An Interview with Robbie: Community Fundraiser for We Hear You

We sat down and interviewed Robbie about his work at WHY, keen to find out how one man can have so much enthusiasm for charity fundraising. Thanks for sharing your story, Robbie. It’s inspiring to hear how much passion you bring to WHY. 

 How did you get involved with We Hear You (WHY)? 

I spent over 20 years at Travis Perkins, leading charity initiatives and running events for good causes. I was a charity champion for the Southwest region, collaborating with leadership to organize fundraising activities. When my role was made redundant, I wanted to keep making a difference and WHY felt like the perfect fit. 

How has your past experiences of being a fundraiser shaped your work at WHY? 

I know how crucial it is to support fundraisers. Too often, charities don’t engage enough with their supporters, and I want to make sure all our fundraisers know we are here to care for them. My goal is to make sure that anyone who fundraises for us feels appreciated and supported.  

What’s been your biggest achievement since joining in April 2024? 

Organizing the charity ball at the end of 2024! It raised over £10,000, plus £7,000 from the auction started on the night. Pulling that off was an incredible feeling. I had always wanted to do a charity ball in my previous work but never quite managed it.  

You take on a lot of personal challenges too. What’s been the toughest? 

It’s probably going to be one I’ve not done yet! Swim Serpentine in Hyde Park. It’s a two-mile swim. I’m not a confident swimmer, so it pushed me way out of my comfort zone. But that’s what makes it worthwhile! 

Morphman? Tell us about that! 

Morphman is my alter ego! I wear a full-body suit that changes colour based on the charity I’m supporting. Since joining WHY, Morphman is proudly pink. It’s a great conversation starter at events and gets people asking about WHY.  For the swimming event I might need to swap the Morph suit for a pink speedo! 

What’s the most memorable thing to happen to you at an event? 

I had just finished the Oxford Half-Marathon and Chico came up to me wanting a selfie! In my post run delirium, I wasn’t sure it was him, but you can’t ask someone saying they are Chico if they actually are Chico. So, I now have a selfie with ‘Chico’, very random! 

Any advice for new fundraisers? 

Just do it! No challenge is too big or small, and we’re here to help you every step of the way. Whether it’s a bake sale or an endurance race, every effort makes a difference. 

What’s next for you at WHY? 

I want to continue building relationships with fundraisers and ensuring they have the best possible experience. At the end of the day, it’s not just about raising money, it’s about creating a community of people who care. That’s what makes this work so special.