Day in the life: Corporate and events fundraising manager Lesley Woodhead

I am not a morning person which tends to be fine in the fundraising world as so much of our work is done in the evening and at the weekend.

I love my job because no two days are the same and I thrive on variety.

First things first on arrival at the office, the kettle goes on!

I was working on the second Halliwell Jones Duck Race for the Babygrow Appeal which was held last Saturday on the River Dee. There are two parts to the race – the baby duck race and the corporate duck race. I sold baby ducks at the family fun day at Chester Racecourse which involves organising volunteers, their lunch (a duck selling army definitely marches better with a picnic!) liaising with the racecourse and Halliwell Jones.

At the same time I am calling companies and organisations to ask them to join in the race and adopt a duck for £200.

The Babygrow appeal is easy to be passionate about. The neonatal unit at the hospital is just not big enough for all that happens in it. I always say that the babies have 5 star accommodation and the mums and dads are squashed in.

I spend time on the unit and I can see the anxious faces of the mums sat by the incubators at a time that really should have been all about happiness. It’s great to see the babies develop, the mums start to smile and then go home.

I have great colleagues at the Countess, in fundraising, in the neonatal unit and across the hospital.

We try to have a little break for lunch and often sit in one of the gardens at the Countess and then it’s back to it.

A number of companies have chosen Babygrow as their charity of the year – Marks and Spencer Chester, Bluestones, Doubletree Hilton, Crowne Plaza, MBNA and Adecco and so I keep in touch with them to see how they are doing and if they need any help.

I am also working on finding sponsors for our forthcoming play ‘Bothered and Bewildered’ which Tip Top are putting on to raise money for patients with dementia at the Countess and Ellesmere Port Hospital.

Often I can work in the day and then go out at night to speak or collect a cheque. A spare makeup bag in my drawer and a good red lipstick and I am ready for anything!

I meet so many people in my job, – all with a story – it really is amazing to have the chances we do and important to live our lives well.

Dress: I have a wide wardrobe from ball gowns to wellies and they all get worn as part of my job.

What is the favourite part of your job? I like working with people on an event or fundraiser and see them enjoy the experience and make money for the charity. I recently had 70 people zip wire in one day and as I had already done it I could share their excitement, fear and pleasure!

What is the least favourite part of your job? The paperwork – necessary but not my best thing!

What would be your dream job if you weren’t doing what you do now? A bit sorry I didn’t have a go at being an air hostess! Or a diplomat!

How do you relax when you are not working? Eating out, time with family and friends, yoga and have just been trained as a Port Sunlight guide.

What is your favourite song? Madonna takes me back to very easy days in the 80s especially Get in to the Groove but most songs by Robbie Williams make me happy!

What is your favourite book? I enjoy the shopaholic books as well as Jennifer Weiner and Paulina Simons.

What is your favourite film? Desperately Seeking Susan.

If a film was made of your life, who would you like to play you? Probably Helen Mirren as then I might get to meet her!

Have you had your 15 minutes of fame yet? No I don’t think so!!