The power of persuasion, teamwork and several sewing machines helped Rena Shanahan and Ruth Boardman raise thousands of pounds for Trinity Hospice and their recent efforts culminated in the presentation of two valuable pieces of equipment to the lymphoedema team.

Rena and Ruth have both completed lymphoedema treatment at Trinity, and together have organised events, made craft items and held numerous raffles to raise money.

Rena said: “We did it because we felt we wanted to give something back. Once we started there was no stopping us really. We found we worked well together and we have had a huge amount of help. Even in these tough economic times people have been very generous and we couldn’t have done it without the support of so many others.”

Thanks to their organisational skills and the power of persuasion, the pair found themselves at the centre of a hectic fundraising network. They managed to wear out more than one sewing machine in making soft furnishings and crafts as part of the effort; they also organised a dinner dance and for a time their homes were overtaken by prizes and items donated to them.

They presented two portable laser therapy units to Trinity’s Sister Tracey Wilson. Each unit costs around £2,000 and low level laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that can be effective in reducing the painful swelling of lymphoedema.

Ruth said: “We did it because we enjoy it. Raising money can be hard work but we have done a lot of laughing along the way. We are very grateful for the support we received from our families and from so many local groups and individuals.” 

Sister Tracey said: “Rena and Ruth are an inspiration and we are very grateful for these donations. The new units will make a real difference to our patients.”