Last updated at 14:02, Tuesday, 19 June 2012

DOT Crabtree, 59, of Railway Cottages, Newby Bridge, is the chairwoman of the Leven Valley Support Group for St Mary’s Hospice

FUNDRAISER: Dot Crabtree, chairwoman of the Leven Valley Support Group for St Mary’s Hospice LINDSEY DICKINGS REF: 50011488B001

What school did you go to?

Elgin Senior High School in Gateshead.

What was your favourite subject?

Subjects that involved reading and writing. I was no good at all at maths, even though I managed to get a CSE in it. I don’t know how on earth I did.

What qualifications did you leave with?

Five O-Levels and nine CSEs.

Did you go onto further/ higher education – if so, where and what to study?

I went straight into work in the public library.

What was the best advice you got at school or college?

Just to do the best you can. And try and put as much effort into anything you do and follow things through.

What was your ambition before you got your first job?

I always wanted to be a teacher with younger children. I never got there, but I’m not bothered about that now.

Did you have a role model you looked up to and why?

No, I don’t believe I did.

What was your first job?

A librarian, which I absolutely loved. I did that for about 12 years. During that time we progressed into lending LPs.

We had to sit under a spotlight and check if people had scratched them and, if they had, we had to fine them. How times have changed.

What has been your career path between your first job and the one you do today?

After working in the library, I went into selling antiques with my husband. Then I worked for a finance company. Then I retired and moved here because we just loved the area that much.

What’s the best thing about your job?

I have a voluntary role to help raise funds for the hospice. It’s very rewarding, trying to raise as much as we can. I’ve made so many friends through it. It’s just fantastic and I’d like to thank the committee and everybody who puts as much as they can into it.

What one thing would you change about your job if you could?

I wish hospices would get more funding from the state.

What advice would you give someone starting out today?

Again, just to do the best that you can.

First published at 13:04, Tuesday, 19 June 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk