An appeal celebrating 60 years of dedication from one of Nottingham’s most prolific fundraisers has raised £400,000 for the NSPCC.

Before the Diamond Appeal had started, Jenny Farr MBE had been instrumental in raising £10 million for the NSPCC and inspiring people to support its vital work in Nottingham.

The charity is today announcing that £400,000 has been raised by the appeal – with all proceeds funding the work at Jenny Farr House, the NSPCC Service Centre in Nottingham.

The stunning total has been reached by events being organised across the city and beyond, along with a number of generous donations.

In recent weeks, since lockdown commenced, the team at Jenny Farr House has been able to adapt and modify its services to children, carers and professionals.

The team has improved access to its services by speeding up the referral process and adapting services for delivery through digital platforms, whilst continuing to take its services into children’s homes and schools despite the current constraints of social distancing.

Jenny said:

“The appeal has gone beyond my expectations. Children are our diamonds and the help it will give to the children of Nottingham is fantastic.

“What’s happened since the first event has been incredible – they have all been brilliant occasions.

“I would like to thank everyone who has supported the appeal. The committee have also been wonderful.”

The appeal kicked off back in January 2019 with an anniversary lunch at the Service Centre marking the day Jenny started as NSPCC volunteer.

An emotional dinner in March at Norwood Park starring David Tait MBE raised £30,000 for the appeal before ‘An Evening with Aggers’ at Trent Bridge, in which England Cricketer Stuart Broad made a guest appearance.

The glittering ‘Diamond Ball’ at Colwick Hall in October 2019 raised a further £40,000 for the appeal and was attended by Lord-Lieutenant for Nottinghamshire Sir John Peace, with local businesses continuing to support the cause.

Jenny added:

“The NSPCC Centenary Appeal in 1984 raised enough money to buy the service centre in Nottingham. Since then the centre has changed the lives of so many children. Despite us coming to the end of this appeal, it is crucial that people continue to support the vital work of the service centre because, sadly, many more children will suffer and will need us to be there.”

The charity runs two services from Jenny Farr House – Life Story and Protect and Respect.

Through Life Story work, the NSPCC works with looked after children aged between 10 and 17 where there are some concerns about their emotional wellbeing and Protect and Respect supports children and young people aged 11 to 19 who have been, or are at risk of being, sexually exploited.

Peter Turgoose, Nottingham Service Centre manager, said:

“Through Jenny’s consistent and tireless support over several decades, the NSPCC in Nottingham has developed a service centre that is adaptable and innovative; with the ability to quickly respond to the changing needs of vulnerable children.

“The team are always motivated by Jenny’s genuine passion, enthusiasm and interest in our work. Her Diamond Appeal has ensured that we are able to continue providing a highly skilled and committed team, delivering specialist interventions and consultations that are hugely valued.”

Claire Campbell, NSPCC Supporter Fundraising Manager, said:

“Working with Jenny, her fellow volunteers, individuals, groups and businesses during this appeal has been an honour.

“This is a very special milestone in the history of Jenny Farr House and the legacy of this appeal is a game-changer for many vulnerable children; especially at the moment when we need our funds more than ever to reach children in different ways and ensure we are still here for children.”

Amanda Mellor, chair of the Diamond Appeal Committee, said:

“The Diamond Appeal has been a huge success, and a wonderful tribute to mark Jenny Farr’s 60 years of fundraising for the NSPCC. 

“Jenny is an inspiration to us all and I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of our team of volunteers who have all worked together to produce a fantastic result.”