Phenomenal fundraiser Mandy Taylor died last December after a 10-year battle with cancer. During her extraordinary lifetime Mandy raised more than £2 million for charity and good causes.
Today, Wednesday September 21, on what would have been Mandy’s 54th birthday, her friends pay a loving tribute as the funds raised for the #BeMoreMandy campaign set up in her memory reached almost £50,000.
If you hail from the Kirklees, Calderdale or Yorkshire region and hear the name Mandy Taylor, you’ll no doubt be flooded with a sense of warmth, connection and joy.
Since Mandy’s passing in December 2021, she has been awarded an MBE and raised vital funds from her legacy fund with One Community Foundation Kirklees.
In less than 10 months since her passing – on her 54th birthday – we take the opportunity to reflect on the amazing life and legacy of this wonderful woman.
When Mandy learned that her fourth cancer was terminal she chose to ‘pass the baton’ to encourage others to be kind, generous with their time and embody the sentiment of ‘Be More Mandy.’
Mandy, who had raised over £2 million for numerous charities, created a ‘Be More Mandy’ legacy fund with the One Community Foundation Kirklees before her passing and elected a committee to act on her wishes.
This fund specifically provides young people with a chance to create memories and experience more. This fund now stands at £49,299.95.
While the fund is being invested for future good, the Be More Mandy committee are continuing to raise awareness and plan events to continue Mandy’s legacy.
Committee member Rebecca Hopwood (pictured below) said: “The committee feels a huge sense of responsibility to act out Mandy’s wishes with dignity and professionalism.
“She made a huge impact on so many people’s lives, it’s an honour to continue working towards achieving Mandy’s goals.”
Before her passing, Mandy set up the legacy fund with husband, Andrew Taylor. Andrew, pictured below with Mandy, continues to support the committee and is also working hard to continue Mandy’s work.
Andrew said: “Mandy gave so much time to charities and individuals, it’s important to me that we not only raise funds but also remember to be kind.
“With increasing pressures around the cost of living and rising bills, so many families are feeling the strain. Can we ‘Be More Mandy’ by sparing some time and supporting them, visiting a loved one, or just picking up the phone? That’s what this legacy means to me.”
In 2022, we have seen the first ever Yorkshire coast Mandathon, a Royal Ascot Day in Bibi’s Leeds and a number of #BeMoreMandy t-shirts and hoodies being worn by those who knew Mandy.
Sales of #BeMoreMandy clothing and bags automatically generated a £5 donation to the fund, with £1,465.00 already being raised from these sales alone.
The Mandathon in May 2022 saw walkers, runners and cyclists make the trek along the Yorkshire coast from Whitby to Filey.
Fundraisers taking part raised a total of £12,897.12. See It Now Sports Group have been the largest single fundraiser to date, with over £5,000 being raised in silent and charity auctions at the Ascot Day event in May 2022.
In the months to come, we can expect to see Mandy’s ashes being sent up into the skies in a firework over Huddersfield and more recognition of the impact this incredible woman had.
Andrew said: “I’m in contact with a few organisations that hold annual events and it’s my aim to keep Mandy’s legacy living on.
“With some help from committee member Nicky Chance-Thompson DL, we have a ‘Mandy Taylor award’ at the Calderdale Community Spirit awards. Mandy knew we would be creating this in her honour and would be thrilled to see it in place.”
Nicky Chance-Thompson DL, chief executive at The Piece Hall in Halifax, was also responsible for putting Mandy forward for an MBE and hopes to continue supporting her legacy through her connections across Yorkshire and at The Piece Hall.
Plans are coming together for a second Yorkshire Coast Mandathon and more activities in 2023. To find out more, visit www.bemoremandy.org or donate online at https://localgiving.org/appeal/BeMoreMandy/.
