Category: Fundraising
Remembering a loved one this Mother’s Day
At St Barnabas, we understand that Mother’s Day can be difficult, with a mix of emotions and memories.
Today we’re thinking of all mums, those with us and those we remember with love 💛
Please remember that we are here if you need us. Our free bereavement support is open to anyone in Lincolnshire – not just those families supported by hospice care. Our Bereavement Helpline is available Monday to Friday, 11am – 3pm. You can call 0300 303 1897 to talk to a trained volunteer.
Ways to remember a loved one
Ways to remember a loved oneRemembering a loved one is very personal, which is why we offer a number of ways to celebrate a life.
There are a variety of ways you can remember a loved one with St Barnabas, including creating an online tribute page, fundraising in memory, or leaving a gift in your Will.
MuchLoved Tribute Page
This is your own special memorial website in tribute to your loved one, where you can share memories, thoughts, and stories with family and friends, as well as light candles, add music, photos and videos.
Donate
Donations made in a loved one’s name will go on to care for someone else. Every pound given supports our mission – that no-one should face dying or grieving alone.
Gifts in Wills
Remember someone special by leaving a gift in your Will, helping to bring care, comfort and dignity to others for years to come.. Each gift, no matter the size, is one of the most powerful ways to protect local hospice care.
Fundraise for St Barnabas
Honour the memory of someone special by fundraising for St Barnabas. Your support helps us deliver expert care and comfort when it matters most. Get involved with one of our fundraising initiatives or take on a challenge in memory of a loved one.
Regular Giving
You may wish to remember someone special with a monthly gift. By giving each month, even a small amount can add up to make a big difference. Become part of a community of supporters making care, comfort, and dignity possible for families across the county.
However you spend the day, we hope it offers a gentle moment to reflect and remember.
Adam is preparing to take on his 22nd Great North Run in memory of his Mum
Adam, from Lincoln, finished his first Great North Run (GNR) in 2004 and has completed it every year since, only missing out one year due to injury, in support of St Barnabas.
Adam says: “It all started in memory of my Mum, who received such wonderful care at the St Barnabas inpatient unit in Lincoln, but now it’s so much more than that. It’s still very much doing it in her memory, but it’s also an amazing way for me to keep fit and feel like I’m giving something back.
“It’s now just the thing I do each year, and I absolutely love it!”
The Great North Run is the most iconic half marathon in the world. Since 1981, people of all ages and abilities take on this popular race, from Newcastle upon Tyne to South Shields.
This unforgettable experience encompasses 60,000 participants, cheering crowds, and a lively 12.1-mile course filled with music and entertainment.
Looking ahead to September, Adam says: “It’s a familiar routine now. What I’ve learned over the years is that the fitter I am and the better I’ve trained, the more I enjoy the event on the day.”
Whether you’re aiming to achieve a fitness goal, have fun, or raise funds for a good cause, this iconic event welcomes runners of all abilities.
Missed out on the ballot? You can still join Adam and others by joining one of our limited charity places. Sign up now to be part of this incredible event: Great North Run 2026 – St Barnabas Hospice
Offering his advice to those taking on a running challenge, Adam says: “I find that having a clear reason in mind really helps – that’s what will keep you on track when it gets tough, either during the training or the event itself. It’s a hugely rewarding thing to do.”
Once you have signed up, you will be provided with an Enthuse Fundraising page, and the St Barnabas team will support you every step of the way.
Adam adds: “I’ve received huge amounts of moral support and encouragement from St Barnabas over the years… and a fair few running vests too!”
All donations raised through challenges contribute to the funding of St Barnabas’ vital services, helping to provide essential hospice care to over 12,000 people annually.
Each year we need to raise £7 million to keep providing these vital services to patients and families in Lincolnshire.
Support Adam’s fundraiser: Adam Davey is fundraising for St Barnabas Hospice Trust (Lincolnshire)
Take a look at all of our Great North Run runners: St Barnabas Hospice Trust (Lincolnshire): Great North Run 2026
To take part in an upcoming challenge or choose your own for St Barnabas, visit the website and sign up today: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/fundraising/challenges/
Generous supporters raise over £150,000 for St Barnabas Hospice through festive fundraisers
Thanks to initiatives such as The Warehouse Lock-In event, the Light Up A Life appeal, the Torchlight Procession, Rudy’s Run, and recent Tree-Cycle collections, supporters have helped raise £150,509 for St Barnabas.
As financial pressures continue to grow for the hospice, this generosity helps meet the urgent needs across Lincolnshire and protects St Barnabas’ future.
A record-breaking night at The Warehouse’s fourth Lock-In event saw over £15,000 of income generated on Thursday 6th November, with more than 2,000 items sold and saved from landfill.
The sold-out event saw over 250 sustainable shoppers start their Christmas shopping, enjoying a complimentary cocktail with St Barnabas gin or rum, and loaded brownie from local dessert specialists, Sinple Treats.
Caroline Peach, Head of Retail at St Barnabas, says: “It was such a wonderful event! Over the weekend, figures skyrocketed up to £30,000 of income generated, with an additional 3,000 items sold. These vital funds will support St Barnabas in providing compassionate, high-quality care to people across Lincolnshire.
“A huge thank you to everyone who came along. Through shopping in our charity shops, you can save money, prevent landfill waste, and support local hospice care all at once. We have 23 county-wide charity shops, and you can find your local St Barnabas shop on the website: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/shop/”
Each Christmas, as part of St Barnabas’ Light Up A Life appeal, supporters are invited to dedicate lights on the Tree of Life outside Lincoln Cathedral in memory of loved ones.
The Tree of Life is illuminated during the annual Torchlight Procession, which celebrated its 25th anniversary last year. This poignant event has grown from 100 people and a lone piper, to over 1,000 led by the RAF Waddington Pipe Band.
On Tuesday 18th November, over 1,000 people walked the procession in memory of loved ones. Thanks to ticket sales, donations on the night, online dedications and sponsorship, the Torchlight Procession and Light Up A Life appeal collectively raised £87,244.
Amelia Chambers, Head of Fundraising and Marketing at St Barnabas, says: “It was an incredibly moving evening, made even more special by marking 25 years of this poignant event. At a time when we’re facing financial challenges, it means so much to have had so many join us in remembrance and make a dedication.”
At the start of January, teams of corporate volunteers were travelling across the county, collecting pre-booked Christmas trees as part of the Hospice’s Tree-Cycle fundraising campaign.
Trees have been recycled using local wood chipping companies, with chippings used for biomass boilers, bedding for farmyard animals, for use in agricultural fertilisers, or they can be turned into mulch for gardens.
For a suggested donation of £22 for each tree, St Barnabas collected and recycled 1,225 trees, raising £32,621 for the Hospice.
Eleanor Fellows, Fundraising Officer at St Barnabas, says: “We wouldn’t be able to run this fundraising initiative without the vital support from local businesses, groups, and individuals who provide us with their services.
“Thank you to everyone who recycled their Christmas tree with us or volunteered their time in support of this campaign.”
Community fundraisers were also delighted to see 6 schools and 1 nursery take part in Rudy’s Run, despite the fundraising appeal on hold last year to revisit resources and branding.
This fun, festive fundraiser encourages children of primary school age to run, walk, dance or prance to raise money for St Barnabas Hospice.
Over 900 children took part and over £3,644 was raised for St Barnabas, thanks to the fundraising efforts of these young supporters, encouraging adults and fantastic teachers.
Deborah Yarwood, Community Fundraiser at St Barnabas, says: “It means a lot that these schools continued to take part in Rudy’s Run and raise money for St Barnabas. We’re looking forward to launching a new look for Rudy’s Run this year and getting lots more places on board!”
The money raised through these initiatives helps the Hospice provide free, dignified palliative and end-of-life care to over 12,000 adults each year, as well as wellbeing services such as bereavement support, counselling, and welfare and benefits advice.
Fundraising is a powerful tool to support St Barnabas and helps the hospice provide compassionate care for local people and their families. Whether you’re an individual, a group of friends, a school or a workplace, every pound raised makes a lasting difference.
To find out more about upcoming campaigns and ways to get involved, visit the St Barnabas Hospice website: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/
Inflatable 5k Bounces Back to Lincoln with St Barnabas as Headline Charity Partner
The world’s biggest and craziest Inflatable 5k obstacle course is returning to Lincoln on Saturday 6th June, with St Barnabas Hospice named as Headline Charity Partner for the second year.
This epic event is packed with giant slides, bouncy obstacles, and plenty of fun. Navigate over 30 larger-than-life inflatables on this 5k course, and stay energised as you bounce, slide, and swing through motivating music zones.
By taking on the Inflatable 5k for St Barnabas Hospice, you can enjoy a course packed with laughter-filled obstacles, while making a real difference to the lives of patients and families across Lincolnshire.
St Barnabas Hospice is a local independent charity, each year supporting more than 12,000 people across Lincolnshire affected by a life-limiting or terminal illness. All services provided are free of charge to patients and their families.
This year, as financial pressures increase, the hospice needs support more than ever. Participants supporting St Barnabas are asked to fundraise a minimum of £80 in sponsorship to raise essential funds for local hospice care.
Eleanor, Fundraising Officer at St Barnabas, says: “Every donation raised plays a crucial role in supporting St Barnabas during an increasingly challenging financial time, and will help us provide exceptional care for people across Lincolnshire.
“With obstacles, mega slides, and tunnels, the Inflatable 5k makes running more enjoyable than ever. Whether you’re brand new to running or simply looking for a fun challenge with friends or family, this event is perfect for everyone.”
Fundraising and donations bring care, comfort, and dignity to families across Lincolnshire when they need it most, like Sarah’s.
Julian was diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy in 2020, and during the early stages of his diagnosis, the family received visits from St Barnabas in the comfort of their own home.
Sarah says: “Having a St Barnabas nurse come around was a real lifeline for us. Sue was great. She just helped us with all the problems we had. She made the world of difference to Julian and to the family.
“It was obviously a dark time, but St Barnabas supported Julian physically and emotionally to make his last few weeks comfortable. He was looked after so beautifully by everyone – they became our extended family.
“Being able to hand over the full-time burden of care to this marvellous team, made me feel much more like his wife again, rather than his carer. What a wonderful gift to have.”
£85 could fund a two-hour community visit for someone like Julian, providing personalised care and support in the comfort of a patient’s home.
Sign up today in support of St Barnabas, with registrations from £18: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/events/inflatable-5k/
The St Barnabas team will be there to support you from the beginning, with hints and tips to maximise your fundraising, a free St Barnabas t-shirt and extra encouragement on the big day.
St Barnabas Hospice needs to fundraise £7 million each year to continue providing their services to the local community. Money raised through events like the Inflatable 5k helps the Hospice provide free, compassionate, dignified palliative and end-of-life care to over 12,000 adults each year, as well as wellbeing services such as bereavement support, counselling, and welfare and benefits advice.
To find out more about St Barnabas’s services, please visit: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/
Recycle your Christmas tree sustainably with St Barnabas’ Tree-Cycle
St Barnabas’ Tree-Cycle fundraising initiative offers a simple, eco-friendly way for people across Lincolnshire to recycle their Christmas trees, while supporting local hospice care.
If you’ve made the eco-friendly decision to purchase a real Christmas tree this year, don’t forget to register your tree for a donation with St Barnabas, so it can be recycled or replanted sustainably in the new year.
For a suggested donation of £22, which could cover the cost of a St Barnabas staff nurse for one hour, the team will collect your tree, chip it and recycle it. At a time when the hospice is facing financial difficulties, this festive initiative raises crucial funds to support the provision of end-of-life care and support across Lincolnshire.
A team of wonderful volunteers and corporate supporters will be travelling across the county to collect pre-registered Christmas trees, between Wednesday 7th – Monday 12th January 2026.
Trees will be recycled using chippers across the county and potted trees will be replanted locally. The chippings produced can be used for biomass boilers, bedding for farmyard animals, for use in agricultural fertilisers, or they can be turned into mulch for gardens.
By booking your tree collection and leaving a donation, you’ll be helping St Barnabas provide exceptional care for people across Lincolnshire who are living with a life-limiting or terminal illness, like Angela.
When Angela was diagnosed with liver cancer, she felt “shocked and upset”. Now, she says the spiritual care and support she’s receiving at home from St Barnabas has been “brilliant”. Sonya, a Health and Rehabilitation Support Worker at St Barnabas, supports Angela as part of the Hospice at Home team, and is also able to provide additional support as a Spiritual Champion.
Angela said: “The support means a lot. It’s being able to offload what’s bothering me – sometimes it’s medical, sometimes it’s spiritual. It’s knowing that there’s somebody there that I could contact if I need them, and they’ve just been wonderful, amazing.
“It’s like coming out of the wilderness and into a safe place, in my own home. Sonya is kind and so thoughtful.”
From Lincoln to Louth, Gainsborough to Grantham and Skegness to Spalding, Hospice at Home nurses, like Sonya, are supporting people in the community 365 days a year – including Christmas.
Sonya said: “As a Spiritual Champion, I’m there to listen, to support, and to help and guide her with whatever she needs. If I can make that one person feel a tiny bit better, I’ve done my job.”
A donation of £42.50 could enable St Barnabas to fund a community nurse visit for one hour, bringing personalised care directly to a patient’s home, like Angela’s.
For more information about Hospice at Home services in your area, call 0300 020 0694 or visit: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/services/hospice-at-home/
Eleanor Fellows, Fundraising Officer at St Barnabas, said: “We want to say a huge thank you to all our volunteers and for the support we’re receiving from local businesses and communities. Donations to our Tree-cycle fundraising initiative will play a crucial role in supporting our hospice during an increasingly challenging financial time.
“We’re happy to collect multiple trees from households, businesses, hotels and more! We accept trees up to 6ft in height, so if you’d like to register a tree that is larger than this, we ask that you trim it down to 6ft or below, so it fits in our collection vehicles.
“To guarantee collection, we also ask that trees are left in a clearly visible location, either at the end of your drive or outside your door. We are unable to enter your property, back garden or shed so please make sure the tree is ready for collection.”
Eleanor Fellows, Fundraising Officer at St Barnabas, said: “We want to say a huge thank you to all our volunteers and for the support we’re receiving from local businesses and communities. Donations to our Tree-cycle fundraising initiative will play a crucial role in supporting our hospice during an increasingly challenging financial time.Registrations for Tree-cycle are now open and will close on Monday 5th January or when bookings reach capacity. Visit the website to see the postcode areas covered and to book your tree collection: www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/tree-cycle
Over a thousand walk in St Barnabas’ 25th Torchlight Procession
On Tuesday 18th November, over 1,000 people walked in memory of loved ones, raising vital funds for St Barnabas Hospice as part of their annual Light Up A Life appeal.
Supporters of all ages marked this meaningful milestone by walking together from Clayton’s Sports Ground to Lincoln Cathedral, carrying flaming torches and lanterns in remembrance of loved ones.
As is tradition, the Torchlight Procession paused at the Hospice’s Inpatient Unit on Nettleham Road for an emotional rendition of Amazing Grace. Patients, staff and volunteers at the Inpatient Unit were able to enjoy this emotive display.
At the front of the Procession was Sheila Flatters, who dedicated a light to honour her beloved husband, Malc, who sadly died in the Hospice in 2023. As the procession came to a close, Sheila, joined by her grandsons Liam and Jacob, carried the flaming torch forward, symbolically lighting the ceremonial torch at Lincoln Cathedral.
The service of celebration, compered by Melvyn Prior, included songs from local choirs and a message of thanks from Chris Wheway, Chief Executive of St Barnabas Hospice.
Chris Wheway said: “It’s been my tenth year of doing this procession, and it never ceases to move me in a very special way. By being here, we’re not only remembering and honouring people, but we are also changing lives for people who are currently dying today, and tomorrow, and in the future.
“It’s an honour to be part of this celebration each year. Just know that you’ve made a difference to many, many people in the coming months and years. So, thank you so much for tonight and for your ongoing support of your hospice because we need it absolutely.”
The 30ft Tree of Life outside the Lincoln Cathedral was illuminated during a touching performance of May The Road Rise to Meet You, sung by Annie Griffith and her Community Choirs, who have supported this event for 10 years.
Supporters were then invited to write Messages of Love and tie them to the railings surrounding the tree, sending a special message to loved ones no longer here.
Eleanor Fellows, Fundraising Officer at St Barnabas, said: “It was an incredibly moving evening, made even more special by marking 25 years of this poignant event. At a time when we’re facing financial challenges, it means so much to have so many join us in remembrance.
“We want to thank everyone who walked the Procession, and those who have so generously donated to our Light Up A Life appeal. It really does make such a difference. And a special thanks to HomeLet, all our corporate supporters and volunteers who have made the evening possible.”
Thanks to ticket sales and donations on the night, the Torchlight Procession raised over £23,000. In addition, the Light Up A Life campaign has raised more than £36,000 so far this year.
The appeal sees supporters dedicating lights in memory of loved ones each Christmas, now shining brightly on the Tree of Life outside Lincoln Cathedral. Over the past two and a half decades, more than 20,000 people have been honoured.
Ellie Carter, Legacy and In Memory Manager at St Barnabas, said: “You can remember anyone, not just those cared for by the Hospice. There’s still time to dedicate a light in memory of a loved one through the St Barnabas website, where you can also upload a photo and a message in tribute.
“Every donation for a light pays for more people to receive specialist end-of-life care, and more families to receive bereavement support during the most difficult times. Without this support, we simply couldn’t do what we do.”
It has been a challenging year for St Barnabas, and each donation helps meet the urgent needs across Lincolnshire and protects St Barnabas’ future. £22 could fund an hour of hospice nursing care, bringing comfort and expert support to patients and their families. £42 could bring comfort to a patient in their own home, helping them feel safe and cared for.
The Tree of Life sits outside the Cathedral until early January and is completely free to visit for a moment of quiet reflection.
Those who were unable to attend the event are still able to watch the live streams on Facebook, or dedicate a light on the Tree of Life at: Light up a Life with St Barnabas Hospice
With special thanks to all volunteers, runners, and stewards, Annie Griffith and her Community Choirs: Ermine Music, SCONE, Silver Voices (AgeUK), Treble Cliff, Chevron Traffic Management Ltd, City of Lincoln Council, Claverings Removals, Clearance and Storage, Claytons Bowls Club, Community Response Lincolnshire, Davis Trackhire, Doddington Hall & Gardens, EE Call Centre Lincoln, Flying Hire, HomeLet, Kurnia Aerial Photography, Lincoln Cathedral, Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School, Lincolnshire Co-op, Lincolnshire County Council, Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, Lincolnshire Police, Lincs Loos, Lindum Rotary Club, Melvyn Prior, Peachy Events, The Very Revd Dr Simon Jones, Royal Air Force Station Waddington Pipes & Drums, Ruddocks, Safety Advisory Group, S.Lyon & SON Haulage Ltd., St John Ambulance, St Mary Magdalene Church, Stuart Wilde Photography Ltd, Taylor Lindsey Ltd, The Lincoln Camera Club, The Lincoln Tea & Coffee Company, The Tower Hotel, TSS Events, ViC Group, VINCI Facilities, Visual Print, Wootton Forestry & Powerline Services Limited.
As part of the festive calendar, on Saturday 29th November, Lincoln Cathedral will host its Advent Carol Service by Candlelight, marking the start of Advent with traditional carols, hymns and readings. Held in partnership with St Barnabas Hospice, this reflective service is free to attend and open to all. Find out more: Advent Carol Service, by Candlelight – St Barnabas Hospice
Sheila Flatters dedicates a light in memory of husband, Malc
“Christmas is never the same without my husband, but it warms my heart to know that we can still celebrate his life thanks to Light Up A Life, where one of the symbolic lights on the Tree of Life will be shining brightly in memory of him.”
Sheila Flatters lost her husband, Malc, in December 2023, not long after celebrating their Ruby Wedding Anniversary with family. This year, which would have marked their 42nd wedding anniversary, Sheila is dedicating a light and attending the poignant Torchlight Procession in his memory.
Malc, described as a man who loved sport and embraced life, especially loved playing snooker with his grandsons and walking in the Yorkshire Dales with his wife. Sheila says: “We loved each other very much.”
Malc was first diagnosed with Oesophageal cancer in 2018.
Sheila recalls: “We managed about four years to live life, and he was so brave and positive after such a major operation. Unfortunately, in March 2023 he was showing signs again. And then sadly, in May 2023, he was diagnosed with secondary cancer.”
“We knew that life would be changing eventually without Malc. I think you find, or are given, another level to cope with what lies ahead.”
Shelia cared for Malc at home, but as soon as he was diagnosed, St Barnabas was there to help and support.
Sheila explains: “They regularly visited and called. I could always ring them for a chat when I needed support. Sometimes you can’t show how you feel to the person who is so ill, and so you need to say something to someone else. And so, St Barnabas was there for me as well. And I don’t know how I would have done it without them.”
“All the team at St Barnabas go above and beyond with their excellent care. Malc was given dignity, and they helped him with his sense of humour – they just kept him going. They respected him as a person. They made him comfortable, and I knew that I could go home, and he would be in safe hands.”
“On the day he passed, St Barnabas just gave us time to be with him, and it was so peaceful and comforting that we could do that. A lady in the kitchen knew that me and Lisa, our daughter, had been up for most of the night with nothing to eat. And she made us a bacon roll. I can’t thank St Barnabas enough for their thoughtfulness.”
This Christmas, St Barnabas Hospice invites you to join Sheila in dedicating a light on their Tree of Life and attending the Torchlight Procession on Tuesday 18th November.
Reflecting on last year’s Torchlight Procession, Sheila says: “You know it’s going to be emotional but being there with so many people remembering their loved ones, is a special kind of emotion. We know that Malc will be with us there also.”
“This Christmas, please join me in dedicating a light to remember your loved ones and help the hospice care for people in the future, like Malc.”
You can remember anyone with a light, not just those care for by the Hospice. As a thank you, St Barnabas will send you a personalised card and a memory tag for the Tree of Life, and a decoration to display at home.
£28.21 could cover the cost of our care for one minute
£42 could pay for a comforting home visit for one hour
£115.48 could allow a nurse to provide dignified care for one day
Every donation for a light brings care, dignity, and comfort to local families. As financial pressures continue to grow, your generosity helps meet the urgent needs across Lincolnshire and protects St Barnabas’ future.
To dedicate a light and book for the Torchlight Procession, please visit: Light up a Life with St Barnabas Hospice
Jamie Aspland ran the London Marathon in support of St Barnabas and raised over £5,000
Jamie, Branch Manager at Pygott & Crone in Sleaford, took part in the London Marathon to give back to St Barnabas for the outstanding support provided to his family, and to mark his 40th birthday.
Through his fundraising efforts, including hosting a 40th birthday party with donations going to St Barnabas, Jamie raised an incredible £5,018. This total could fund 251 hours of Hospice at Home care, helping people with life-limiting or terminal illnesses receive compassionate support in the comfort of their own homes.
Jamie says: “St Barnabas is a charity that is incredibly close to my heart. The team provided invaluable end-of-life care to my dad in 2016 when my family needed it most, and my 100-year-old Nan is currently in the Hospice in the Hospital at Grantham.
“Their compassion, dedication, and support were a beacon of light during one of the darkest times of my life. I can never fully repay them for the kindness they showed, but I can continue to try and give back.”
The London Marathon will likely be Jamie’s last marathon as he has faced significant physical setbacks, including multiple surgeries on his back and knees. His training for this challenge required a lot of dedication due to this and began on Boxing Day.
Jamie adds: “Training for a marathon is daunting for anyone, but for someone with my medical history, it’s a bigger challenge. My training plan was carefully tailored to avoid re-injury – focusing on building strength while protecting my back and knee.
“Running the London Marathon was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but it was also one of the most rewarding. Thank you to everyone who supported me, whether through donations, encouragement, or just following my journey.”
All donations raised through challenges contribute to the funding of St Barnabas’ vital services, helping to provide essential hospice care to over 12,000 people annually. Over £7 million needs to be raised each year to support St Barnabas in providing people with compassionate care in Lincolnshire.
Jamie comments: “I never felt alone at any time doing this challenge for St Barnabas. They have given me all the support and encouragement I needed.”
Offering his advice to those considering doing a challenge, he said: “Don’t put it off! Get involved, set yourself the challenge, and St Barnabas will support you all the way.”
Whether you’re conquering the Lake District 5 Peaks, chasing a new personal best in the Lincoln Half Marathon, or gearing up for the Lincoln 10k in 2026 – there are countless ways to get involved.
To take part in an upcoming challenge, or choose your own for St Barnabas, visit the website and sign up today.
Jamie has supported St Barnabas for 10 years, and also works for Pygott & Crone, a long-standing corporate supporter.
Olivia Dexter, Corporate Relationships Lead at St Barnabas, said: “We’re thrilled to have such a long-standing partnership with Pygott & Crone. Working collaboratively with the teams at Pygott & Crone helps us to raise awareness of the diverse range of care and support we provide, along with raising vital funds.”
There are many ways in which businesses can donate time and money to St Barnabas, whether through a small gesture or a big event. From hosting a collection pot to taking on a challenge, choosing the hospice as a charity partner, or becoming a headline sponsor for an event – there are many ways corporates can get involved.
If you would like to work with St Barnabas to raise awareness and vital funds, please contact: Olivia Dexter, Corporate Relationships Lead, at Olivia.dexter@stbarnabahospice.co.uk.
Make a difference and join St Barnabas’ growing network of dedicated volunteers
As a local charity, the support and dedication of volunteers is vital to help St Barnabas provide crucial care and support to patients and their families in Lincolnshire.
With a growing list of fundraising initiatives, and the opportunity to choose your own, a team of volunteers support with community engagement and lend a hand at events. The Fundraising Department is strengthening this support network with growing opportunities to get involved.
No matter your age or experience, anyone can support the hospice – like Jim.
Jim Ferguson, St Barnabas volunteer, says: “I’ve been supporting St Barnabas for around 10 years. I just wanted to give something back, but really, I do it because I can and I like to.
“Being with people is probably my favourite part, whether it’s patients or bereaved supporters. I help with a Coffee Morning in Grantham, and there’s between 20 – 25 people that come along, and we just have a nice chatter.”
As an ambassador, Jim supports by strengthening the hospice’s support network, showing that every donation matters by attending cheque presentations, encouraging others to host events, and organising his own. His passion, willingness, and positive attitude help to raise funds across the county.
Most recently, Jim also lends a hand with the St Barnabas collection pots – an initiative that provides an easy way to support vital hospice care in the local community.
Jim adds: “I live locally, so it seems logical to me to help by picking up the collection pots from pubs, clubs or shops – either when they’ve requested one or need one picking up and returning to St Barnabas. It’s quite a proactive role, I try and keep in touch with the local businesses, popping in and saying hi, how’s it going – just to let them know that we care.”
Rebecca Hooton, Individual Giving Manager at St Barnabas, says: “Collection pots are a simple but powerful way for people to donate and raise awareness for St Barnabas while out and about in their communities.
“This quarter alone, the pots have raised an incredible £6,448.33, compared to £3,784.65 during the same period last year, that’s a huge 70% increase! You can see just what an impact they are having.”
Whether you’re a business looking for a simple way to give back or a supporter wanting to make a small everyday contribution, every penny adds up to make a real impact. Do you know of a shop, café, pub, or workplace that could host one? Call our Supporter Engagement team on 01522 540 300 or email supportercare@stbarnabashospice.co.uk.
Jim continues: “Just before Covid, I did the Great Wall of China walk for St Barnabas, and that’s where I met Caroline [Head of Fundraising and Lottery] and Rebecca [Individual Giving Manager], and they asked me if I would be an ambassador.
“So mostly I support Fiona and the Fundraising Department with fundraising events and wherever she needs help. Supporting with picking up donations from in the community, occasionally making a small speech on behalf of St Barnabas to thank them. I’m pretty much jack-of-all-trades!”
Anyone over the age of 14* can volunteer, and it is a great way to meet new people, build new skills for your CV, and help make a difference to your local community. Roles are flexible to suit the time and skills you have, and those you want to learn or develop.
Jim said: “If it’s on your radar, do it! It’s worthwhile, you meet a nice group of people that you work with, and you meet people who have been touched by St Barnabas. And sometimes they just want to talk, and it’s just providing that little bit of comfort to people.”
Volunteers over the age of 14 and from all backgrounds are welcome to apply via the St Barnabas website.
St Barnabas Garden curated by John Cullen Gardens awarded Gold at Lincolnshire Show
A beautiful collaboration between St Barnabas and Boston-based nursery owners and horticulturists, the St Barnabas Garden offered a moment of peace that touched visitors during the Lincolnshire Show.
Founded in London in 2009, John and Hugh moved their business, John Cullen Gardens, to Lincolnshire in 2015, having located the ideal place in the county for their ever-expanding collection of plants.
John says: “We donated some plants to St Barnabas last year, and from that, we started a conversation with the team.
“My mum recently passed away from dementia and Alzheimer’s, and we had struggled with mum over the Covid-19 period. We didn’t realise there were any of these facilities available.
“We wanted to create a display for St Barnabas as a conversation piece. We just thought it would be a good place to make people aware of the care and support that St Barnabas offers.
“I know that, for us as a family, had we had access to that sort of care and support, it would have helped us. And I might have kept mum at home a little bit longer. So, we’re quite passionate about the messaging behind the garden.”
Hugh adds: “Gardening is also a great process to support with mental health problems or bereavement. When we were made redundant, we turned ourselves to the garden and worked on this business. To us, it’s more like a therapy than a job.”
The St Barnabas Garden featured a variety of multifunctional plants and herbs, with an olive tree representing the tree of life, adorned with messages about the hospice.
John explains: “At the front, you can see lavender and thyme – both really important herbs. They go way back and were classified as strewing herbs. People would cut them and throw them on the floor to walk across, because they’ve got antibacterial qualities in them.
“The other flowers have some edible qualities but also look pretty in your garden. So, flowers like dahlias, cornflowers, and yarrow. We also included a Japanese Cedar because we wanted to show people that you can have something in your garden that looks like a box ball, but it won’t get affected by the box blight that’s spreading through Lincolnshire.”
Fiona, Community Fundraiser at St Barnabas, says: “It’s been brilliant working with John and Hugh, and I can’t thank them enough for their vision, creativity, and support of the hospice. I’m so proud to say that the fantastic show garden was awarded Gold!
“We’ve had lots of wonderful conversations with visitors throughout the Lincolnshire Show, who have engaged with the garden and supported us through donating or purchasing some of our merchandise.”
John and Hugh had to create a variety of different garden designs after encountering several challenges along the way.
John says: “Doing a display is always quite stressful, because you’re working with different elements. So, every year is different. This year the wind has been an issue. We’ve had really warm days, but a really cold easterly wind. The problem is that when you get those high temperatures of 25, 26 degrees, and then have an icy wind going through, it’s like getting frostbite for the plants.
“A lot of plants then get this black circle in the middle of their leaves and that’s windburn. We’ve had it across 38 to 40% of the nursery. So, a lot of the things we were going to use for the display, we couldn’t.
“Also, because it was really warm in April and May, a lot of plants we would normally use at this time of year had already gone.”
John continues: “The garden has been well received; I think people like that it’s working in conjunction with St Barnabas. For a lot of people, they are quite proud of the county, and they like that it’s a partnership between Lincolnshire growers and a Lincolnshire charity. It’s a nice synergy.”