Unexpected

In November 2025 I received a message from a holiday maker, Nickie, who was unknown to me. The message read, “Is there anyone that could collect some bead bracelets if I make some and bring them on my holidays here to Albufeira?

I’ve volunteered in London for over 10 years until poor health interrupted.

I’d love to give back for what Albufeira gives me and my mental health and wellbeing”.

Fast forward to now, March 2026, and Nickie is back in Albufeira. Some of you may have seen that I arranged an informal Coffee & Cake Event to meet Nickie.

Before others arrived I had an opportunity to chat and found her to be a lovely genuine person. Maggie, Kay, Guida & Val joined us and we enjoyed the Fayre & atmosphere of Riviera cake shop (at Hotel Brisa Sol). Sadly a few others, who had planned to join us, didn’t manage to attend but there is always a next time.

Nickie brought, as promised, a bag of bead jewellery and some of our party made purchases, 35€ raised. I have lots more available from her and will share onto Facebook soon. In addition Nickie gave me 100€ which was raised by her family who “swapped their first coffee shop coffee for a homemade one in a flask. It was £97.50 so was rounded up.”

What a lovely surprise for the charity and a fabulous idea for fundraising.

Next time Nickie is in the Algarve she will come to Tunes on a Friday to see what we do and who we give it to.