Giving BACK

Three inspiring women volunteer their time and make a difference

- KATE CHAPMAN.

Trudy Simmons, 50, is owner of The Daisy Chain Group, mentoring and supporting businesswomen. She lives in Winchester, Hampshire, with her husband, Richard, 50.

I'd been looking after my grandmother, Jean, for 10 years before she died in May 2024 at the age of 96. I loved spending time with her, talking about her life and childhood. She was such a love and had a great giggle. When she died, there was a void. I missed our conversations but also saw how lonely life can become as we get older.

I've had my own business for 15 years and decided from the start I'd donate either 10% of my time or my money to charity. With more time, I contacted Re-Engage, a national charity that provides vital, life-enhancing social connections for older people. I offered to drive the over-75s to its monthly tea parties.

I went through all the checks and was asked if I could take people to the next event, in June. I offered to drive in July and August too, but they didn't have venues or catering.

'Don't worry – I'll sort it for next month,' I offered. A large part of my business is arranging networking events, so I knew I could help. I found a village hall, my husband, Richard, baked a lemon drizzle cake, and my 14-year-old stepdaughter helped too.

Now I host a tea party once a year and drive pensioners to the monthly events. About a dozen elderly people attend, and for some, we may be the only people they see that month. It's so heartwarming; they enjoy afternoon tea, and chat about local history, how things have changed, and their children and grandchildren.

It's wonderful what Re-Engage puts into the events. Those who host do it because they want to give something back. It only takes a few hours of my time each month – and there's cake!