Welcome to the start of our new Meet The Team series! Over the next few months we’ll be introducing you to some members of our team.
First, we’ve chatted to our lovely Trusts and Foundations Fundraiser, Sophie Crockford.
Welcome to the start of our new Meet The Team series! Over the next few months we’ll be introducing you to some members of our team.
First, we’ve chatted to our lovely Trusts and Foundations Fundraiser, Sophie Crockford. Keep reading to find out more about her…
How long have you worked at Lingen Davies?
“I started with Lingen Davies in June 2025. It’s been an amazing time, and I’ve learnt so much already. I’m so grateful to work with such brilliant team members who all are fantastic at what they do. It means that we can all learn from and support each other!”
What does your typical day in the office look like?
“A typical day in the office for me consists of researching potential trusts and foundations, and analysing their criteria to see whether our projects fit their typical funding. I will then work on applications for a range of projects – from our Wellbeing Programme to the Sunflower Appeal.
Trusts can fund a variety of different things for Lingen Davies, whether that be a cohort of our yoga classes or funding our water bottles for radiotherapy patients. We are so grateful to receive support from a wide range of trusts and foundations for our work.
I work closely with others in the Lingen Davies team when writing applications to fully understand the benefits of our projects for those living with and beyond cancer. This might mean visiting our Wellbeing Programmes to ensure that I can write compelling and accurate bids. I find it beneficial when visiting the projects as it shows how impactful our projects are and how many people they support.
Once a trust or foundation has kindly donated to fund a project, I provide them with monitoring and evaluation to show the impact of their donation. This ensures that I am building long term relationships with funders.
Depending on the time of year, you will also find me organising our two Secret Supper events, one in Spring and one in Autumn. I work closely with local restaurants to secure venues that represent the very best of Shrewsbury’s food scene. I love when the tickets go on sale and when I’m celebrating with my colleagues at how fast they’ve sold! My favourite part of organising the event is seeing all the guests so happy on the night itself and reading all the positive feedback.”
What is your favourite part about working in the team?
“I really enjoy working within the charity sector for a much-loved local charity. People are so committed to Lingen Davies which is so visible through our fundraising, events, and other community engagement. Everyday we meet amazing individuals who support us in all sorts of ways.
I’m proud to work for Lingen Davies and help to make a positive difference to those living with and beyond cancer in our community.”
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
“I always wanted to be a holiday rep! Going on family holidays as a child, I would always look at the holiday reps and think that they had the best job in the world – being in a beautiful hot country and having lots of fun with their friends! I still love to travel and visit new places.”
What was your very first job?
“My first job was working at a nursing home. I worked there for six years throughout my GCSES, A-Levels and university. I loved spending time with the residents and listening to their stories. I learnt a lot from them, and they benefitted from having young people to chat to.
It was a great experience, and I enjoyed planning activities to do with the residents such as having a cup of tea with them or painting the ladies’ nails. It also helped me engage with people of all different ages as we often had nursery children visiting the residents.”
What’s your proudest moment so far at Lingen Davies?
“My proudest moment so far was visiting the Houses of Parliament with the team for the Westminster launch our Sunflower Appeal. It was such a special experience to be surrounded by our supporters to discuss the appeal. It felt like a momentous day to be a part of and I’m grateful to have experienced it.”
Tell us something people might not know about you…
“While at university, I hosted my own radio show and produced a podcast. I loved planning the episodes and interviewing a range of guests. I was most proud to interview one of my sociology lecturers on disability studies. It was a topic I was very passionate about and even wrote my dissertation on disability representation in the media!
Being part of Leeds Student Radio taught me lots about communication skills – from interviewing guests to creating an engaging show. I loved planning quizzes and challenges to do on air, and I still enjoy listening to a range of podcasts.”
