst my job has progressed to washing and mending teddies, making up Teddy Tombolas to take to various events, sorting out donated items, keeping the store room tidy and actively helping at fundraising events.

We really enjoy helping raising money for and promoting James Hopkins Trust. It is an amazing charity. The enthusiasm of all of the staff is unbelievable and the care that the children receive from the trained nurses is brilliant.

I highly recommend volunteering at James Hopkins Trust. It is extremely rewarding and a lot of fun!!!