A charity that reaches out to everyone

Volunteer Marjorie Gracie has spent three years lending a hand for Action, often as a Speaker Ambassador, and in this blog for Volunteers’ Week she shares her reasons for becoming part of the charity…  

'It's for a great cause!' When it comes to charities, this is something I had heard many times and I agree! There are undeniably, so many great causes out there. The question for me then, had always been: How do I possibly decide who to support, in what way and will it really make a difference?

It seems like only yesterday that my good friend Lynne approached me to ask if I would be interested in supporting 'a children's charity'. Fast forward almost 3 years and here I am - a proud volunteer for Action Medical Research for children.  This Volunteers’ Week, it is with pride that I share some of my journey and my reasons for remaining part of this special charity.  

I have learned that people volunteer for many reasons but most people choose their cause as a direct result of having been impacted in some way in their own lives by the issue at hand. I would like to state that I don't have children myself and the children in my family are blessed with good health. What is unique about Action is its capacity to reach and touch people like me regardless.

I must also state that when I left that first fateful meeting with Lynne, Janet and Cecilia, I was astounded to realise the work that this charity does, the historic breakthroughs that it has achieved in areas other than children's health and the research it now funds today. I left that meeting with one sentiment: Why didn't I know about this charity before now?

In that moment, my purpose was born! So for the last three years, I have attended and supported our fabulous Ladies’ Lunch in Glasgow, I have cheered on the inspirational Plodders who literally move mountains and I have packed more scones and cream in one day than I thought possible!

My most treasured role, however, is that of Speaker Ambassador. I am privileged to have the opportunity to help raise awareness of Action Medical Research. Whilst there are other big hitters in the charity sector, I am passionately driven, in the small way I can, to share the story of this charity. I am a huge believer in the power of stories and building relationships and let me tell you that for every time I get to share my volunteer experience with others and let them physically hold that premature baby nappy, something unique happens in the room. Sometimes it is the smallest of actions that achieve the biggest impact.

I am proud to say that my endeavours have raised funds large and small for Action and this would be my finishing word to anyone considering giving some of their time: do not be held back by thinking you need to give all of your time, do not be held back by worrying that you probably won't make a difference anyway and do not ever underestimate the lives that are inadvertently touched by anything you can give - large or small. YOU make a difference through anything that you do! So I hope to hang around for some time to come and continue being part of this inspiring story going forward because, as someone once said, 'It's for a great cause!'

If you’d like to join our fight for little lives, please take a look at our huge range of volunteering opportunities at action.org.uk/support-us/volunteering