Charities have paid tribute to fundraiser Mandi Hine-Conway, who has died at the age of 39, after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer earlier this year. 

Hine-Conway was community manager at Fundraising Everywhere. She was a member of Chartered Institute of Fundraising (CIoF) West Midlands committee and annual convention.

She was a volunteer at #MEAction, a movement supporting people with myalgic encephalomyelitis, and had previously worked with the campaign group Charity So Straight. 

Before joining Fundraising Everywhere, Hine-Conway was fundraising lead at Adoption Focus for over two years. Before that, she was head of development at Birmingham Contemporary Music Group. 

Hine-Conway was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in early 2023. She had hoped to return to work earlier this month, Fundraising Everywhere said. 

Fundraising Everywhere: ‘Absolutely devastated’

Nikki Bell, co-founder of Fundraising Everywhere, said: “We are absolutely devastated and are sending our thoughts and love to Mandi’s family, friends - and Luna and Poppy - who will miss her immensely.”

“From helping our members to find their confidence, to growing her own through events and workshops; there was absolutely nothing she wouldn't do to help fundraisers get what they needed when they needed it.

“After her diagnosis in early 2023 she was determined to continue to be there for you when she was able, even making plans earlier this month to come back and keep going.”

Fundraising Everywhere has created an online message board so people can leave messages in memory of Hine-Conway. 

CIOF: ‘We will miss her greatly’

A CIOF spokesperson said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Mandi Hine-Conway.

“She spent many years as an active member of the West Midlands committee and Fundraising Convention Board, we’re so grateful for her passion.

“The Chartered Institute sends our condolences to her family and friends, we will miss her greatly.”

Adoption Focus: ‘Such a tremendous loss’

Anna Sharkey, chief executive of Adoption Focus said: “A lively, exuberant, friendly, outgoing, colourful and joyful member of the business development team, Mandi joined us in autumn 2019.

“Her flexible approach, willingness to throw herself into any and every funding opportunity and her amazing technical skills were a big loss to us when she left to take up her new role in January 2022. 

“I have many lovely memories of Mandi. She was always compassionate and caring, positive and a joy to know. I send my love and support to her family, friends, colleagues and to everyone who was close to her. To those who did not know Mandi – you missed a treat.”

Meanwhile, Kevin Taylor-McKnight, founder at Charity So Straight, said: “Mandi was one of our very first followers and was a valued and supportive member of the Charity So Straight community.

“Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this time".