Meet… Mervi Slade Meet Mervi Slade, Arthritis Action’s Fundraising Manager who recently joined the team, to develop our fundraising activity and inspire people to get involved in projects to help us spread our messages far and wide. When did you join the Charity? I am relatively new, I only joined at the end of November 2017. I really like how we are working with people with arthritis to help make their day-to-day living as good as possible, through lifestyle changes. You cannot ignore the peer-to-peer support and social aspect our Groups offer. What is your background? I have worked in fundraising for over 15 years. During that time I have worked for Save the Children, Diabetes UK, National Childbirth Trust (NCT), as well as for some fundraising agencies. Why would you recommend fundraising for Arthritis Action? Arthritis Action has ambitious aims to reach as many people with arthritis as possible. In order to achieve that, we will need to raise more money to be able to start new Groups and expand to areas where we have not had activities before. This is something we will need help with from Members and supporters alike, one bake sale and 10K run, at a time! What does your typical day look like? My days really vary: I might be working on legacy marketing, event fundraising and website improvements on a same day. And that is what I really enjoy! What is your favourite thing about Arthritis Action’s events? What struck me at the last Arthritis Action Group I attended was the peer support that attendees can get out of our events, as well as the expert content provided by speakers. It is inspiring to see a community come together to support its Members in action, and it affirms our work in the office has an immediate impact on people’s daily lives! What is your favourite sandwich filling? It would have to be a ham and cheese combo with some salad. Hmm, having said that I am quite partial to halloumi as well… I really like how we are working with people with arthritis to help make their day-to-day living as good as possible, through lifestyle changes. Train or car? Definitely train! I have done some inter-railing in my time and would love to do some more. I am a big fan of the Eurostar! What is your current favourite book? I get through a lot of crime fiction, but I am currently reading Indian Summer: The Secret History of the End of an Empire by Alex von Tunzelmann and found it very interesting. Anything else you would like to add? I just want to thank all my new colleagues both in London and Eastbourne for being so welcoming. Such a nice bunch of people! *********************************************************************************************** For any questions email us on info@arthritisaction.org.uk, or call us on 0203 781 7120.
