100 years young!
One of our fundraisers, Margaret Stretton, is turning 100 in May and she’s celebrating in the most giving way possible; raising money for The Nightingale by making 50 jars of jam/marmalade throughout the year – 1 jar for every two years!
After years of making jams, marmalades and preserves for her local church Coffee Mornings, Margaret has gained a year-round group of regulars who crave her tasty creations. She has come to make them on a regular basis, charging just £2 and donating the price of each jar to The Nightingale. This year, she’s taking it further with her 100 challenge!
Using a preserving pan that her mum used (and still looks brand new!) she uses three simple ingredients; fruit, sugar and water, but her exact recipe is top secret!
Margaret has limited sight due to Macular Degeneration and Rheumatoid Arthritis in both hands but still completes every aspect of the 3 hour process herself, from cleaning the donated jars to mixing all ingredients. The only help she receives in the whole process is from her daughter Christine and son-in-law David and that’s usually just scraping out the pan… and tasting of course.
“Well, the last day of this challenge has now passed. A quite an amazing year given my 100th birthday events, x2 hospital admissions and this challenge. I am so incredibly thankful to everyone that has supported me and who has donated. The total is quite remarkable and above my wildest dreams for this challenge. In no way, did I think I would be able to make more than 50 jars, but all your support/encouragement really spurred me on to do more.” – Margaret Stretton
At the end of her year of fundraising (marked by her 101st birthday!), Margaret had raised over £4,000 and made over 200 jars of jam. Margaret well surpassed both her fundraising and jam making goals, though no one is surprised. Margaret is one of the most passionate fundraisers we’ve ever had and her perseverance is something we all admire.
Sadly, Margaret passed away peacefully on 27th March 2024, just over a month before her 102nd birthday. Below are a few words from David, her son-in-law.
“Margaret had had a series of infections from just before the new year and these continued through the new year. Margaret, went into hospital mid-March and unfortunately deteriorated over the two weeks.
Margaret continued to make jam until a week before she went into hospital. Therefore, any donations are welcome on this site to The Nightingale in memory of Margaret and the incredible work that The Nightingale do.
Margaret has inspired many through her many years and particularly with this challenge. She was a wonderful Mother to Christine, mother-in-law and friend to many.”
The Enfield Dispatch visited our Coffee Club to congratulate Margaret’s massive achievement