A Chat with Chappie
Stuart Chappell, fondly known as Chappie, works on the counter at our Uckfield branch and is a passionate supporter of Teenage Cancer Trust, committing to incredible personal challenges every year to fundraise for the charity. Chappie has raised over an astounding £20,000 for Teenage Cancer Trust so far. And he is not stopping there! Chappie is a brilliant inspiration to us all, and we have had a chat with him to learn more about how and why he is dedicated to supporting Teenage Cancer Trust.
So, Chappie, how long have you worked at Parkers?
I joined Parkers in 1999. I've actually left a couple of times to go travelling since then. So, I think my record now says, I rejoined in 2008. So, 17 years, but more like 26 years.
I’ve worked in several branches including Crowborough, East Grinstead, Tonbridge and what was the joinery centre at Hailsham. I have been at Uckfield for about ten years now – I like it here, good staff and good customers as well!
What are your biggest passions outside of work?
I've always played cricket - but not very well! Village cricket, I've always done that. That's my summer weekends. Rollercoasters – I love going to Blackpool. Day trips to France. Spending time and doing stuff with my partner and her boys. And then I’ve always tried to do stuff for Teenage Cancer Trust as well - that's led me to doing a lot of walking because I need to practise for the walking fundraisers that I’ve done.
Do you remember when Parkers first started partnering with Teenage Cancer Trust?
Yes, I think it was 2008, I had just come back to the business after travelling and I remember the vote going on. There were four charities in the running, and it was pretty unanimous, everyone chose Teenage Cancer Trust.
So how long have you been taking on personal fundraising challenges?
At least seven years now. We did Snowdon last year, the drive around the country the year before that. Folkstone to Eastbourne walk, Eastbourne to Bognor walk, a wing walk and an abseil are all previous fundraisers I have taken on.
Do you know how much you've raised over the years?
I was chatting to Lynn and Helen about this and they think it is around £20,000. I don’t really think about the total because I am just happy to raise money and I always think, it doesn't matter whether you raise £10, £100 or £1000, because any money raised is money for the charity they wouldn’t have otherwise had. I'm lucky that over the years, I have had so many people sponsor me.
What motivates you?
That's changed over the years. First, it was because each branch needed to do something. So, we did something because we had to but then it became more fun and we were enjoying raising money. There was a big change when Lynn from Teenage Cancer Trust joined. Lynn was really inspiring, getting us to do stuff. I think once I started doing personal stuff as well, I wanted to do it - we’d seen videos from wards and what they money was actually going to.
I've always said, my motivation was my dad died of cancer, he was obviously not a teenager, but it was horrible. Could you imagine if that was your son daughter?
Through Teenage Cancer Trust, I had the opportunity to chat to a young woman and her family who used Teenage Cancer Trust. It turned out they were from Portsmouth, so not too far away. But she'd been at the Southampton ward, this young woman, Eleni was her name - was - I hate the fact I've got to say was, she was so positive.
She was so cheerful. We chatted to her family. She had only been diagnosed with cancer because she’d picked up an injury in rugby on her shoulder. And her 21st birthday was last July. Her last scheduled treatment was the day before that. I believe she got the all clear after that but then I found out, about three days before Snowdon, that she had actually, very tragically passed away.
I will always remember how highly she spoke about Teenage Cancer Trust, chatting to her, she said the support she got from Teenage Cancer Trust was amazing. So, although she didn't make it, the way she spoke about Teenage Cancer Trust and how amazing they made her last few years - she was able to enjoy her life still because of Teenage Cancer Trust. It makes you want to go and raise as much money for Teenage Cancer Trust as you can.
If you had to choose one highlight from your fundraising, what would it be?
For pure excitement, the wing walk. Totally different to anything I've done before – it was amazing.
What are you planning next?
So, this year we're going to be walking further than I've ever walked before. I'm going to be walking the South Downs way in September. It's 100 miles over three days. It's effectively almost four marathons in three days.
What is your message to other people to inspire them to get them involved?
Have a look at the Teenage Cancer Trust website. See what they do, see the people they're helping. And that should inspire you. And don't be put off by fear of raising little amounts – it will all be money the charity wouldn't have had. And have fun. Everyone can have fun doing it. I've had so much fun doing this. And it raises so much awareness, aside from the money as well.
A few years ago, you were nominated Legend at the Teenage Cancer Trust Altogether, Unstoppable Awards. That must be the biggest acknowledgment of your fundraising efforts, right?
Yeah, I didn't expect it. I didn't even know there was a nomination. I certainly didn't expect to win, because all I've done is just tried to be me and go and raise money and you don't do it for that side of it. It it's lovely that they recognise you and I'm very proud of everything I've done but I don't do it for that.
I couldn't have done it without all the people who have sponsored me over the years and there's been a lot of help along the way from the company. I'm really proud and glad that we've been able to do something to help and carry on the good work the charity does.
You are an inspiration - you inspire people to be positive and make a difference. What is your motto or philosophy in life?
I think it's “have fun”. Do everything with a smile. Help, be nice to people, be kind. I try to do everything happy.
How do you keep such a positive outlook?
I just realise how lucky I am. I’ve got a lovely fiancé, we get to do the stuff we want to do, we have a holiday every year, I’ve got good friends. We're living in the best place in the UK, it is stunning around here. I appreciate things and I try to be happy.