A Burnley woman has fulfilled a lifelong dream of visiting the Brontë sisters' hometown of Haworth thanks to the generosity of supporters backing a new fundraising initiative from social care charity Making Space.
Jackie, who lives at the charity’s Pratt Street service in Burnley, became the first recipient of support from the Kind Hearts Fund after being nominated by support worker Rosemary Hartley.
The fund forms part of Making Space’s new Giving with Purpose fundraising strategy, which aims to help people who use the charity’s services to build confidence and work towards greater independence.
Jackie was nominated because of her long-standing love of classic literature and old films, as well as a dream she had held for years of visiting Haworth, where Emily, Charlotte and Anne Brontë lived.
In her nomination, Rosemary explained how much the trip would mean.
She wrote: “Jackie has never been to Haworth and would dearly love to see where the Brontë sisters lived and the surrounding countryside which inspired their novels.
“Jackie does not get out and about very much, and this experience would mean so much to her, and would be something she would remember and talk about for the rest of her life.”
When Jackie learned she had been selected, Rosemary said she was “beaming” as she began planning what souvenirs she might bring back from the trip.
The day was made possible by Marcus Edwards, a personal travel consultant and long-time supporter of Making Space, who volunteered to organise the visit and cover all associated costs for Jackie and Rosemary.
Marcus said: “I am so happy to be able to support the work that Making Space does in the community to improve the lives of those who need a friendly face, a helping hand or some much-needed company and kindness.
“I was really touched by this lady’s story and wanted to provide an experience that would make her smile, provide an opportunity for a break and for her to make some happy memories in a place she really wanted to visit.”
During the day, Jackie explored the famous cobbled streets of Haworth, visited the Brontë Parsonage Museum and enjoyed lunch in one of the village’s cafés before travelling to nearby Thornton to learn more about the Brontë family’s early life.
Reflecting on the experience, Jackie said: “I enjoyed every part of the day.
“The Brontë Parsonage was wonderful, and I loved listening to the guide at the museum in Thornton.
“I especially loved the Old Curiosity Shop. It looked like something from an old movie with chandeliers, beautiful mirrors and all the herbal soaps, lotions and potions. I absolutely adored it.
“Thank you for everything. It was a very special day that I will always remember.”
Rosemary added: “Jackie is a very thoughtful and reserved person, but it was clear how much the experience meant to her.
“She kept saying how much she had enjoyed the day and really took everything in.
"It was wonderful to see her experience something she had wanted to do for such a long time.”
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Making Space Fundraising Manager Bob Towers said Jackie’s story demonstrated the impact that community support can have on people’s lives.
He said: “Jackie’s story shows how kindness can be turned into meaningful experiences.
“Through our new Giving with Purpose strategy and dedicated funds, we’re giving supporters more choice and a stronger connection to the impact of their donations, helping more people achieve their goals, prepare for the future and build independence.”
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