“Sophie, who runs an art workshop I attend on a Wednesday, told my friend Sheila and me about Momentum. She works for the charity and asked if we’d like to help them by painting pebbles for the children they support. We soon realised what amazing work Momentum does and we were delighted to be able to help them. We have been painting pebbles for about three and a half years now.

Sophie gives Sheila and me the pebbles, and between us we decide which ones we are going to paint. I have painted all sorts of designs including Peppa Pig, Bing! and intricate bunches of flowers. I take photos of every pebble I paint, as I like to make sure they are all unique.

I have always enjoyed painting, but it wasn’t until my husband passed away, 11 years ago, that I took it up as a hobby.

I love painting pebbles for Momentum, it is something that I can do at my leisure, at a time that suits me. I haven’t faced any barriers as an older volunteer, and I believe charities welcome older people with open arms – we bring life experience and offer different skill sets.

I love keeping busy. I have four sons, six grandchildren, and six great grandchildren who all know me as rollercoaster Nanny! I love going to Chessington World of Adventures and attending music events with them. My grandchildren like to joke that they have to make an appointment to see me. I go to ‘Golden Zumba’ at the day centre and love pottering around in my garden. I am thinking of joining a rock choir and another keep fit club if I can.

This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is ‘inspiring inclusion’ and my hopes for the future in terms of this would be that children learn to be inclusive from a young age. They need to accept and recognise different points of view and needs, while also understanding why people are different. Encouraging people to talk and get things out in the open is important too, there is a lot to be said for face-to-face discussion.

Thinking about a woman that inspires me, I would say my friend Sheila. I have known Sheila for over 40 years – our children grew up together. Despite having an eye condition which has meant she has lost focus in both eyes, and having scoliosis, she is a fantastic artist and does so much else. On top of volunteering for Momentum, she is always making new plans for her garden, even laying paving slabs last year, and she is a great friend. Sheila is Super Woman!”

Find out more about volunteering for Momentum here.