Date published: 25 March 2026 by Ellen Armour

Bob is one of Rainbow Trust’s longest-standing fundraising volunteers. He began fundraising in 1986 and now runs two fundraising events every year.

“I worked at Legal & General for 40 years and in that time I met Dennis, the husband of Rainbow Trust’s founder, Bernadette.

From 1986 onwards, when Bernadette started the charity, I did some fundraising, such as raffles and quizzes, I dressed up as Father Christmas at a garden centre near Dorking and helped out with bucket collections at shopping centres.

I said to my wife, ‘when I retire I want to do some charity work’. And Rainbow Trust was the obvious charity. I have a real soft spot for children’s charities.

I started Rainbow Trust’s annual Race Night about 30 years ago. Then in 2009, Dennis asked if I would take over running Rainbow Trust’s annual fundraising golf day. I said ‘of course I will’. They are both still ongoing to this day, it has become quite a big thing really. People keep coming back, it is fantastic.

I really care about doing the events, I get a big buzz from it. I am a people person and enjoy meeting everyone who comes along. One big memory of mine was starting ‘Bob’s shot of the day’ at the golf day many years ago. There have been some funny stories on the golf course, good memories.

The children Rainbow Trust supports inspire me. I say to everyone who attends the events, ‘you are part of this, without you we would not be able to do it’ because we would not.

I remember visiting Rainbow House and seeing what they do. It is not only support for the child that is ill, but also for the family, and that still happens now. Rainbow Trust looks after them in every way.

I cannot tell you how much I have enjoyed working as a volunteer and a fundraiser. I am 74 now and I want to continue as long as people keep coming to the events. I have worked with the most lovely people at Rainbow Trust, I have thoroughly enjoyed everything.”