Island Life Magazine Ltd February/March 2017 | Page 31

Interview
Executive two years ago, says: “The
challenge is to constantly come up with
a diverse range of income streams to
generate all the funds we need.
“The Marathon Walk is a superb event
but we have to keep finding new ideas
such as the Foam Fest, especially to attract
a younger element.”
Mark is especially pleased with the
growth of the charity shops – which have
mushroomed from eight to 25 in recent
years, with sites across the south coast
from Portsmouth to Boscombe and inland
up to Basingstoke.
Each shop has a paid manager, but relies
heavily on volunteers, of which there are
around 25 dedicated helpers on rota at
each site.
Unfortunately the Isle of Wight doesn’t
have a shop yet – but Mark says that the
charity is always on the lookout, and
would welcome any tip-offs for suitable
retail premises over here.
Islanders’ support
One of the Island’s most successful
fund-raisers for the charity is the annual
Christmas party that’s been run by local
solicitor Terence Willey since 1999. Over
the years, it has raised a total of over
£27,000, and helped to keep up the profile
of the charity on the Island.
In addition, one of the largest-ever
legacies to be left to the charity – half a
million pounds - came from the estate of
an Island resident.
“We are incredibly grateful for the level
of support we receive from the Isle of
Wight” said Mark.
Of course, Island families have also felt
the benefit of the charity’s services, and
currently there are three local families
making regular visits to the hospice, and
four others who have been referred for
care services when they need them.
For Mark, himself a father of two, joining
Naomi House was a conscious change
of perspective and a desire for a more
worthwhile career.
Having previously worked in financial
services and IT, when his first child Alfie
was born in 2000, it prompted something
of a life review.
“Starting my own family was a big
influence and made me feel I wanted to
do something more worthwhile” he says,
“so when a job came up with Barnardo’s I
went for it.
It was after several years in the charity
sector, with Barnardos, DEBRA and the
Anthony Nolan Trust, that Mark arrived at
Naomi House.
Having been blessed with two healthy
children, Alfie, now 17 and Faye, 12, Mark
says he’s driven by a desire to help families
whose children are not well, and describes
his job as ‘greatly rewarding’.
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