Ian Callaghan, from Skellingthorpe, set himself the challenge of running 5k every hour for 24 hours, to celebrate his 50th birthday and raise vital funds for St Barnabas Hospice.
On Saturday 18th May 2024, Ian started his challenge in Skellingthorpe at 8am with a run to join the Lincoln parkrun. He then returned to Skellingthorpe to complete 21 different laps of the village.
Ian said: “Added up, the completed run was just short of three marathons or around 122 kilometres, in a day.”
His fantastic accomplishment raised an incredible £1,101 for St Barnabas Hospice.
When asked why he took on this challenge, Ian said: “I wanted to do something really challenging. I’ve done marathons, ultra-marathons, I’ve ran hills and mountains, but I wanted to try something a bit different.
“And I wanted to choose a challenge that would involve a lot more people and get them to join in.”
The local community were invited to show their support along the way or run a 5k, or more, alongside Ian on the day.
As Club Chair of Lincs Run Club, Ian has supported St Barnabas in the past. Last year the club organised a series of social runs in Lincoln to raise awareness of the St Barnabas Hospice heART trail, as well as encouraging donations to the Hospice.
Ian said:“Raising money for St Barnabas has been brilliant. They’re there at the end of a phone and the email communication is really good. If you’re up for a challenge and want to support St Barnabas, check out their website.”
Make 2025 the year you take on a new challenge and give back. Accomplish new goals such as running a marathon, taking on skydiving, or increasing your daily step count, whilst raising funds for local hospice care.
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.
Dan Wells-Waller, from Louth, organised a local 5k run last year in honour of his dad, Chris, who died the day before. His fundraising challenge raised over £3,000 for St Barnabas Hospice, whose Hospice at Home team had cared for Chris.
Since then, Dan has supported St Barnabas as Lead Torchbearer at the 2024 Torchlight Procession and plans to run 60k this year to mark what would have been his dad’s 60th birthday.
Chris was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2020, which had a great impact on the family.
Dan said: “Over time, it brought us closer than ever. We always had hope, but the cancer started to spread and three Christmases in a row, news of the cancer getting worse was given to us. Even with this he still had a smile on his face.”
Described as a caring person who always had time for people, Chris never stopped to complain and simply got on with what he wanted to do. A loyal follower of MotoGP, he visited his favourite track, Mugello in Italy, after his diagnosis.
“He travelled without travel insurance, much to our worries. He never gave up and pushed what he could do whether it was working or travelling through the chemo.”
A perfectionist in everything he did, from his livelihood – farm work to modest tasks such as packing the dishwasher. The farm meant everything to Chris, and Dan explains:
“He was the only farmer I know who had clean overalls folded neatly in his tractor.
The week before he died, it had come to a point where he struggled to speak as he was in pain. He rang me one morning to check that the fertiliser had been applied to the field before the rain. Thinking he’d started to recover because he was talking, I went to go see him. He was still in the same pain, he just wanted to make sure the farm would be fine when I took over.”
Chris was cared for by St Barnabas’ Hospice at Home community team in his own home, where he died aged 59.
“I can’t begin to thank the nurses enough. St Barnabas’ care granted his final wish – which was to die at home with his family around him. He wouldn’t have had this without that care. They were excellent, and were there not just for him, but for all of us every single day.
“Having four years to prepare for his death allowed me to appreciate the time I had with him, and who he was. But this can never be enough when it finally comes. I worked every day with him through harvest, and more than my dad, he was my best mate.”
Dan had planned to take part in a run in Manchester before his dad died. As the event neared, he didn’t feel comfortable travelling away from his dad, so he chose to organise a 5k in Louth instead, inviting others to join him in supporting St Barnabas.
“Unfortunately, the night before the run he passed away, so I knew we had to still do this for him. The amount of people who turned up was amazing and I can’t thank everyone enough for making an amazing day, to celebrate his life and support a great cause.”
Dan shares his advice for those considering doing a challenge for St Barnabas this year: “Just do it! I’ve always been worried to do a fundraiser in the fear that no one would donate. But you don’t know until you try and no matter how much you raise; it all goes to a great cause.”
St Barnabas Hospice supports over 12,000 patients and their families, and over £7 million needs to be raised each year to continue providing people with compassionate care in Lincolnshire.
From skydiving to running marathons, and cycling long distances to undertaking a steps challenge, there are a variety of ways to push yourself, test your stamina and support local hospice care. Whatever your fitness level, ability or age, there is something for everyone.
All donations raised contribute to the funding of St Barnabas’ vital services, enabling more people to receive specialist end-of-life care and more families to receive bereavement support.
Tree-cycle is the perfect way to dispose of your Christmas tree in the most environmentally conscious way, whilst supporting your local hospice.
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 in the New Year.
Our team of wonderful volunteers will be travelling across the county to collect your Christmas trees, between Tuesday 7th – Sunday 12th January 2025, in return for a voluntary donation.
For a suggested donation of £19.93, the St Barnabas team will collect your tree, chip it and recycle it.
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 making a voluntary donation for the team to collect your Christmas tree(s), you will be directly contributing to the funding of St Barnabas’ vital services across Lincolnshire, such as our Hospice at Home care.
From Lincoln to Louth, Gainsborough to Grantham and Skegness to Spalding, Hospice at Home nurses are supporting people in the community 365 days a year – including Christmas. This includes patient John, who receives visits and specialist care from the St Barnabas Hospice at Home team, after a palliative cancer diagnosis.
John shares how he has been supported by the team: “After my diagnosis, St Barnabas got in touch with me and asked if I wanted anything to help me in the house. They put handrails on the stairs, I’ve got a chair in the bathroom which I can sit on, and it lowers me down, and I’ve got grab rails in the shower so that I don’t fall.
“They put in place things like that for me which are very, very helpful.”
John with Julie, St Barnabas Hospice Nurse.
Further to practical adjustments, the St Barnabas Hospice at Home team have provided John with vital wellbeing support.
He says: “It’s nice to have somebody here to talk to. They come and have a chat with me, ask me how I am, and if there is anything they can do. When you’re on your own, it’s lonely, and you get a bit fed up at times, but I’m very happy with them and they’ve been very good to me”.
A donation of £19.93 allows St Barnabas to care for and support a terminally ill patient in their own home for one hour. 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/
Ness Wilson, Events and Innovation Fundraising Officer, and project lead for Tree-cycle, said: “Tree-cycle is open to all individuals alongside local businesses who can also book to have their trees collected. We can accept trees up to 6ft in height. If your tree is larger than this, please trim it down to 6ft or below so that it fits in our collection vehicles. This ensures that our volunteers can collect all trees efficiently.
“Please ensure your tree is 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.
“We want to say 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 are crucial in supporting the provision of hospice care and services, to 12,000 people across Lincolnshire every day.”
Registrations for Tree-cycle are now open and will close on Thursday 2nd January 2025 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
On Tuesday 19th November, over 1,500 people walked in memory of loved ones, raising much-needed awareness for St Barnabas Hospice as part of the Light Up A Life Appeal.
Led by the RAF Waddington Pipe Band, supporters of all ages walked from Clayton’s Sports Ground to Lincoln Cathedral, whilst holding flaming torches and light-up lanterns. The atmosphere was beautiful, with many supporters seen to be visibly emotional as they paid tribute to lost loved ones.
As is tradition, the Torchlight Procession paused at the Hospice’s Inpatient Unit on Nettleham Road for a moving rendition of Amazing Grace. Patients, staff, and volunteers at the Inpatient Unit were able to enjoy this emotive display and listen from inside the building.
At the front of the Procession was Suzanne Sheppard, who dedicated a light to honour her beloved sister, Caroline, who sadly died in the Hospice in the summer of 2023. Upon the Procession’s arrival at the Cathedral, Suzanne brought the flaming torch forward and lit the ceremonial torch that burned throughout the service.
The service of celebration, compered by Melvyn Prior, included songs from local choirs and performers, and brief messages from representatives of St Barnabas Hospice.
Chief Executive Chris Wheway said: “This is my 9th year doing the Torchlight Procession and it becomes more magical and more cherished each year that we do this.
“This is a community coming together, this tonight is a social movement, this is about saying: we celebrate, we honour, and we remember.”
“A huge thank you to you all for being here and supporting us. Every pound you donate, every item of clothing, every hour you give us, changes lives. By being here tonight, you are changing lives. And I just think that’s the most beautiful, precious thing at this time of year to think about.”
The 30ft Tree of Life outside the Cathedral was illuminated during a touching performance of Candle in the Darkness, specially written by Ben Poole and Tim Marks of The Starring Theatre Company, and performed by local singer, Grace Jackson.
Supporters were then invited to write Messages of Love and tie them to the railings, sending a special message to loved ones no longer here.
Ness Wilson, Events and Innovation Fundraising Officer, and project lead for the Torchlight Procession, said: “The Torchlight Procession is such a special and well-loved event, and it has been an incredibly moving evening. It means a lot to the people of Lincolnshire, and us at St Barnabas, to come together to remember loved ones in such a beautiful way.
We want to thank everyone who walked the Procession or has dedicated a light on the Tree of Life, your support really makes a difference to the provision of vital hospice care across Lincolnshire.”
The annual celebration is part of the Hospice’s Light up a Life appeal which is expected to raise £50,000.
The appeal sees supporters dedicating lights in memory of loved ones each Christmas, now shining brightly on the Tree of Life outside Lincoln Cathedral. To date, this year’s Light up a Life campaign has raised over £28,200.
Ness adds: “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, so thank you all.”
“You can still dedicate a light in memory of a loved one through the St Barnabas Hospice website. You can remember anyone, not just those cared for by the Hospice. As a thank you, we’ll send you a personalised card, a memory tag for the Tree of Life, and a tree decoration.
“The Tree of Life sits outside the Cathedral until early January and is completely free to visit. We invite anyone who was unable to attend the Torchlight Procession to visit when they can, for a moment of reflection for loved ones lost.
To add a Message of Love to the railings of the Tree of Life, you can visit the Lincoln Visitor Information Centre to collect a tag, in return for a donation to St Barnabas Hospice”.
With special thanks to all volunteers, runners, stewards, Annie Griffith & her Community Choirs: Ermine Music, SCONE, Silver Voices (AgeUK), Treble Cliff, Bates Sound Services, Bishop Grosseteste University, Chevron Traffic Management Ltd, City of Lincoln Council, Clavering Removals, Clearance & Storage, Community Response Lincolnshire, Davis Trackhire, Distract, Doddington Hall & Gardens, EE Call Centre Lincoln, Flying Hire, Homelet, HSBC, Kurnia Aerial Photography, Lincoln Cathedral, Lincoln Christ Hospital School, Lincolnshire Co-op, Lincolnshire County Council, Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue. Lincolnshire Police, Lincs Loos, Lindum Rotary Club, Melvyn Prior, Peachy Events, Revd. Canon Tanya Lord, Royal Air Force Station Waddington Pipes & Drums, Ringrose Law, 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 Starring Lincoln Theatre Company, The Tower Hotel, TSS Events, ViC Group, VINCI Facilities, Wootton Forestry & Powerline Services Limited, Wright Vigar.
This December, local primary school Ellison Boulters C of E are taking part in St Barnabas Hospice’s returning festive fundraiser, Rudy’s Run.
The fundraiser is an opportunity to have some festive fun whilst making a difference to those in the local community this Christmas.
On a date of choice, pupils can run, dance or prance as they take part in their very own Rudy’s Run, whilst raising vital funds for hospice care in Lincolnshire.
Ellison Boulters have been a part of the fun since the very beginning, having taken part every year since St Barnabas Hospice first launched Rudy’s Run in 2020.
Headteacher at Ellison Boulters, Mrs Scott, shares why the school choose to take part and support St Barnabas Hospice.
She says: “Since we have started Rudy’s Run it has been really popular with the children.
“I think it touches the lives of lots of families here and the children understand that it is a really important charity.
“We always get lots of support for it. It is one of the most enjoyable fundraisers that we have because the children are so involved in it!”
St Barnabas Hospice provide everything you need to take part including antlers, an assembly video, fundraising tips, an activity pack, and lesson resources.
Mrs Scott continues: “It is really easy to set up and you get lots of really useful information directly from St Barnabas, including how to set up your fundraising page and all of the resources.
“There are a few more activities that you can do outside of the event this year which will get children from reception all the way to year six excited and engaged in fundraising!
“The fundraiser involves very little admin for the school, it is just a case of organising when you’re going to do the run and then getting started. Rudy even drops off your antlers!”
Community Fundraiser and Project Lead for Rudy’s Run, Fiona Malloch-Rear, shares how you can get involved: “We are looking for any and all schools, pre-schools, clubs, and community groups across Lincolnshire to take part in Rudy’s Run this Christmas.
“We simply ask that each child taking part raises £3, which will help to raise vital funds for local hospice care. By way of example, every £19.93 raised will allow us to care for a patient in their own home for one hour.”
Mrs Scott encourages others to sign up and take part: “I definitely would recommend it to other schools. It is really easy to get started!”
To sign up your school, preschool, nursery, or community group to Rudy’s Run and join other participating children across Lincolnshire, please visit the St Barnabas Hospice website.
St Barnabas is an independent, local charity that supports over 12,000 patients, their families, and carers each year. Every pound raised truly matters to the Hospice, who give their sincere thanks to all children, parents, teachers and staff members for their generous support.
Ann Gregory remembers her treasured husband, Pete, who was sadly diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour in April 2022.
Pete was 67 years old at the time of his diagnosis, at an otherwise joyful period of life for both him, his wife and their family.
Ann got in touch with St Barnabas Hospice at the beginning of Pete’s diagnosis. Ann said: “It’s not until you’re involved with St Barnabas that you realise, they don’t just do terminal care.
“We had physiotherapists, people coming in to talk to Pete about what was going to happen, getting his respect form organised and sorting out claims through the Welfare and Benefits Team.
“They just knew what they were doing. They kept me going and I couldn’t have managed without them.”
Pete and Ann received Hospice at Home care from the St Barnabas Community Team, enabling Pete to be cared for in his own home and spend precious time with Ann and his loved ones.
Ann continues: “When it got near the end, Pete had a fall and needed a hospital bed. Mary came in from St Barnabas and convinced him that a hospital bed was a good idea.
“I’ll be eternal grateful to her.”
Unfortunately, Pete is not the only member of Ann’s family that has needed care and support from St Barnabas Hospice.
Helen, Ann’s eldest sister, said: “I’m not sure there are many other families out there that have received as much support from St Barnabas as we have.
“Sadly, a number of years ago my husband was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s. Approximately five years ago, my youngest sister was diagnosed with incurable secondary breast cancer. Then, nearly two years ago, I was diagnosed with incurable secondary breast cancer.
“We have all received so much support from St Barnabas and we are all so, so grateful.”
As a loved one of a patient, Ann received support from St Barnabas throughout Pete’s diagnosis and following his death. Ann said: “When Pete did pass away, I rang Emma, a St Barnabas nurse.
“She was working locally and was with me within five minutes. She sorted everything out; rang the undertaker and rang the careers. That was something that was taken off my hands and I didn’t have to do.
“They look after you and you feel part of their family.
“Pete died peacefully at home, which is where he wanted to be.”
Following Pete’s death, Ann has continued to support St Barnabas and in October 2023, took part in a Fire Walk to fundraise for the Hospice.
This year, Ann has joined St Barnabas Hospice Patron, Warwick Davis, in pledging to leave a gift in her Will to the charity.
Leaving a gift in your Will can help ensure that support like Pete, Ann and Helen received continues in the future.
This October, St Barnabas Hospice are inviting supporters to the heart of Lincoln’s Cathedral Quarter to enjoy an afternoon of cuisine, couture and boutique browsing, whilst raising vital funds for local hospice care.
In partnership with some of Lincoln’s most celebrated businesses, St Barnabas are launching a brand-new ‘Ladies Who Lunch’ event, due to take place on Thursday 10th October 2024.
The recently revamped White Hart Hotel, situated in the Bailgate of Lincoln, will host the inaugural event, beautifully decorated by the Lincolnshire Flower Company.
General Manager at the White Hart Hotel, Paul Noble, said: “As a long-standing corporate supporter of St Barnabas Hospice, we are thrilled to have been selected as the venue for their upcoming Ladies Who Lunch event.
“At the White Hart, we have previously supported many of St Barnabas Hospice’s fundraising efforts and are really excited to be taking part in this new event.
“Our recent refurbishment at the hotel means we were able to donate a number of pieces of furniture to St Barnabas’ flagship store, The Warehouse, in Lincoln and to continue our support is something we’re really proud of.
“We feel that the upcoming event is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our newly refurbished hotel, whilst continuing to support a local charity that provides vital hospice care to patients and families in our community.”
Supporters can look forward to a welcome cocktail, made with Pin Gin x St Barnabas Gin and Rum, and a two-course meal, as The White Hart combines the finest local ingredients from the best artisanal producers.
The lunch will be followed by an exclusive preview of the latest fashion trends and unique pieces of the season with a stunning display from local boutique, SELF. Further to this, there will be an exclusive talk and showcase from renowned Milliner, Ian Bennett, whose clientele includes the royal family and stars of stage and screen.
Into the afternoon, there will be an opportunity to explore and support some of Lincoln’s finest independent businesses. The Hospice are due to welcome a selection of boutique stalls, from artisan fudge to unique homewares and ethical clothing, alongside a premium raffle.
Deborah Yarwood, Fundraising Officer and Project Lead of ‘Ladies Who Lunch’ says: “On behalf of everyone at St Barnabas, I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to the White Hart and all the businesses who are generously supporting our upcoming event.
“It is absolutely amazing to see tremendous community collaboration from local businesses and supporters alike, all willing to support the continuation of vital hospice care across Lincolnshire.
“If you are looking to enjoy a fabulous day out with friends, family or colleagues, join us at our Ladies Who Lunch, in support of St Barnabas Hospice.”
Tickets are now available to purchase on the St Barnabas Hospice website, as a single booking, a table of ten or a table of twelve.
St Barnabas Hospice are thrilled to share the heartwarming news that the charity’s most recent in-memory appeal ‘Feathers From Above’ raised over £55,000 for Hospice care.
The concept of the ‘Feathers From Above’ appeal was to create an installation of 1,000 handmade feathers, offering supporters a unique way to remember a loved one.
Each ironwork feather was handmade in Lincolnshire by local Steel Fabricator Kevin Baumber. They were curated at three different heights to form a moving display of art that interacted with the wind.
Supporters were invited to dedicate a feather in memory of a loved one and receive a personalised tag to take home and cherish in their garden or outdoor space.
The heartfelt display of feathers was held at Aubourn Hall Gardens and Grounds, a beautiful back drop to such an emotive appeal, less than ten miles from Lincoln.
Longstanding Patron of St Barnabas Hospice, Warwick Davis, was one of many who attended the Hospice’s VIP reflection evening on Thursday 2nd May at Aubourn Hall, which marked the opening of the display. This was Warwick’s first public appearance since the announcement of his wife, Samantha’s, death.
The moving event took place in a twilight setting, with specially curated lighting, illuminated photos of loved ones, and live music from Elizabeth Wallace, musician and St Barnabas nurse.
Warwick issued a statement in support of the appeal: “The loss of a loved one is, sadly, something many of us will endure in our lifetime. It can come unexpectedly or as the result of a terminal illness.
“Nonetheless, the experience is just as painful and heartbreaking. Recently, I’ve come to understand what this means first-hand with the passing of my beloved wife, Sammy.
“Feathers have long been considered spiritual signs that our deceased loved ones are near, so in recognition of that, St Barnabas created ‘Feathers from Above’. By reserving one, you are not only helping fund the essential hospice care St Barnabas provides but also acknowledging and creating a lasting legacy for your loved one.”
On Saturday, May 4th, St Barnabas Hospice welcomed members of the public to the first daytime display of ironwork feathers at Aubourn Hall Gardens and Grounds. The display was open and available to visit every day until Friday 17th May.
Rebekah Watson dedicated a feather in memory of her sister, Natalie, who received care and services from St Barnabas. She says: “My sister, Natalie, was a funny, kind, and beautiful mother, sister, and auntie. She loved everybody she met and was so generous.
“The St Barnabas nurses that visited Natalie at home, were a huge support to her and us, as a family. They could not do enough for Natalie in the final weeks of her life.
“It was amazing to see so many special people being remembered through the Feathers from Above appeal alongside my sister.”
After the closing of the display, individuals who purchased a feather were invited to collect it from Aubourn Hall or a St Barnabas office in Lincoln. Here, they were able to choose the feather that resonated with them the most.
The total amount raised in line with the ‘Feathers From Above’ appeal is attributed to the sale of feathers, display admission, feather pin badges, the sale of merchandise at Aubourn Halll and additional donations.
Ellie Carter, Project Lead and Fundraising Development Manager at St Barnabas, says: “At St Barnabas we are so pleased with the wonderful success of the ‘Feathers From Above’ appeal, supported by a variety of generous individuals and businesses,
including our longstanding Patron, Warwick Davis.
“We would like to say a special thank you to every supporter who has contributed to the success of the appeal by purchasing a feather. You are supporting the continuation of vital Hospice care across Lincolnshire whilst remembering your loved one in a unique way.”
Ironwork feathers are still available to purchase for £30 from the St Barnabas Hospice website, with a blank tag that the supporter can personalise with their loved ones’ name.
St Barnabas Hospice thanks Aubourn Hall Gardens and Grounds, the Neville family, The Royal Oak Pub, Elizabeth Wallace, Peachy Events, Kevin Baumber, Felicity Jenkinson, Claverings Removals and Storage, and St Barnabas volunteers.
St Barnabas Hospice are a local, independent charity, providing free support to over 12,000 people like Natalie, each year, in Lincolnshire.
If you would like to make a donation, fundraise for the charity, or find out more about the services it provides, please visit the St Barnabas Hospice website.
The Watermill in Middle Rasen is gearing up for a great day of tea, cake and community as Mandy Carter hosts her third Care For A Cuppa on Saturday 3rd August.
Previously, Mandy has raised an incredible £5,556 for St Barnabas Hospice and is aiming high once more, hoping her 2024 event brings in £2,000.
With an ambitious target, Mandy understands the importance of supporting St Barnabas’ free, high quality, compassionate end-of-life care. Dedicated to the cause alongside friends, family and neighbours, she explains why she chooses to host this annual summer fundraiser.
“We’ve all been touched by the amazing work of St Barnabas in some way, so it’s important to us to give something back. We never know when we may need the Hospice, so we like to fundraise and raise awareness so that more people across Lincoln can access the vital care and support that the Hospice provides.”
Mandy’s inspiration to host a Care For A Cuppa stems not only from the desire to support St Barnabas, but also to create a sense of community spirit that dwindled during the pandemic.
“A big reason that we decided to take part in the Care For A Cuppa initiative was to bring together our community. After COVID 19, that core sense of community dwindled, so we thought it’d be a great way to bring our village and surrounding villages together over tea, cake and supporting a good cause. It is now something that the village looks forward to, and they come every year to support us.”
For those considering hosting their own event, Mandy assures fellow supporters that it’s an easy and enjoyable experience: “All you need is a lot of cake, a boiled kettle, and time for a chat! Whether it’s a small gathering or a large-scale event, it’s a super opportunity to have fun and raise funds for a great cause.”
The upcoming Care For A Cuppa at The Watermill promises to be a day to remember. Starting at 11am, guests will be greeted with a smile and delicious choice of cakes, alongside tea, coffee or Pimms. The event will feature a raffle, a well-stocked tombola, and a silent auction for an afternoon tea experience. Attendees can also take a stroll around the gardens and along the river to the historic dam, with The Watermill itself open for tours.
Mandy invites Lincolnshire folk to attend this fun, feel-good fundraiser on Saturday 3rd August 2024 from 11am to 4pm, for a “a wonderful day out, which brings the local community together to spend time having a chat, cake and cuppa.”
Join Mandy Carter and the Middle Rasen community at The Watermill this summer, all in support of St Barnabas Hospice. Or take inspiration from Mandy and host your own Care For A Cuppa, receiving a free fundraising pack when you sign up. From your home to your workplace, you can bake or buy, put the kettle on and host the event your way.
St Barnabas Hospice is thrilled to announce the opening of its breathtaking ‘Feathers from Above’ display of handmade ironwork feathers at Aubourn Hall Gardens and Grounds with longstanding Patron of St Barnabas, Warwick Davis, in attendance.
Warwick was one of the many who attended the Hospice’s VIP reflection evening on Thursday, 2nd May. This was Warwick’s first public appearance since the announcement of his wife, Samantha’s, death.
Given the purpose of the ‘Feathers from Above’ display and his recent circumstances, Warwick was keen to show his support as he had done with many of the hospice’s previous fundraising events.
The display comprises over 1,000 handmade ironwork feathers, each individually dedicated by individuals and families in memory of their loved ones.
To celebrate the opening of the display, the Hospice hosted an invite-only launch event on the evening of Thursday, 2nd May, at Aubourn Hall, a beautiful backdrop to the display less than ten miles from Lincoln.
The moving event took place in a twilight setting, with specially curated lighting, illuminated photos of loved ones, and live music from Elizabeth Wallace, musician and St Barnabas nurse. Attendees were also welcome to enjoy refreshments, including St Barnabas gin and spiced rum, created in partnership with Lincolnshire distillery Pin Gin, and canapes provided by local pub The Royal Oak.
Understandably, Warwick did not want to give interviews to the cameras on the night of the reflection evening and instead opted for photo opportunities only. But in the days leading up to the display, Warwick informed the hospice: “The loss of a loved one is, sadly, something many of us will endure in our lifetime. It can come unexpectedly or as the result of a terminal illness.
“Nonetheless, the experience is just as painful and heartbreaking. Recently, I’ve come to understand what this means first-hand with the passing of my beloved wife, Sammy.
“Feathers have long been considered spiritual signs that our deceased loved ones are near, so in recognition of that, St Barnabas created ‘Feathers from Above’. By reserving one, you are not only helping fund the essential hospice care St Barnabas provides but also acknowledging and creating a lasting legacy for your loved one.”
St Barnabas Hospice CEO Chris Wheway, along with the organisation’s directors and trustees, was also in attendance and among the first to view the display of feathers in its entirety.
Chris Wheway said: “It is an absolutely breathtaking sight to see our ‘Feathers from Above’ display this evening, with each and every feather representing a loved one no longer with us.
“Aubourn Hall Gardens and Grounds is a beautiful backdrop to such an emotive display, and on behalf of everyone at the Hospice, we would like to thank Aubourn Hall and the Neville family for their unwavering support.
“By visiting the display and purchasing a feather, you are supporting the provision of free palliative and end-of-life hospice care for patients and their families across Lincolnshire.”
Members of the public were also invited to view the display at night, with ticketed sessions at the reflection evening events available on Thursday, May 2nd, and Friday, May 3rd. These reflection evenings provided individuals an exclusive opportunity to view the display early, alongside photos of their loved ones on dedication screens.
The feathers themselves are individually hand-crafted close to Aubourn Hall by local Steal Fabricator Kevin Baumber. Due to being made at three different heights, the feathers make a moving
display of art that interacts with the wind when put together.
Steel Fabricator and artist behind the feather, Kevin Baumber, said: “The concept behind the feathers is that whenever you see a white feather, it is thought to represent someone you have lost who is still close to you.
“Hopefully, when we have all the feathers together, people will visit the project, and it will give them a lot of pleasure.
“I consider Lincoln my home, so it is really nice to put something back into the community.”
Feathers are currently available to purchase through the St Barnabas website for £40. The price of a feather matches the cost to St Barnabas of providing care for a patient in their own home for two hours. Your purchase will support the continuation of their services to over 12,000 patients and families across Lincolnshire.
On Saturday, May 4th, St Barnabas Hospice welcomed members of the public to the first daytime display of ironwork feathers at Aubourn Hall Gardens and Grounds. The display is now open and available to visit every day until Friday, May 17th.
Individuals who have purchased an ironwork feather on the St Barnabas Hospice website are granted one free entry to the display. For other visitors, the entry fee is £8 per person (50% of which will be retained by St Barnabas Hospice) and free for children under 16.
Caroline Swindin, Head of Fundraising and Lottery at St Barnabas Hospice, said: “We are thrilled that our ‘Feathers from Above’ display is now open for visitors to enjoy this Spring.
“Throughout the display, St Barnabas staff and volunteers will be in attendance to inform visitors not only about the care and services we provide but also about the blossoming gardens, plants, and flowers that surround the feathers.
“I would like to personally thank Aubourn Hall, the Neville family and our dedicated artist, Kevin Baumber, all of whom this appeal would not have taken place without.”
St Barnabas Hospice thanks Aubourn Hall Gardens and Grounds, the Neville family, The Royal Oak Pub, Elizabeth Wallace, Peachy Events, Kevin Baumber, Felicity Jenkinson, Claverings Removals and Storage, and St Barnabas volunteers.
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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 in the New Year.
appearance since the announcement of his wife, Samantha’s, death.
Rebekah Watson dedicated a feather in memory of her sister, Natalie, who received care and services from St Barnabas. She says: “My sister, Natalie, was a funny, kind, and beautiful mother, sister, and auntie. She loved everybody she met and was so generous.
miles from Lincoln.
Caroline Swindin, Head of Fundraising and Lottery at St Barnabas Hospice, said: “We are thrilled that our ‘Feathers from Above’ display is now open for visitors to enjoy this Spring.