Sparkling £400,000 raised for the NSPCC by Southwell woman through her Diamond Appeal

An appeal celebrating 60 years of dedication from one of the district’s most prolific fundraisers has raised £400,000 for a children’s charity.

Before the start of her Diamond Appeal, Jenny Farr, of Southwell, had been instrumental in raising £10m for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) and inspiring people to support its vital work in its Nottingham branch.

Since then, £400,000 has been raised through her Diamond Appeal.

All proceeds will go towards work at Jenny Farr House ­— the NSPCC Service Centre in Nottingham.

The money was raised through various events.

Jenny said: “The appeal has gone beyond my expectations. Children are our diamonds and the help it will give to the children of Nottingham is fantastic.

“What has happened since the first event has been incredible — they have all been brilliant occasions.”

The appeal was launched in January 2019 with an anniversary lunch at the centre, marking the day Jenny started as NSPCC volunteer.

A dinner in March at Norwood Park, Southwell, featuring child abuse survivor turned fundraiser David Tait, raised £30,000.

That was followed by An Evening With Aggers at Trent Bridge, in which England cricketer Stuart Broad made a guest appearance

The glittering Diamond Ball at Colwick Hall in October 2019 raised another £40,000 for the appeal and was attended by Lord Lieutenant for Nottinghamshire Sir John Peace, of Caunton.

“The NSPCC Centenary Appeal in 1984 raised enough money to buy the service centre in Nottingham,” said Jenny.

“Since then, the centre has changed the lives of so many children.

“Despite us coming to the end of this appeal, it is crucial that people continue to support the vital work of the service centre because, sadly, many more children will suffer and will need us to be there.”

The charity runs two services from Jenny Farr House — Life Story and Protect And Respect.

Through Life Story work, the NSPCC works with looked after children aged ten to 17 where there are some concerns about their emotional wellbeing.

Protect And Respect supports children and young people aged 11 to 19 who have been, or are at risk of being, sexually exploited.

Peter Turgoose, Nottingham service centre manager, said: “Through Jenny’s consistent and tireless support over several decades, the NSPCC in Nottingham has developed a service centre that is adaptable and innovative; with the ability to quickly respond to the changing needs of vulnerable children.

“The team is always motivated by Jenny’s genuine passion, enthusiasm and interest in our work. Her Diamond Appeal has ensured that we are able to continue providing a highly skilled and committed team, delivering specialist interventions and consultations that are hugely valued.”

Claire Campbell, NSPCC supporter fundraising manager, said: “Working with Jenny, her fellow volunteers, individuals, groups and businesses during this appeal has been an honour.

“This is a very special milestone in the history of Jenny Farr House and the legacy of this appeal is a game-changer for many vulnerable children; especially at the moment when we need our funds more than ever to reach children in different ways and ensure we are still here for children.”

Amanda Mellor, chairman of the Diamond Appeal committee, said: “The appeal has been a huge success, and a wonderful tribute to mark Jenny Farr’s 60 years of fundraising for the NSPCC.

“Jenny is an inspiration to us all and I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of our team of volunteers who have all worked together to produce a fantastic result.”