A DEDICATED fundraiser has clocked up an incredible 80 years striving to combat child cruelty.

Maureen Wolly started supporting the NSPCC at the tender age of six.

The caring 86-year-old is still part of the East Cheshire branch of the charity’s north west fundraising team.

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Her mum was a member of the Wilmslow League of Pity, a group of fundraisers who supported the NSPCC through various events.

Many were held in the former Wilmslow village Hall and Maureen often joined her mum for fundraisers such as Easter parties.

Maureen’s mum moved to the NSPCC committee to organise events and always involved Maureen and her sister Gill.

Maureen said: “I have carried on with the NSPCC throughout my life. I am proud to have supported such an important charity.

“Looking back, I worked with so many brilliant people who made it their mission to keep children safe.

“Eighty years is such an incredible milestone. It’s difficult to comprehend, but one thing I do know is that I wouldn’t change it for anything.”

Supporting children is a cause that has never left Maureen’s heart.

She is still a great raffle ticket seller for NSPCC fundraising events in the Wilmslow area and encourages anyone who can spare some time to follow in her footsteps.

Maureen said: “I understand volunteer numbers have fallen across many charities since the pandemic.

“That is a great shame and if my decades of helping out has taught me anything, it’s that volunteering is one of the best things a person can do.

“I would encourage anyone who gave up volunteering during those terrible years of the pandemic to seriously consider lending a hand again.

“And to anyone who has never volunteered before I would encourage them to give it a try.

“There are many organisations in Cheshire as well as up and down the country who would truly appreciate the support.”

NSPCC chief executive officer Peter Wanless has thanked Maureen for her 80 years of support.

In a letter, Sir Peter wrote: “The parties you held in Wilmslow sound like great fun and I am sure were enjoyed by all.

“You will have seen many changes over your 80 years of volunteering. “However, our unwavering aim has always been to end child cruelty and I know you share our passion in this.

“Your commitment and long service to the NSPCC is remarkable.

“You are a member of a very elite group of fundraisers who have fundraised, campaigned and influenced on our behalf for so many decades.”

Janette Drew, NSPCC community fundraiser in the north west, who works regularly with Maureen, said: “Maureen has surely got to be one of our longest ever serving volunteers.

“I can’t thank her enough for her years in supporting the NSPCC.

“Without the help of volunteers such as Maureen, we would not be able to carry on our with our mission of ensuring every child in the country has a safe upbringing.

“She’s a great raffle ticket seller and is an inspiring person to work with.”

To find out more about fundraising opportunities with the NSPCC, visit: nspcc.org.uk/support-us/charity-fundraising/.