Devizes family raises over £17,000 for Dorothy House in 2024

A Devizes family has gone above and beyond for Dorothy House, fundraising an incredible £17,911 in 2024… but they’re not stopping there.

Head shaving challenge

In May, following the death of Jennifer (Jen) Hulland, who was cared for by Dorothy House, her then 15-year-old son, Reece, along with five of his supportive friends, set themselves a challenge to fundraise for Dorothy House by braving to shave their heads. Within days, their JustGiving page raised over £13,800, with the page attracting a groundswell of support from the local community, being shared across Facebook community groups and local media.

Bake sale success

By summer, it was Jen’s daughter, Elsie, who took on the challenge of organising a fundraiser. On a warm weekend in August, 12-year-old Elsie planned an amazing bake sale just outside the family home. With support from friends, family and professional bakers, Elsie and her friends sold dozens of delicious bakes in one day, which raised a phenomenal £2,800 for Dorothy House!

More opportunities to fundraise for Dorothy House

The Hulland family didn’t stop there. In September, the family, including Matthew, Jen’s husband, and Elsie, joined forces as one team for Dorothy House’s Big Avon Paddle event, paddling across the River Avon dressed up as pirates. In October, the family and their adorable pet dogs attended Dorothy House’s Paws in the Park sponsored dog walk event, which took place in the grounds of Dorothy House, and through the peaceful Fireflies woods and the nature trail, which only opened earlier this year.

“I couldn’t be prouder of my kids, the way they have gone about raising this amount of money is amazing. It has given us a purpose and goal that has helped us move forwards since losing Jen. We will forever be grateful to Dorothy House and every penny we raise is a thank you to you, and also honours their mum.” – Matthew Hulland.

Looking ahead…

The incredible contribution the Hulland family have made this year will help us continue to reach more people and deliver personalised end of life care in the community. The money raised by the family is an incredible achievement, and really does demonstrate the power and kindness of the community.

As well as Matthew’s very own ice challenge this month, the family has already started putting concrete plans in place to hold two special events in 2025, including a birthday celebration for Jen at Devizes Football Club in April.

We are so very grateful to Matthew, Reece, Elsie and their families for their amazing support this year, and we look forward to continuing to be involved in their fantastic events.

Find out more about Dorothy House’s events and how you can get involved here.