KIRKWOOD Hospice has a new member in the fundraising team.

She is Gabrielle Butler who will be working with nurseries, schools and colleges throughout Kirklees as the hospice’s new schools’ fundraiser.

Gabby will be available to attend school assemblies to promote the work of Kirkwood and to inform students about how the Hospice cares for its patients.

She is also planning a range of new initiatives for schools, so that they can become involved in raising money for Kirkwood and help the Hospice to continue to provide its services to people throughout Kirklees affected by life threatening illnesses and providing support for their families and carers.

Gabby has previously worked as a PA for a number of International manufacturing companies.

When her daughter, Yasmin, reached six-months-old months old, she decided to return to studying and chose the four-year BA Hons Events Management course at Huddersfield University. Her course will include the 12-month placement at Kirkwood.

Gabrielle’s first campaign will be to build on last year’s success of the Countryside Friends Beanie toy promotion; running Kirkwood’s new ‘Farmyard Friends’ campaign from October. This is open to all nurseries, schools and children’s centres within Kirklees.

Her main focus for 2009 will be to organise a sponsored sporting event for year five and six children from across Kirklees.

Garry Wilkinson, Fundraising & Marketing Manager at Kirkwood Hospice said, “We are delighted to welcome Gabby to our team and would encourage schools to give her a call to find out about what she has planned over the next 12 months.

At the Hospice we strive not only to raise the funds needed to provide care, presently over £10,500 every day, but also to inform our supporters about the valuable work of the Hospice and this new role underlines that commitment.”

Gabby can be contacted at Kirkwood Hospice on 01484 557911 between 9am and 3pm, or by e-mail at schools@kirkwoodhospice.co.uk