A trainee Trust nursing associate – who has helped feed hundreds of people by working extra shifts to pay for food parcels – is taking on a new challenge.
Eileen Bruton has delivered more than 500 care packages across Teesside since the Covid lockdowns of 2020 – including to families affected by the recent riots.
Now the 51-year-old, who works in our secure inpatients services at Ridgeway, is planning to step up her charity work with a year-long 60 Task Challenge.
The challenge is to be held in memory of her parents, Ann and Colin O’Henly, who were both dedicated Middlesbrough fundraisers – and Eileen’s inspiration.
“My mam and dad were always raising money for good causes while I was growing up and I kind of took over when they passed. I always try and help if I can,” she said.
“October 2025 will mark what would have been their 60th wedding anniversary, and I thought it would be nice to remember them with a whole year of fundraising.”
Fundraising is family tradition
Some of Eileen’s fondest family memories are of fundraising events over the years, when her parents collected donations for marching bands and other local charities.
Indeed, her mum Ann was affectionately known as Toffee Dabs, after the treats she baked for charity. Her dad, Colin, was a great supporter of good causes too.
“Everyone loved mam’s toffee dabs. But, if any of us kids ate one, she always used to make sure we paid up for charity – we didn’t get them for free!” said Eileen.
“It’s my dream to raise £1,000 with the 60 Task Challenge. I’ve come up with some ideas, like a bike ride and walk, but I’d love to hear any other suggestions.
“I feel like this is a nice way to remember my parents, and what they did for others. I’m sure they’d be happy to know that I’m carrying on their fundraising traditions.”
Delivering food to those in need
Eileen’s own fundraising has raised hundreds of pounds over the years – through special events and selling home-made sweet boxes and signed Middlesbrough footballs.
She has also been making up her own food parcels since the Covid lockdowns – delivering them around Middlesbrough to people unable to shop for themselves.
“Instead of giving up something for Lent back in 2020, I started to buy one extra foodstuff a day, like pasta or tins of beans and soup. By Easter it was all mounting up,” she said.
“I put a post on Facebook about what I was doing, and asked people to contact me if they needed food. The first lot went to two people who were really in need.”
Working extra shifts to help others
As the lockdowns continued, more and more people reached out for help. Eileen started to work extra shifts to buy much-needed food – and still does now.
“People are always so grateful for whatever help I can give, and my inbox is always open. I try to help where I can, as I hate to think of anyone struggling,” she said.
Eileen, who has worked for our Trust for almost ten years, fits in fundraising with her studies as a trainee nursing associate.
In addition to her studies and the 60 Task Challenge, she is also organising a charity event in September in aid of Zoe’s Place and the Royal Sapphires Marching Band.
“My colleagues at Ridgeway are really supportive of what I do. They are behind me all the way with the challenge, which makes me determined to do it,” said Eileen.
“I’ll be raising money in aid of South Cleveland Heart Fund, in memory of my dad, and Teesside Hospice, who cared for mam. This challenge is very close to my heart.”
Eileen is “one in a million”
Kazz McDonald, an engagement and co-creation support worker at Ridgeway, today praised Eileen for her many good works for charity and daily acts of kindness.
“Eileen is a remarkable person, who goes above and beyond to help. I have never met anyone so humble and kind,” she said.
“Everyone who has the pleasure of knowing Eileen is aware of how kind, generous and humble she is. Eileen you really are one in a million.”
