Macclesfield volunteer recognised after more than two decades of fundraising

Macclesfield charirty, East Cheshire Eye Society is celebrating the dedication of one of its longest-serving volunteer fundraisers.

June Easby has spent 23 years running a popular “everyone’s a winner” tombola stall for the charity at the annual Macclesfield Charities Bazaar. Over more than two decades, June has raised over £2,000 to support local people living with sight loss. She confirmed that 2025 would be her final year running the stall, bringing her long-standing fundraising efforts to a close.

To recognise her remarkable commitment, the charity presented June with a certificate as a heartfelt thank you on behalf of staff, volunteers and the people supported by the organisation.

June’s fundraising journey began after seeing first-hand the challenges faced by someone close to her. She explained:

“I had a friend and neighbour who was blind and my late husband Ray used to give her lifts to weekly meetings as part of his voluntary work with Community Cars. I thought I’d like to start raising money to help the group. My husband used to have a stall with pot plants on it at the Charities Bazaar and it all started from there.”

What kept her involved for so many years was simple: her enjoyment and connection. June continued:

“I really enjoyed raising money that I knew would help a good cause, but also, I got to meet people, and over the years got to know them well. I just wanted to keep helping people.”

Through her involvement, June says she has developed a deeper understanding of the impact of sight loss and the importance of community support services:

“I just want to help people and I know that by helping East Cheshire Eye Society I can help people like my friend and neighbour.”

One of the highlights of her fundraising has been the people she has met along the way, including members of the public, people with sight loss, several Mayors of Macclesfield and the local MP. Despite noting that fundraising has become more challenging over time, June says it has remained just as rewarding:

“I’m really proud of how much money I’ve raised over the years and knowing it will be doing good things. My ‘everyone’s a winner’ tombola has proved to be very popular.”

When asked how she celebrates after a successful event, June added with a smile:

“I like to celebrate with a nice cup of tea.”

Alan Chappell, Charity Manager at East Cheshire Eye Society, said:

“We are so grateful for the support we receive from our volunteers and to receive continuous support from June over such a long time is really amazing. Apart from the money June has raised over the years, she’s also helped out at other activities, has made many friends and has been a great ambassador for the charity and the work we do. Thank you, June.”

June also hopes her experience will inspire others to get involved.

“I would encourage anyone thinking about becoming a volunteer fundraiser to do it. It’s a great thing to be doing and I’ve certainly got a lot of pleasure from it. You also get to meet lots of interesting people with different stories and backgrounds.”

Her fundraising may be coming to an end, but the impact she has made will continue to support local people for years to come.

Pictured left to right: Bridget Self, June Easby, Helen Van Der Veken, Louise Hastings.