A former Gogglebox star has raised £41,000 for charities over 17 years. Now, Marina has hosted her last-ever coffee morning to raise vital funds for charities, including Macmillan, Great Western Air Ambulance Charity and Children’s Hospice South West.
Marina’s dedication was honoured at a special event attended by her fellow St Monica Trust residents and representatives from Great Western Air Ambulance Charity and Children’s Hospice South West. The money was raised by St Monica Trust residents at regular events organised by Marina, such as coffee mornings, afternoon teas and Christmas Fares.
Marina said: “It’s surprising over the years how all the money builds up. They just love quizzes and raffles in here. Any excuse to get together and have a chat amongst themselves!
“I’m very grateful to all the residents for their support. They’re very generous and they always buy a raffle ticket or donate prizes.
“I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. I’m sorry to give it up, but it’s time for me to stop and have a rest now. I’ll be 90 at Christmas!”
Area Fundraiser for the Children’s Hospice South West, Amanda Leonard said: “We are truly grateful for the support we have received from Marina and her friends, and it has been a pleasure to get to know Marina over the years. Their regular coffee mornings have been a perfect way for friends to get together and catch up while also helping wonderful local causes.
“We would not be able to support over 250 families in the Bristol and Somerset area without the energy, devotion and sheer generosity of supporters just like Marina, as we rely on voluntary donations to continue to care for local children with life-limiting conditions and their families.”
Diana Roberts, Macmillan’s Relationship Fundraising Manager, said: “It is not often you get to meet people as passionate and dedicated to charity as Marina. She has supported Macmillan for many years and in that time has raised the equivalent of 446 nursing hours.
“Just imagine the number of lives that have been changed because of you Marina! You are a well-loved member of the Macmillan family and we are so grateful for your support. Thank you!”
Marina appeared with best friend and fellow resident, Mary, on Channel 4’s Gogglebox, until Mary sadly passed away in 2021. The cheeky Bristolians quickly became firm favourites with the show’s legion of fans, which regularly attracts more than 3 million viewers each week.
Marina said: “I’ve lived with the St Monica Trust for 18 years. I enjoy my life here and wouldn’t want to have lived anywhere else. It’s a nice place to live.
“I’ll still go to the quizzes and I like my music and parties. It’s not like I can get up and dance anymore, but that’s what my right hand’s for – to have a drink! I’ll still always be available to help if needed.”
St Monica Trust Retirement Village Manager, Claire Chambers said: “Whereas we’re sorry to see Marina call time on her charity work, we think that if anyone deserves a well-earned rest – it’s her. From raising money to organising events, to helping promote the work of the St Monica Trust, Marina’s contribution to our community has been huge – not to mention being the life and soul of our parties.”