Home-Start’s work wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of supporters like Sarah Harrison. And we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to Sarah for her ongoing support of our Home-Start scheme through the first of our ‘Supporter Spotlight’ blogs.
Sarah is a passionate supporter and ambassador for Home-Start and has been making a significant impact in her community by helping families in need through fundraising for our charity.
Foxtrotting her way into our hearts
When Sarah agreed to participate in our Strictly for Charity event, as a celebrity dancer, in 2021, she donated many hours of her time. Talking about participating in Strictly, Sarah said: “I’m thrilled to bits to be taking part in Strictly for Charity. As assorted embarrassed relatives can testify, I love to dance and need no second bidding, especially when it’s for Home-Start! The exercise regime has begun…”
In order to prepare for this event, Sarah and her professional partner, Richard, met frequently over a period of four months to learn and practice their routine. On the night of the event, they performed a lovely Foxtrot that was liked by all. Sarah looked extremely sophisticated, with her fox ears completing her outfit too!
Leading up to Strictly, Sarah raised a remarkable £1,657 in sponsorship and invited family and friends along to support her on the night. Despite the fact that Sarah and Richard did not win the competition, they both expressed how much they had loved learning, practising and performing their dance together.
Supporting local families through fundraising
Sarah continues to support Home-Start in a variety of different ways; through donations collected from talks she gives to local groups, by taking part in our 40th Anniversary concert in March (where she read her poem ‘Turning the Tables’), and by joining us at a Literary Lunch in September 2022, when she was in conversation with our poet in residence Jude Simpson. They made a great double act, working really well together, and the audience thoroughly enjoyed their’ listening lunch.’
Altogether Sarah has raised over £2,300 for Home-Start this financial year. That is enough to support two families with Home Visiting for more than six months each or to train eight new volunteers.
We are so grateful to have Sarah’s support; she has helped raise the profile of our charity, attracted new supporters and brought a lot of fun and laughter to our events.
And we are excited to share that Sarah has planned a ‘spectacular evening of entertainment event for Friday, 30th June 2023… details to follow, so watch this space!! (And don’t forget to visit our Events calendar to see what’s coming up next.)
Be our next ‘star’ supporter
Sarah’s story is a testament to the power of community support and commitment to our charity and the impact this has on the lives of the families we help. If you’re inspired by Sarah’s story and would like to get involved with Home-Start either through volunteering or fundraising (perhaps you’d like to take on a personal challenge?), contact us today to see how we can help you get started.
Together we can make a positive change in the lives of children – because childhood can’t wait.