The tragic case of Olive, the 92 year old who committed suicide to escape the enormous pressures of Charity “fundraisers”, brought back memories of my own father’s experience.
Dad was a Managing Director of a major company when he retired at 65. And certainly for the first ten years of his retirement I had no fears. He was in complete control of his life – the decision making processes of running his home and his finances.
Dad was a Managing Director of a major company when he retired at 65. And certainly for the first ten years of his retirement I had no fears. He was in complete control of his life – the decision making processes of running his home and his finances.
Then I noticed little changes in his behaviour. He fell foul of con artists. My Dad was asked by a complete stranger to get into this guy’s car and my Dad did. Just like that. He clambered in and very happily went to a cash point machine – took out £200 and gave it to the man who “sold” my Dad two jackets. My Dad swore that they were leather. The jackets didn’t even fit him.
Workman would knock on his front door and offer to clean the gutters, or repair a slipped tile off the roof. My dad’s bungalow was five years old. We didn’t involve the Police, as it was hard to prove and by then the men had moved on.
Then my Dad fell prey to Charities. He gave and gave and gave. He sponsored a Donkey called Tom, and he very happily gave to all the High street Charities. When I looked at his Bank statement he “supported” over 25 charities in a month by direct debit.
I challenged my father over the amounts and frequency and he admitted that the charities were bombarding him with phone calls.
I got it stopped. I sat with my Dad and carefully went through his direct debits and standing orders and we agreed as to which charities he would definitely support- those that were closest to his heart, The rest we cancelled. I went through all of his mail that was piling up and between us we chucked the begging letters in the bin.
However in 1999 I was naïve. I thought that my Dad was unique. But he wasn’t, as Olive has testified with her life. My Dad became my inspiration for my business – Grey Matters Consultancy. I have run successful businesses while raising a family and caring for my father. I realised that my knowledge and skills meant this was easier than for many but it was still a struggle at times.
It seemed to be unnecessarily difficult to get answers to what seemed simple questions and I found it hard to find someone I could trust who could help me with all the information and services I needed.
Over time I learned more and more and built up knowledge in a range of areas including finance and property. This all came together in a light bulb moment and Grey Matters Consultancy was born.
I am passionate about getting fair solutions for all my clients that meet their needs and my focus is on taking on the challenges for the client so they don’t have to.
My friends tell me I am persistent and assertive when I need to be but that is matched by my desire to provide support that works.
I would like to add Grey Matters voice to this campaign to stop charities employing companies to “fund raise“ for them. Please ask your Mum or Dad about any charities that they may support and if you think that it is an unhealthy amount then please do give me a call 01628 947066
