When the members of a local Morsbags sewing group wanted to celebrate the life of their much-loved friend Louise, they chose to do something that reflected everything she stood for; kindness, community and helping others. Bringing people together in her memory, they organised a heartfelt fundraising evening that not only honoured Louise’s legacy but also raised an incredible £1,959.00 for brainstrust. This is the story of how friendship, generosity and a shared determination to make a difference turned loss into hope for others facing a brain tumour diagnosis.
Below, Olga, Louise’s dear friend and the organiser of the fundraising event, shares the story in her own words.
“We are a group of people that come together twice a month under the banner of Morsbags. We set up in February 2026 making recycled bags from used fabrics with the aim of keeping plastics out of our waterway’s seas and landfill.
Sadly, our beautiful friend Louise succumbed to brain cancer February 2025. She would’ve been an accidental ‘Morsbagger’. Much better at chatting, making tea, wooing at bright fabrics and encouraging everybody in the group to sew. A truly inspiring woman. She worked tirelessly with hard-to-reach families and people in crisis. She gave endlessly in her professional and personal life. Her journey with cancer was somewhat brief unlike her husbands who had died a few years before. This left her young family to manage so much.
Most people in the group knew Louise although not as close friend. Knowing of her spirit and beauty they felt her upcoming birthday would be a good time to celebrate her life and the joy she brought.
We talked about how many of us have been touched by cancer and the need to understand and highlight it. A fundraising raffle was proposed to support a brain tumour charity brainstrust was the initial charity that came up on a web search. ‘SUPPORT’ was the heading that caught my attention. When in challenging situations that give rise to deep and difficult emotions having an independent organisation with knowledge and resources seem a perfect way to go.
brainstrust felt like the best fit for us. It was diverse and inclusive in its publicity. Contacting the organisation was so straightforward and uncomplicated, that confirmed we made the right choice of charity. Although we are in difficult financial times the generosity encountered brought tears many times. Donations from small independent businesses and support from larger ones to offer prizes for a raffle was heartwarming and exciting. A standout moment was a young mum out shopping with her two small children. Asked if she would buy a raffle ticket., She said if I’ve got any money left when I’ve done my shopping I’ll come back because it’s so important to support the charity, she came back with £2.
Don’t hesitate to fundraise, people are so willing and kind to help in so many ways. We had an amazing night in a local bar, MC and DJ raising £1,959.00 that we were able to donate to brainstrust. It’s not a simple task, its emotive and grief can pop up at any time but the overwhelming love and kindness in memory of our beautiful friend made every moment worthwhile.”
Thank you to Olga, and Morsbag Stretford, for their wonderful support of brainstrust, and for the time, care and generosity put into this successful fundraiser.
Feeling inspired to organise your own fundraising event? We’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch with the team at fundraising@brainstrust.org.uk, we’ll support you every step of the way.
