Founder - Secret Santa 365

Courtney Hughes BCAv

Award winning founder of Secret Santa 365, Courtney and her team collects year round donations of gifts and essential items and distributes them to the sick and vulnerable nationwide each year.

Inspired by her great grandmother Elsie Richardson, Secret Santa 365 begun after Courtney’s beloved Gran was taken ill over the festive period. Unhappy that Gran would be away from the family at Christmas, Courtney, then 13 with her own pocket money purchased gifts and decorations and took Christmas to the ward.

Whilst there, she noticed how many other people were isolated and alone. Sadly Gran Passed away in March 2013, and in her memory Charity Secret Santa was founded.

With just the help from school friends and a post in the local paper, Courtney collected about 250 gifts to give to Elderly people on the wards at The John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. To now 2019 handing a staggering 50,000 Gifts, to over 13 charities, as well as 1,000’s of Essential packages for the homeless, Sick and Vulnerable people in the Community.

Courtney, has continued to inspire her peers and colleagues, has been a guest speaker at graduations, led schools into fundraising endeavours and supports people in the community 365 days a year.

Her dedication to the community has not gone unnoticed, amongst endless awards, Courtney was honoured as an invited guest at the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018. As well as being the Pride of Britain Runner Up for Fundraiser of the Year 2018 and receiving a British Citizens Award from Westminster in 2016.

As well as running her charity full time, Courtney works full time in the NHS as a Senior Nursing Assistant and battles a chronic health condition M.E ( Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) leaving her at times unable to walk or function.

This does not deter her from helping others, and it is this endearing trait that has been the driving force for the charity over the last 7 years.

Awarded Prime Minister Teresa May Points of Light Award 2018
Awarded a British Citizens Award for Voluntary Fundraising 2016 BCAv
Winner Didcot Bacas for Best Fundraising/ innovation 2017
Winner Outstanding Achievement Award Didcot Bacas 2017
Runner Up The John Eldridge Award 2017
Winner of #GivingTuesdayUk Champion 2016
Winner St James Place Midlands Child of Courage Award for Fundraising 2016
Winner SODC Young Achievers Award 2017
Winner Oxfordshire Youth Award for Voluntary Fundraising 2012
Winner of The John Eldridge Award 2012 – 2013
Finalist Didcot Bacas 2016
Finalist Oxfordshire Youth Award Fundraiser 2013
Finalist Halifax Just Giving Award 2016
Nominated for The Uk Young Rotarian Award 2016

Courtney Hughes BCAv

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