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Comic Relief Special

When Comic Relief started in 1985 I was 40 years old. A single parent, I supported my two daughters by visiting different companies to teach computer skills. Arriving at my student's office, I discovered the company were supporting the first Red Nose Day. Having my Tarot cards with me, I offered my student a reading in exchange for a donation. This idea was received so eagerly I adopted it for every new student, not only in the lead-up to Red Nose Day, but throughout that year and all those that followed.

I realised the needs of those supported by Comic Relief weren't limited to any particular Red Nose Day. So for the rest of my working life I continued offering readings for donations, only sending them in during the RND assigned dates.

After retiring I changed my tactics and arranged sessions at local venues throughout the weeks leading up to, or just after, each Red Nose Day. (My mementoes include copies of donation lists and amounts sent off to support my favourite charity. After all, laughter is well known to be the best medicine.

Whenever I go to a session I dress appropriately wearing one of the many RND t-shirts I've collected over the years. I have also customised earrings and a belt buckle to complete my outfit.

This year, so far, I've booked myself in for a mammoth group of sessions in the two weeks leading up to Red Nose Day 2025 on the 21st March. I also have a booking for the Sunday after where the manager goes out of her way to help. I'm asking all the staff the venues where I'm booked, and anyone else reading this, to help me raise more than the £1,037 I made last year. My overall total is over £4,000.

I know many people will have raised more than this. However, in my opinion, the amount of money collected shouldn't be considered above commitment. Now I've just turned 80, having supported Comic Relief for half my life. I think I deserve some recognition so I've nominated myself for some of their awards.

I received an email from someone at the charity suggesting I try for them. Those I've gone in for are:

THE RUBY STAR Honouring fundraisers who have heroically showed outstanding loyalty and dedication to Comic Relief over the last 40 years.

SOLO SUPERSTAR Celebrating the amazing fundraisers who have taken on an epic solo challenge to make the world a better place.

I'm now going to enter for the THE LENNY Celebrating exceptional fundraisers who rally their communities, show enthusiasm, go the extra mile, and raise outstanding funds.

I may not have raised outstanding funds, but I think I've proved committment.

If you want to come along to one of the arranged sessions, below is a list of those organised so far with dates and times of first and last readings offered. Last reading times are approximate as I won't want to cut anyone off midway.:

Date	Location	Time
Monday 10th March	The Three Blackbirds, 194 St John's Rd, Boxmoor, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1NR	6.00pm 9.00pm
Tuesday 11th March	The Plough, The Back, Potten End, Berkhamsted, HP4 2QS	5.30pm 8.30pm
Thursday 13th March	Martins' Pond, The Green, Potten End, Berkhamsted, HP4 2QQ	7.00pm 9.40pm
Friday 14th March	Glebe Café, Two Dells Ln, Ashley Green, Chesham, HP5 3PN	12.00pm 4.20pm
Friday 14th March	The Golden Eagle, Chesham Rd, Ashley Green, Chesham, HP5 3PW	6.00pm 9.00pm
Monday 17th March	The Red Lion, Leighton Buzzard Rd., Water End, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 3BD	2.30pm 6.10pm
Tuesday 18th March	The George, 261 High St, Berkhamsted HP4 1AB	4.00pm 7.00pm
Thursday 20th March	The George & Dragon, 87 High St, Berkhamsted HP4 3QL	4.00pm 7.00pm
Friday 21st March	The Old Mill, 15 London Rd, Berkhamsted HP4 2NB	7.00pm 9.40pm
Sun 23rd March	The Goat, 83 High St, Berkhamsted HP4 2DF	2.00pm 5.00pm

But if you want to host a session yourself, please email me at RND25@naomistevens.co.uk

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