By Jenny Lack (Brooke Volunteer)
31 May 2011

The Brooke interviews Jenny Lack, Shropshire supporter group leader and finds out about her volunteer work.

How long have you supported the Brooke for?

More than 25 years.

How do you support the Brooke?

I give talks about the Brooke’s work to schools, Women’s Institutes etc, anyone who will listen really! I’m not very good at asking people for money but I am a good saleswoman. I have a market stall in Ludlow every Monday where I sell just about anything. A good friend of mine does house clearances and gives me a lot of items. I have sold just about everything from Edwardian bathroom scales to plastic water lilies.

How many people belong to your supporter group?

I have a handful of very good friends who help me out when a sale is too big for me to do on my own - or I need moral support but mainly it is just me.

What events have you held to fundraise for the Brooke?

I have a Brooke gazebo which I take to horsey events, local fun days etc, and twice a year I have a major sale in the Market Square in Shrewsbury. The majority of the money I raise comes from my market stall in Ludlow.

Why do you support the Brooke?

For me this charity ticks all the boxes. I'm a horse owner myself with a daughter who is a vet but the key reason why I support the Brooke is that it helps owners and their families who often depend entirely on their animal to make a living. I visited Egypt in 2009 with the Supporters' Tour and I found it so inspiring to meet Brooke staff and see the work in action.

What does supporting and fundraising for the Brooke mean to you?

It's my retirement project! Plus, it is huge fun. The locals in Ludlow are wonderful, I love meeting and talking to them and I have quite a following who come every week to see my stall. I meet a lot of Brooke supporters and also those who know nothing about the charity.

Why would you encourage other people to get involved in volunteering and fundraising?

Because it's fun and an excellent way to meet people and make new friends. Also, and I say this as someone who has supported a number of charities over the years, the Brooke are a very friendly and appreciative organisation to volunteer for. They really make me feel valued.

And a final note from Jenny…

If anyone reading this lives near Shrewsbury or Ludlow and has anything I could sell on my market stall, please get in touch. You can visit me in Ludlow on a Monday or call me on 01743 790343. I am particularly interested in second hand costume jewellery - nothing valuable - but old earrings, beads etc always sell well.

Thank you,

Jenny Lack