The creator of a significant most cancers fundraiser occasion that has raised over £290million has died.
Gillian (Jill) Phillips, who grew up in Stanmore, was the mastermind behind the Macmillan Espresso Morning occasion to help individuals with most cancers.
She died at her nursing dwelling in Wimbledon on the age of 83 on August 13.
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After first becoming a member of Macmillan in 1980, the primary espresso morning happened in 1990 and concerned individuals throughout the nation gathering for a espresso and donating the price of their drink to the charity.
It has now grown to be the charity’s single greatest fundraising occasion and even seems within the Guinness Guide of Data because the world’s greatest ever espresso morning.
Gillian (Jill) Phillips. Credit score: Macmillan
She was additionally pivotal in launching a number of different high-profile Macmillan fundraising occasions, together with an annual Home of Lords vs Home of Commons tug of warfare.
Jill additionally led the Macmillan nurses within the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Parade in 2002.
Jill’s sister, award-winning novelist Anne Easter Smith, stated: “I usually described Jill as essentially the most organized lady in London, and anybody who ever labored along with her will attest to that.
“As soon as her good thoughts got here up with a fundraising concept, she would put her coronary heart and soul into making it succeed. Macmillan was a passionate trigger for her throughout her 15-year tenure there, and I’m solely too sorry that, as a result of her specific type of dementia, she by no means knew how profitable her espresso morning brainchild had develop into.”
Macmillan’s chief govt, Lynda Thomas CBE, stated: “Jill was a valued member of the Macmillan household for a few years and performed such an essential half in our historical past.
“Jill was the driving pressure behind the primary Macmillan Espresso Morning, in addition to many different fundraising initiatives.
“She was important in making a optimistic distinction to the lives of individuals residing with most cancers and we merely couldn’t have achieved what we’ve achieved with out her unbelievable help.”
Her memorial shall be held in Wimbledon on September 22 and as an alternative of flowers, donations in her identify will be made to Macmillan Most cancers Help, Built-in Neurological Companies, The Nationwide Theatre, or The Globe Theatre.
To donate to Macmillan, go to: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/donate
