Spotlight on ... Lisa Ahmed, Childminder

Position: Childminder in South Tyneside

- Why did you decide to organise a charity bag sale?

My aunt, Miriam Ahmed, is a counsellor at Cancer Connections and I wanted to contribute to the charity's work. My idea was to do something a bit different. I'm not into fitness and didn't want to do anything as adventurous as a sky-dive, but I love bags and thought a £1 bag sale would be popular.

- How much money did you raise?

We raised £710. Around 300 people came to the sale, with queues outside Hedworth Hall in South Shields, 45 minutes before we opened. It was so successful, I'm making it an annual event.

- How long have you worked as a childminder?

I've been a childminder for six years and worked with children for a total of 17 years as a rep for a holiday company and a nursery nurse. It's always been my passion to work with children. It's great getting paid to give cuddles.

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