Tributes have been paid from around the charity sector to senior fundraiser Liz Monks, who died yesterday at the age of 48, after a 12-month battle with cancer.
Monks (pictured), worked in the charity sector for over 20 years, and held senior fundraising roles at the Terrence Higgins Trust, homelessness charity Shelter, the RNID and Action for Children. She was also director of fundraising at Breast Cancer Campaign and the Alzheimer’s Society.
Monks also had a close connection to the Institute of Fundraising, having chaired the Institute’s Fundraising National Convention Board for many years.
Six weeks before her death, Monks launched a JustGiving page to raise £20,000 for Macmillan to help fund a staff member to work full time for one year at the Royal Free Hospital in London, where she was receiving treatment.
Zoe, Monks’ partner of 20 years has vowed to “continue her appeal and reach a new target of £50,000” along with friends and colleagues in the fundraising sector.
In her own words, Monks said: “I want to make sure that no-one has to go through such misery and loneliness when someone can be there to hold their hand through their difficult decisions, advise or advocate for them.
“This is one of the most positive things I can do in the time I have left to use my fundraising skills, and people I know to make a difference that will help other people after me. In my situation I am sure you'd want to do the same - it's what makes our profession, and makes us so proud to be in it.”
Lynda Thomas, chief executive of Macmillan and a close friend of Monks, led tributes.
Thomas said: “Liz was not just a brilliant fundraiser but also one of the most influential leaders in our sector. Her ability to inspire and galvanize people to make change happen was demonstrated right to the end. Courage is often a much over used word, but in Liz’s case never so apt.”
Peter Lewis, chief executive of the Institute of Fundraising, said: “Liz was one of the most talented, energetic and creative fundraisers I’ve ever met, as well as one of the nicest. She always made time to offer support or advice.
"She led and influenced those around her with great enthusiasm and energy, was sincerely passionate about the good causes she worked for, and for fundraising itself.
“The epitome of a proud fundraiser, she was an inspirational member and Fellow of the IoF, and during her time as chair of our National Convention Board she led the way in making it one of the biggest and best fundraising events in the world. A true believer in the importance of our fundraising community, Liz will be missed by us all.”
Liz Tait, director of fundraising at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home said: “I’m devastated by this news but am proud and privileged to have known Liz and to have called her my friend. Liz’s brilliant mind, quick wit and boundless energy made her both an incredible leader and an incredible fundraiser.
“Liz was determined to make the world a better place and, although her contribution to the sector will live on, her passion, kindness and friendship will be deeply missed by so many.”
Alan Gosschalk, director of fundraising at Scope, said: “I was fortunate enough to work with Liz at both RNID, as it was then and Shelter. She was a great all-round fundraiser and was particularly proficient in corporate fundraising.
“She was incredibly creative and in my opinion was way ahead of the game in terms of developing relationships and meeting the needs of funders. She brought in major partnerships with Vodafone Foundation, Nationwide Building Society, Barclays and Lloyds Bank, amongst others, as well as The London Marathon for Shelter in 2003. She was a bundle of energy and great fun and is a massive loss to the sector.”
