Member Spotlight: Wendy Bray, Fundraising Manager, Seashell Trust

Each week we get to know one of our members slightly better.  This week we find out more about Wendy Bray, Fundraising Manager, Seashell Trust

1.    Favourite quote or saying?

Prioritise your time focusing on what you can do rather than what you can’t. We say that so much at Seashell Trust, as despite their complex disabilities and medical conditions our children and young people can still do so much. Our society would be so much more inclusive if everyone looked at what disabled people can and are doing rather than what they can’t.

2.    Career highlight?

Building such an amazingly strong fundraising team at Seashell Trust. When I started 10 years ago, there were only three of us trying to do everything. We now have a hand-picked, balanced team of seven who are all really experienced and true experts in their own fields of fundraising. I’ve learnt so much from them all and it is a real privilege to be part of such a creative, sassy and energetic team.

3.    Why do you love pro-manchester?

The Manchester business community is one of the most generous I have ever worked in whether that be sharing contacts, expertise or just giving up time for each other. I think pro-manchester embodies that best.

4.    What are you reading at the moment?

Be The Change by Gina Martin. I love how she isn’t just telling us how great she is as an activist but empowering others to do the same. It’s hard not to come away from reading a chapter wanting to go kick some ass on the things that matter to you!

5.    What are you watching at the moment?

I’m a bit late to the party on this but am obsessed with Billions at the moment and am watching them back to back. I love the whole cat and mouse thing going on and the way they psyche each other out. Plus, for me it is total escapism as that world could not be further from working in a charity!

6.    Favourite meeting place in Manchester?

I love the café at Manchester Art Gallery. It always feels so calm in there but at the same time there is an inspiring energy in that whole building. And they do the yummiest locally-sourced cakes too. Plus it always feels good to support a fellow charity with its roots very much in Manchester, just like Seashell Trust!

7.    Favourite lockdown activity?

Sewing. I love clothes but I am also pretty passionate about the environment too and it’s quite hard to balance the two. So, with my extra time at the weekends I’ve been turning old (and ill-fitting!) clothes in to brand new creations!

8.    Most creative meal that you cook?

I love cooking and before lockdown it was pretty much a weekend and holiday activity as I just don’t get chance in the week when I’m working. So it has been a real treat to be at home and be a bit more organised in the evenings. I love making curries – the spices and their different flavours and aromas intrigue me – just a little of one thing can make a huge difference to the overall dish.

9.    Most creative thing you’ve seen on a video call during the lockdown?

As we’ve had to totally pivot our whole fundraising plan for this year we have a daily team fundraising call so after 14 weeks it’s tricky to keep them creative! We use messenger for team calls on our phones so our events fundraiser does like to dress us all up in wigs, bunny ears and floral garlands every now and again. She really needs to get back to her creative events environment I think!

10.    Most mundane task you’ve completed since being in lockdown?

I think I have now emptied the dishwasher 4793 times!

11.    What are you looking forward to doing again the most after lockdown?

Being back at Seashell Trust, with the team, all our other colleagues and especially the children and young people we support. They inspire us every day by achieving so much despite facing challenges from their disabilities and medical conditions that most of us could never imagine.