Category: Fundraising
“I can look after the wildflowers and talk to Dad at the same time when I just feel like I need him.”
Geoffrey Gowland was just 55 when he died, leaving behind his wife and children, Emma and Ashley. Emma has chosen to dedicate wildflowers in his memory to help her feel close to him, especially on tough days. She has done this through the St Barnabas Hospice Wildflower Memories Appeal. 
Emma said, “Dad had a really cheeky personality; he used to laugh and laugh at proper ‘dad jokes’ and was just a big child. He spent a lot of his life as a fireman helping others, and that was always his nature. He was the biggest family man and we were his life. As long as we were protected and safe, he was happy.
“He was diagnosed with cancer on 16th March 2016 and died just a couple of weeks later. Our heads were in a spin; we had barely managed to come to terms with his diagnosis before he was gone. My grandparents lost their son – Dad’s brother – when he was very young, so to find out they were losing another son just completely broke them.
“I felt like a lost little girl. I was 28 at the time but it was as though I had reverted back to being a child, just trying to tell myself that it was all a bad dream.
“Our saving grace during this horrible period of our lives was St Barnabas Hospice. The dignity and care they showed my dad was like nothing I had ever imagined. From the moment the family walked in, we felt they were caring not only for dad, but for us too.
“My brother and I struggled to process our feelings alongside making sure Mum was ok, but the nurses took over and gave us stability when everything was falling apart. Dad’s only wish was to be with Mum until the end, and St Barnabas allowed her to be there every second of every day. I don’t think people realise just how special the team at St Barnabas are.
“One memory which really stands out to me was the Lincoln 10k that year. For a few years, Dad had taken part in the 10k, so this time his friends decided to take it on to show their support for him. When the nurses found out, they came outside with me, held my hand and cheered Dad’s friends on as they ran past the Hospice. I felt so supported and cared for in that moment. 
“Growing wildflowers in Dad’s memory is so special to me. I recently bought my first house, which is the first big milestone in my life that he hasn’t been there for. The wildflowers are something I can plant in my garden so that a part of him is here with me. I can look after the wildflowers and talk to Dad at the same time when I just feel like I need him.
“It’s so easy to order your wildflowers – you can do it all online. Just visit www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/wildflower and fill in a dedication form for your loved one with the amount you would like to donate. When you have finished, your dedication will appear on the screen and you can even share it on social media for friends and family to read!
“The lovely people at the Hospice will then post out your wildflower seeds, which are engrained into a beautiful painting done by Hannah Dale at Wrendale Designs. It comes with instructions on how to plant and care for the seeds, so could not be simpler.
“The seeds will carry on re-seeding themselves for years to come, so Dad can be there in my garden always.”
“If my experience has taught me anything, it’s that we should live for today. Don’t take for granted what you have – treasure it.”
Rachel Eldridge was diagnosed with a type of cancer in her 20s which caused her to completely reassess her life and live in the moment more. She has bravely decided to sign up and skydive in support of St Barnabas Hospice this September!
Rachel said, “I was 29 when I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. In one simple moment, one doctor’s appointment, it literally felt like my world fell apart. What followed was a year filled with worry, with blood tests, scans, biopsies, twelve rounds of chemotherapy, more scans, pain, sickness, tiredness, medication, doctors’ appointments, hospital stays, until finally in 2011 I received my all clear.
“Without a doubt this remains the hardest thing I have ever been through; something I simply couldn’t have got through without the unfaltering support of my husband, family and friends.
“Around two years ago, I had another health scare which really made me evaluate my priorities. Thankfully it wasn’t anything sinister, but there’s nothing like a reminder of that nature to put things in perspective.
“So, on the 18th September, I will be marking my ten-year anniversary of that all-important all-clear result and my 40th birthday by throwing myself out of a plane for the fantastic charity that is St Barnabas. If my experience has taught me anything, it’s that we should live for today. Don’t take for granted what you have – treasure it.
“Skydiving is something I have always wanted to try, but somehow never managed to find the right reason to do it until now.
“St Barnabas provides an absolutely vital service to the people of Lincolnshire. In the current climate it is even more critical that they get the donations they need in order to continue to provide this service. Without a doubt I would think most people in Lincolnshire could think of someone they know whose life has been touched by St Barnabas Hospice.
“I feel so excited to have this opportunity, as well as slightly nervous. Any support with either sponsorship money or well wishes would be gratefully appreciated!”
To sponsor Rachel, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Rachel-Eldridge3 or to sign up and skydive alongside her this September, visit stbarnabashospice.co.uk/events/skydive-september.
Father and daughter duo take on a summer cycling challenge in memory of Granny
On Yer Bike is back for Summer 2021, and first to sign up to this 100km cycling challenge were father and daughter duo, Jonathan (49) and Poppy (11) from Lincoln.
St Barnabas first launched this challenge in 2020 to help supporters exercise and fundraise whilst following government guidelines during the pandemic. In total, 83 people took part and raised an incredible £23,272 between them!
The challenge has been resurrected this summer and St Barnabas are asking supporters to cycle 100km in a day, week, month or over the course of the summer to raise money. It really is for people of all cycling abilities as you are in control over how long you take to complete the challenge. You can complete the challenge on any bike of choice, whether that’s an exercise bike indoors or a bicycle outdoors.
Jonathan and Poppy are cycling in memory of their mum/granny who sadly died at the St Barnabas Hospice Inpatient Unit on Nettleham Road. 
Jonathan said, “We sadly lost Mum twenty years ago and want to give something back to this wonderful charity to say thank you for the amazing care she received. Unfortunately, Poppy never had the privilege to meet her Granny, but I know she would be so proud of what Poppy is doing now.
“Poppy and I enjoy cycling together as it is good for our fitness and great for father-daughter bonding time together. We have been cycling round the Lincoln area and making the most of the glorious weather over the past few weeks.
“Mum was such a lovely lady and an inspiration to so many people. Not only was she a fantastic, caring mother to me and my younger brother, Jamie, she was also an NHS nurse and later in life worked in private nursing homes. In her spare time she was active within the Salvation Army, playing cornet in their band and singing soprano in the Songsters.
“The care Mum received when she was in the Hospice was honestly better than a 10* hotel in Dubai! Nothing was too much trouble; from the warm welcome when we were visiting, cups of tea, they even offered a meal to close family. As a family we can’t thank everyone involved enough. We can take comfort in the dignified and peaceful passing provided.”
Poppy added, “I enjoy riding my bike. Me and dad have a laugh while we are out cycling and I have learnt a lot that I didn’t know about my Gran until we started this challenge.” 
Poppy and Jonathan have already quadrupled their initial fundraising target of £100 and are determined to raise more money before their challenge draws to a close. To sponsor them, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Jonathan-Willows1.
On Yer Bike is open to sign ups throughout the summer, and it costs just £12 to get involved. Upon signing up, participants will get to choose between a free branded cycling top or t-shirt (adults) or a free branded t-shirt or water bottle (children).
Visit www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/onyerbike to sign up!
St Barnabas employee remembers beloved mum by planting wildflowers in her memory
St Barnabas Hospice has today launched a new in memory appeal featuring Marie Pattison who has worked in their Supporter Care team for over 37 years and whose mum was cared for by the Hospice last year.
The Wildflower Appeal enables people to remember loved ones by planting wildflowers in their memory. By making a dedication to a loved one on the St Barnabas website, supporters will receive a special piece of artwork drawn by the talented Hannah Dale of Wrendale Designs. The wildflower seeds are engrained within this card, which has been specially made to be planted outside.
Marie Pattison, Supporter Care Officer at St Barnabas Hospice said, “My mum was the loveliest lady you could ever know. I know a lot of people would say that about their mum, but her positive outlook on life shone through to everyone who knew her. When St Barnabas took over her care, they gave our family the chance to see mum shining once again. She was my best friend and I miss her greatly. 
“Last year she developed a pain in her shoulder which was diagnosed as a fractured clavicle bone. Further tests then revealed that she had pancreatic and lung cancer, as well as vascular dementia. The news rocked our family and we had to come to terms with the fact that Mum had little time left with us.
“St Barnabas Hospice stepped in and immediately helped to ease the load as we adjusted to caring for her. The nurses are absolute angels and I will never forget the lengths they went to in looking after Mum.
“Mum was a very elegant lady and always took great care of her appearance. I remember visiting her at the Hospice one day and the nurses had done her hair beautifully and painted her nails. They had given me my mum back for those last few days and that meant the absolute world to me.
“Mum’s biggest passion in life was her garden, and she loved watching the bees, butterflies and flowers from her special bench. My wildflower seeds will grow in one of Mum’s plant pots to honour her memory. I like to think that she will be sat watching over my garden, and these flowers will bring me closer to her when I am outside.”
St Barnabas Hospice would like to issue its thanks to Hannah from Wrendale Designs, Flowers by Mandy and Doddington Hall and Gardens for supporting this appeal.
Hannah Dale said, “I am delighted to support St Barnabas Hospice once again with the donation of the artwork ‘A Lincolnshire Meadow’. It was inspired by the wildflowers and animals that make their home in our beautiful county. The money raised by the appeal will allow St Barnabas to offer more people in Lincolnshire compassionate end-of-life care.”
The Wildflower Appeal is available to all those who have lost loved ones, not just the families of those cared for by St Barnabas Hospice. A donation of just £34.17 could cover the cost of one hour of specialist care at the Hospice, just like Marie’s mum had.
Marie said, “It warms my heart to know many gardens will be filled with life because of this appeal. Our loved ones will live on in the beautiful flowers that grow.”
To make your wildflower dedication and receive a special limited edition seeded card, visit www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/wildflower
Wright Vigar takes on mammoth walking challenge to support St Barnabas
Wright Vigar, an accountancy company based in the East Midlands and London, decided to put their own spin on the Don’t Quit, Get Fit challenge, tasking their teams to walk the equivalent distance from their Lincoln to London office (a total of 130 miles)!
A St Barnabas nurse walks an average of 12,000 steps in one shift, meaning it would take them just over 21 days to walk a similar distance.
On average in the UK, we sit for 8.9 hours a day. For office workers, the majority of these hours are sat at a desk, which can create health risks. Understanding these risks, Wright Vigar have decided to give their teams a reason to get out and be active, knowing they are supporting such a worthwhile cause.
Tom Maxwell from Wright Vigar said, “If you have the chance, get involved with other people as it really helps to keep you motivated along the way. And remember, it doesn’t always have to be a race. Go at your own pace but be consistent and you will get there.
“St Barnabas make it really easy for you to get involved and are always on hand to answer any questions you might have about your fundraising efforts. They guide you through the process of getting your fundraiser set up and are always checking in to see how things are going.
“The team have always supported St Barnabas, previously taking on the Accumulator Challenge, as they really appreciate the work they do, understand how important it is and the amount of people it benefits. Our aim was to raise £500 with this challenge, but have actually raised £670 which will be match funded.
“Many of us have been working at home for a large proportion of the pandemic and doing some exercise provides a refreshing change of scenery to help clear your mind and gets your blood flowing. There’s nothing quite like fresh air and some exercise to get your creative juices flowing and boost energy levels.”
Click here to take part in the Don’t Quit, Get Fit challenge.
Lincolnshire Training Hub takes on Don’t Quit, Get Fit challenge for St Barnabas Hospice
Every day throughout April, members of the Lincolnshire Training Hub team (including GPs, nurses, management staff, medical students and nursing students) donned their walking shoes to clock up as many miles as they could across Lincolnshire!
Together, they smashed their target distance of 1500 miles. That’s more than double the distance from Land’s End to John O’Groats! They have raised an incredible £750 for the Hospice.
Ruth Pollock, Project Manager at the Training Hub said, “As a primary care team, we are very aware of the health and wellbeing benefits of exercise. Getting outside and exercising is a great way to boost resilience and lose lockdown pounds! We found that having a target distance to aim for really spurs us on, as does undertaking the challenge as part of a team.
“The support provided by St Barnabas has been fantastic every step of the way. As well as written guidelines on how to set up a JustGiving page, fundraising tips and printable exercise logs, we have received regular phone calls to support and encourage us throughout the challenge.
“This is our first fundraising challenge in aid of St Barnabas. We have undertaken this challenge as we are aware that St Barnabas Hospice is currently losing £1,370 in fundraising and shop income every day due to Covid-19. We are hoping to raise as much money as we can to help them continue their vital work with terminally ill patients across Lincolnshire.
“Many of our team are front-line NHS clinicians and the pandemic has brought with it unprecedented challenges. Exercising outdoors is proven to lower blood pressure and stress levels and improve both physical and mental health.”
Click here to sign up for the Don’t Quit, Get Fit challenge.
Wing walking in memory of an incredible lady
By Steph Armstrong, St Barnabas Hospice supporter
“This year my partner Micheal (37) is helping to raise money for St Barnabas. He is signed up to do the wing walk event on 8th August at Wickenby Airfield in Lincolnshire. We have supported the Hospice for a few years now, by taking part in some of the events to raise money. In 2019 we did the 5k Colour Dash which we really enjoyed doing together as a couple.
“We support the Hospice by taking part in events because St Barnabas supported my mum during her short illness. Her illness came so unexpectedly and it rocked the whole family. It was a devastating time and a sad situation to see our mum go through. She was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour in September 2010 and sadly passed away peacefully within the care of St Barnabas Hospice on 26th February 2011, after receiving the vital care she needed towards the end of her life.
“She was a hardworking, caring mother of seven children, she always put herself last even when she was ill. She just cared about all of us children at the time and how things would affect us when she was gone. She loved driving in her car before she became ill, loved a magazine and good book. She was the manager in Cooplands bakery in Lincoln town centre. She was a lifetime partner to my dad Mark; they were together from teenagers up until the age of 39 when she sadly passed away. It left a big hole in all of our lives.
“Micheal is also raising money in memory of his friend’s mum who passed away in 2018 and was also cared for by the Hospice.
“Micheal has never done anything like this before. He is feeling good about doing the event, and looking forward to the whole experience. I am proud of him for helping the Hospice that supported my mum. I think for anyone considering doing the event I would just say the donations raised are going to such a great cause, supporting the care the Hospice is able to provide to patients and their families. For anyone considering the event, give it a go! It will be an unforgettable experience and we are looking forward to the event on the day.”
Click here to make a donation and support Micheal’s wing walking.
Click here to sign up and take part alongside him.
“I took part in the Sportive last year and got such a buzz from it that I decided to sign up again.”
Nigel Cooper has signed up to cycle 75 miles in a day as part of the GIANT Lincoln Cycle Sportive, which he is doing to raise money for St Barnabas Hospice in memory of his mum.
Nigel said, “I took part in the Sportive last year and got such a buzz from it that I decided to sign up again. Last year, the Fundraising team were very supportive, providing me with a St Barnabas cycling top which I wore with pride. They were very engaging.
“I have supported the charity for six years now and it has been nice to raise money for such a worthy cause.
“My mum passed away 20 years ago, so I will be cycling in her memory. She was diagnosed it cancer, but sadly it was too late for doctors to help.
“Mum was a very giving and fun person. She was keen to raise money for local charities by holding jumble sales in the family garden. She created a sense of community and everyone wanted to be involved. She even got local Radio Norfolk presenter, Roy Waller, to open the jumble sales!
“The reason I cycle is to keep fit, and it has particularly helped me during the pandemic, both mentally and physically.”
To sponsor Nigel, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Nigel-Cooper5
The GIANT Lincoln Cycle Sportive takes place on Sunday 27th June, beginning at Doddington Hall. To find out more information and sign up, visit www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/giantsportive.
Our gin collaboration with Bottomley Distillers is just the tonic!
St Barnabas Hospice is partnering with Lincolnshire-based brand Pin Gin for a second time to raise essential funds with the launch of its second collaborative gin, ‘Est. 1982 Flora.’ 
Following the success of last year’s ‘Est. 1982 Bramble’, which also raised money for the hospice, Bottomley Distillers (home of award winning brand Pin Gin), a distillery based in Louth, Lincolnshire, has created a limited edition London dry gin with floral notes of pomegranate blossom and earthy tones from fresh lavender.
Veronica McBain, Head of Fundraising and Lottery, said: “We are so excited to be Pin Gin’s charity partner for the second year in a row, and this new gin launch will be a great way to raise funds for our essential end-of-life care.
“Last year’s partnership raised over £6,500 for our work, and we are so excited to see this new line of gin being launched. Over £14 from every sale will be donated to the hospice, so it’s a great way of not only supporting a local business but also raising much-needed funds.”
Bottomley Distillers is a family-owned distillery with a heritage dating back to the 1950s with the original founder Mr Stansfield Bottomley. Mr Bottomley was a small scale whisky producer, beginning in West Yorkshire before moving on to Lincolnshire in the early 1980s. 
Alan Bottomley, his youngest son, was always fascinated by the production of spirit. In 2016, inspired by this inherited skill and the rise in the craft market, he decided to modernise those nearly lost techniques.
Amy Conyard at Bottomley Distillers said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with St Barnabas once again for the second year running and to be supporting a local cause. All profits from the sale of this gin will go directly to St Barnabas Hospice and we hope that this is going to ultimately result in a considerable donation that we can make to the charity.”
You can buy bottles of ‘Est. 1982 Flora’ from Pin Gin’s website www.bottomleydistillers.co.uk//product-page/est-1982-flora-70cl and selected stockists.
“I’m so excited to see that Gin and Jammies has returned again this year with a virtual event, and who isn’t a fan of Gary Barlow’s music?”
Written by Karen Powell, St Barnabas supporter
“I was diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer in June 2011. Eight years later, I found a lump in my groin and I was absolutely devastated. I had surgery to remove ten lymph nodes, but it wasn’t a success. A PET scan showed inoperable melanoma in more nodes, so my cancer became stage four and I began palliative immunotherapy treatment in 2020.
“Immunotherapy treatment was tough. My body reacted badly to it and it attacked my lungs, leaving me vulnerable to catching the coronavirus. My mental health was also affected as a combination of shielding and steroids caused me to gain weight.
“I threw a Gin and Jammies party just before the lockdown because it seemed like the perfect excuse to get the girls round and have some fun for charity. We played Jenga, table top curling and pass the parcel. There was laughter and chat, as well as gin and prosecco! It was a much-needed catch-up and gave me a reason to forget about my cancer.
“The party raised £250 and I feel so glad to know that this money has helped to support people across Lincolnshire in a similar position to me. St Barnabas does such an incredible job supporting the people of Lincolnshire and you really don’t know if you or a loved one will ever need their services. If the time came, I would have no hesitation in calling upon St Barnabas to support my family and I through difficult times.
“When I was able to come off the steroids later that year, I started a fitness plan and began going for walks once it was safe to do so. Then in March 2021 I received the amazing news that my cancer is now in remission. To say I am over the moon is an understatement!
“I’m so excited to see that Gin and Jammies has returned again this year with a virtual event, and who isn’t a fan of Gary Barlow’s music? It’s certainly something I will be telling the girls all about.
“I also have plans to walk a whole marathon and raise money for St Barnabas. It will be tough, but I’m determined to do it.”
“Tickets cost just £20 per person, giving you exclusive access to the online event, as well as a party pack with gin, tonic, cocktail recipes, spa products, wax melts, a silk eye mask and more! You can buy tickets at www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/ginandjammies.”