The art of raising cash for hospice

Name: Fio Brereton. Name / which organisation are you involved with? I am the Chair of Art Fair 2014 raising funds for East Cheshire Hospice. We are all volunteers running a biennial art exhibition that takes place at Macclesfield Old Town Hall from September 26 to October 4 this year. Over 100 local and regional artists will be selling beautiful, original works of art and craft. The exhibition is free and open to everyone. See www. theartofcaring.org.uk. How did you become a volunteer? As a teenager I fundraised for the NSPCC, supplied library books to patients in hospital and meals on wheels to the elderly in Macclesfield. In 2012 I became chair of the Art Fair in aid of East Cheshire Hospice. What is your favourite place in Macclesfield? The Treacle Market for all the amazing produce and vibrancy. Ideally how would you spend every day? With friends and family, helping others, pottering in the garden and going to the cinema. What was the best holiday you have been on? Visiting India with three friends – Four Go Mad In India. If money were no object what would you do? I would spend more time with my family, do more charitable work and have a beautiful garden. What one piece of advice would you give? Advice I follow from Mahatma Gandhi is - ‘It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of silver’. What was your first job? I worked at The Hanging Gate Pub, Higher Sutton whilst a student at Macclesfield College. What is your favourite TV show? ‘The Rev’ with Tom Hollander. What are you reading at the moment? ‘The Garden of Evening Mists’ by Tan Twan Eng. This book is thoughtprovoking, beautifully written and I have little doubt I will re-read it many times. What is your biggest inspiration? My parents, they provided love, support and guidance. Who would you like to invite to dinner? Bess of Hardwick, Countess of Shrewsbury, 1521-1608. An amazing woman who achieved so much during her life.

For more information about Art Fair 2014, and to see examples of exhibiting artists’ work, please visit www.theartofcaring. org.uk.