Category: Fundraising

St Barnabas is on the lookout for people across Lincolnshire to volunteer some of their spare time

A new year brings new opportunities, and this year St Barnabas is on the hunt for volunteers across Lincolnshire to form a brand new team of ‘Collection Champions.’

St Barnabas is looking for people in a wide range of locations across Lincolnshire to use part of their spare time visiting local businesses. Their job will be to gather in the Hospice’s full collection pots and swap them for new ones, bringing the full ones back to head office in Lincoln.

The Hospice would be delighted to hear from you if you have an interest in this role. Collection Champions must have a full driving license and access to their own vehicle, and they will be provided with a Hospice induction and sufficient training to undertake the role.

Sam Waterer, Individual Giving Fundraiser for St Barnabas, said:

“We have over 1,100 volunteers in various roles at St Barnabas, and the amazing work they do really helps the Hospice to continue supporting patients with life-limiting or terminal illnesses, and their family and carers, across Lincolnshire.

“This is a great opportunity for others to join the team and help the Hospice to raise some much needed money.

“Whether you want to add to your CV, do a random act of kindness, or simply just find out more about what a hospice is, we encourage everyone curious about this role to give us a call and find out more.

For more information about the role or to register an interest, please call Sam Waterer on 01522 540 300 or email sam.waterer@stbarnabashospice.co.uk

You can view a fun video of the role here!

St Barnabas Hospice have launched a campaign to raise £30,000 this month to care for patients on Christmas Day

It will cost £30,136.98 this year for St Barnabas to care for Lincolnshire patients who are living with a life-limiting or terminal illness, on Christmas Day.

To get everyone in the festive spirit and raise some much needed money for the Hospice, St Barnabas has launched a ‘Twelve Days of Care at Christmas’ campaign, asking for donations for a variety of expenses.

The Hospice is asking people to think about the money they spend at Christmas, and to re-direct some of it as an act of goodwill. Whether people can buy one less bottle of wine or present and donate the spare money, or whether they can give a bit more and cover the cost of a nurse on Christmas Day, every little really will help at such a difficult time of year.

Other ideas include: organising a Christmas Jumper Day at work, paying £20.93 to fund a minute of care on Christmas Day, or halving your Secret Santa money and giving the other half to the Hospice.

Sue Carter, Ward Manager at the St Barnabas Inpatient Unit in Lincoln, said:

“Christmas time is extremely difficult in a hospice for the patients, their families and even the staff. At St Barnabas, it is very important to us that we create lasting memories for the whole family.

“People don’t often realise how much it costs the Hospice to ensure the care we provide is free for everyone, and we rely heavily on our wonderful supporters and fundraisers. Their amazing efforts mean that we can continue providing this care to the people of Lincolnshire when they need it the most.”

To help share the message about the variety of costs St Barnabas Hospice will incur this Christmas, staff and volunteers from across the Hospice have joined together to sing ‘The Twelve Days of Care at Christmas’ to the tune of ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’. They are releasing segments of this each day across their social media channels, but the full music video can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/w2KguWrOhZc

Help St Barnabas make this a Christmas Day to remember for patients living with a life-limiting or terminal illness and their families and carers across Lincolnshire. For many of the patients, this could be their last Christmas. Please donate any money you can to: https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/stbarnabas/careatchristmas

Jacob Swift, age 24 from Wragby, will join thousands of people across Lincolnshire for the Light up a Life campaign, in remembrance of his dad – local fire fighter, Chris Swift.

Chris sadly died on 30th July 2010, aged 45. This was only seven months after being diagnosed with melanoma, which spread to his bones and brain.

The father-of-two, who was affectionately known as ‘Swifty’, served as a retained firefighter in his home town of Wragby.

Jacob said, “We found out that my dad had skin cancer in the winter of 2010, which was a huge shock for the whole family.

“Dad was only ill for a short period of time, but the care we received from St Barnabas helped to make this time as pain free for him as possible.”

Julie, Jacob’s mum and Chris’s wife, describes Chris as “a big character who was always there for people.”

She said, “St Barnabas really did make all the difference with their support. Chris was able to remain at home where he belonged, and where he felt most comfortable.

“It was nice for the boys to be able to spend time with their dad without the restrictions of visiting times, and felt more natural somehow.”

Jacob now lives in North Wales, and works in an outdoor shop.

Jacob said, “My dad has always loved the outdoors, and he was the one who inspired me to go down this career route.

“One of our family traditions is to visit the Lake District and go to the place where my dad’s ashes are scattered.”

Jacob agreed to take part in the St Barnabas Light up a Life campaign to give something back to the Hospice.

Jacob said, “We received some amazing help from the Hospice, and because they enabled Dad to stay at home during his last month, the whole family were able to be with him when he died.

Jacob’s family take part in the Torchlight Procession through the Bailgate in Lincoln every year, and his mum, Julie, has also done a sponsored skydive in his memory.

Julie said, “A skydive is something I have always wanted to do, and it was a brilliant way for me to commemorate what should have been our 30th wedding anniversary. It was a thrilling and exhilarating experience, and I know that Chris would have been proud of me.

“Before St Barnabas, I had been looking after Chris on my own and had started to feel quite isolated. It was a real relief when they started to visit, and having their support and someone to talk to meant that I was better able to support Chris and our sons.”

If you would like to dedicate a light in memory of someone you will never forget, just like Jacob is doing for his dad, please visit www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/LUAL.

St Barnabas Hospice will be hosting Santa’s Grottos in two Grantham locations this Christmas.

Between Saturday 25th November and Sunday 10th December, St Barnabas Hospice will be sharing some festive cheer at their two Santa’s Grottos in Grantham.

During the weekend of the 25th November, the Hospice will host a Grotto at the Victorian Christmas Fayre at Stoke Rochford Hall, open from 10am to 4pm for both days. The cost to enter the Grotto is £5 per child, and this includes a special chat with Santa, the chance to take a picture with him, and a Christmas present.

Also on offer at the Stoke Rochford Fayre are attractions, food stalls, market stalls, an ice rink, Christmas disco, outdoor bar, BBQ and snow machine.

Following this Grotto, there will be a second chance for your children to meet Santa on Saturday 2nd December from 10am to 8pm, and on Sunday 3rd, Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th December from 11am to 4pm. During these weekends, Santa will be in St Wulfram’s Church with his little helpers. The cost to enter the Grotto is £5 per child, and this includes a special chat with Santa, the chance to take a picture with him, and a Christmas present.

The Grotto will run alongside Grantham’s ice skating rink and Christmas Tree Festival, and there will even be special visits from St Barnabas supporter, Beau the miniature horse.

Janie McCormick, Community Fundraiser for St Barnabas Hospice, said:

“We are very excited about hosting the Grotto in St Wulfram’s Church this year, and being part of their festive activities. St Wulframs is a wonderful setting in the heart of the community and is sure to offer the perfect atmosphere to spend family time during the festive period.

“For several years, the Grantham Hospice has held its own Grotto to help raise vital funds, and has seen many families return to visit year after year as their children grow. The support we’ve received through the Grotto over the past years really does make a real difference to our patients and their families, and has even enabled us to expand to Stoke Rochford Hall.

Amelia Mochan, Events Fundraiser for St Barnabas, added:

“We’re so grateful that Stoke Rochford Hall has offered us the chance to run the Grotto at their Christmas Fayre, and it’s a wonderful way to reach more children across Lincolnshire than we have been able to before.

“I’d also like to say a big thank you to B&M (Grantham), Sainsbury’s (Sleaford), and Grantham Book Services for their generous donations towards the special Christmas presents for the children.”

For further information on the Stoke Rochford Grotto, contact Amelia Mochan at amelia.mochan@stbarnabashospice.co.uk or 01522 540 300.

For further information on the St Wulfram’s Grotto, contact Janie McCormick at janie.mccormick@stbarnabashospice.co.uk or 01476 591 010.

Jack Covill-Lowndes, age 15 from Wainfleet, will join thousands of people across Lincolnshire for the Light up a Life campaign, in remembrance of his mum, Stephanie Covill.

Stephanie sadly died on 8th June 2006, age 33, from cancer. She received her diagnosis when Jack was only ten weeks old, after a routine eye examination showed a lump behind her eye. She died when he was three.

Jack said, “When I was little, we used to play Bob the Builder and Fireman Sam. My mum bought me some musical toys and we used to pretend we were in a band; I liked being the drummer, and my mum played the guitar. It’s hard because I don’t remember much and rely on other people’s memories of my mum a lot.”

Jack now lives with his auntie and uncle, Tamara and Steve Lowndes in Wainfleet, and attends Skegness Grammar School. Tamara is Stephanie’s sister.

Jack said, “We always do special things at Christmas time to remember Mum. We visit her grave every Christmas Day after the Queen’s Speech, and I always take her an orange cream out of the Roses chocolate tin. My mum used to count how many chocolates were in the tin every year; I do that now. We also have a red candle that we light on special occasions to remember Mum.”

Jack’s Auntie Tamara, said, “Jack was an absolute miracle baby. He was born six weeks premature, and the doctors told us that if he had gone full term he would have been brain damaged because of a cancerous growth in Steph’s groin.

“St Barnabas was there when we needed them most, and as a family we all needed help in different ways. My mum was the main carer for Steph, and was beginning to struggle with her own health. St Barnabas realised this and offered night time help so Mum could have a rest. Jack was only very young, but he loved the attention that the nurses gave him.

Jack has done a lot of fundraising in memory of his mum, including organising three fun run family events. He has raised around £7,000 already and plans to raise even more in the future. This is such a huge accomplishment for someone who is only fifteen years old.

Jack said, “I get told regularly that Mum would be beaming with pride if she could see the things I have done in her memory. I know my mum was generous, and I hope this is a trait which lives on in me. I’m hoping to arrange a charity football match next year too.

“In 2013 I received an award from the Skegness Standard for Child Achievement, as well as winning a national competition for being a Child of Courage. I’m particularly proud that St Barnabas recognised my fundraising efforts in 2015 by awarding me the Jules King Award.”

Jack’s mum was there through all of his first milestones – his first tooth, first words, first steps etc. She continued caring for him to the best of her abilities, even though she was wheelchair bound.

Tamara said, “When we went on days out, Steph would always have her wheelchair next to Jack’s pushchair, and they would hold hands. Before she died, Steph asked me to keep her baby safe, and made me promise that he would always use his manners.

“Steph tried explaining to him that she was poorly and that one day she would have to go to heaven in the sky, where she would be a shining star. After Steph had died, I found Jack sat outside picking daisies and throwing them to the sky. I asked what he was doing and he told me he was throwing them to “Mummy in the sky.” The brave boy had listened and understood what his Mum had explained to him.

“Jack has grown into an amazing young man, and I know my sister will be looking down on him with so much pride.”

If you would like to dedicate a light in memory of someone you will never forget, just like Jack is doing for his mum, please visit www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/Light-up-a-life

Martyn Joseph, winner of BBC Welsh music award, it set to raise money for St Barnabas Hospice through a unique music concert in Lincoln.

On Friday 24th November, Martyn Joseph, winner of ‘Best Male Artist’ at the 2004 BBC Welsh Music Awards, will host a unique concert in aid of St Barnabas Hospice. The concert will be at The County Assembly Rooms, 76 Bailgate, Lincoln, LN1 3AR, beginning at 8pm.

Dubbed as ‘the Welsh Springsteen’, Martyn’s music has touches of folk, rock, soul, folk punk and Americana. He has previously toured with the likes of Art Garfunkel, Jools Holland, Mike and the Mechanics, Celine Dion and Shirley Bassey.

In 2012, Martyn’s song, ‘There’s Always Maybe’, won the best folk song category in the World Independent Music Awards. In addition to his five top 50 UK hits, the importance of his work has been recognised by programmes such as BBC2’s prime time series on Singer/Songwriters.

Vince Ion from TrueBlue Music said:

“My family have supported St Barnabas Hospice for over 20 years, following the care that was provided to family members. When I was asked if TrueBlue Music would be able to promote an event at the Assembly Rooms, we were delighted to accept, and felt that Martyn Joseph would be the ideal artist to provide the headline for this event.

“Martyn has a long history of supporting charitable causes, and we are certain that the 24th November will be a memorable music event that will also raise important funds for St Barnabas Hospice.”

TrueBlue Music have organised this event in conjunction with Lincolnshire accountants, Wright Vigar.

Caroline Swindin, Corporate Fundraiser for St Barnabas, said:

“We are thrilled that Martyn has chosen us as his fundraising charity for this concert, and are hopeful that it will raise some much needed money for our Hospice.

“Martyn is well known for his unique style of music and passionate performances throughout his career, and it is just wonderful that he will be coming to Lincoln.”

St Barnabas Hospice supports more than 9,000 people each year, delivering free, high-quality, compassionate end-of-life care and support to adults with a life-limiting or terminal illness, and their family and carers. Each year, they must raise over £5.5 million to continue providing this support and care to the people of Lincolnshire.

Tickets for the concert are priced at £16. There will also be a raffle on the evening, including special prizes from Lincoln City FC and The Whiskey Shop.

To book tickets, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/martyn-joseph-tickets-32554500387 and for more information, call Caroline Swindin on 01522 540 300 or email caroline.swindin@stbarnabashospice.co.uk.

“One of acoustic music’s most original voices, and most forward looking of his generation of singer/songwriters”

Q Magazine

“A superb album, open yet textured; complex yet immediately listenable: insightful and often hard hitting”

Radio 2 – 5 stars

During this year’s Light up a Life campaign, Terry Wright has joined St Barnabas in remembering someone he will never forget – his wife Christine.

Terry Wright, aged 68 from Lincoln, called St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice to help care for his wife Christine, aged 64, during her final twenty four hours

After forty-six years of marriage, Terry and his wife Christine had shared many special moments together. They had two beautiful daughters and doted on their five grandchildren. In 2008 Terry noticed a sudden change in Christine’s behaviour, although not realising it at the time, this would be the beginning of a four year battle.

Terry said, “You just know when something’s not quite right and that’s when Christine confided in me that she thought she had breast cancer after finding a lump in her breast. Her mother herself had died from the disease and this was the catalyst for Christine refusing to seek medical intervention, instead vowing to battle the cancer herself.

“I didn’t necessarily agree with her decision but at the end of the day it was her decision to make. Christine hadn’t been to see a doctor in almost twenty years and she was adamant that she wasn’t about to start. Along with the rest of the family I vowed to support her in any way we could, every step of the way.”

For the first two years Christine managed her symptoms well and continued to live a good quality of life with little disruption to her daily routine.

Terry said, “By 2010 Christine’s condition and symptoms were beginning to worsen. She was losing weight which was affecting her ability to get about and she would often be left weak and listless. It was heart-breaking to climb into bed with the woman you love each night and watch her disappearing before your eyes as she slowly became nothing but skin and bone. With Christine refusing all outside help it was left to me and the family to care for her at home in the best way we could.

“By now she was becoming so weak that she could no longer get up without my help. Surprisingly in all this time she never complained once and the only medication she took was paracetamol and Rennies. If she was in any pain she certainly never showed it.”

By December 2012 Christine was housebound and the cancer had broken through her skin, leaving her with an open wound. Realising that they could no longer cope alone, Terry called St Barnabas Hospice for help.

Terry said, “Two nurses arrived shortly after my phone call and immediately set about washing and changing Christine and making her as comfortable as possible. As soon as they arrived I felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders, just knowing that somebody was there to help was a huge relief. Christine was extremely poorly and I knew in my heart that we didn’t have long left together.

“The nurses returned later that day to ensure Christine was still comfortable and to reassure me that they were at the end of a phone if I needed them. Later that evening I climbed into bed with Christine for what would be the final time. She told me how she felt like she was letting everyone down, which of course I immediately refuted. Sadly those would be the last words I would ever hear Christine say, as she passed away a few short hours later.

“I know that Christine only received care from St Barnabas for one day but they really did make such a difference in her final hours, and two years on, they are still making a difference to me. The wonderful Hospice at Home nurses have been in regular contact and even send a card on the anniversary of Christine’s passing.”

Terry and his family are now active supporters of St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice and are heavily involved in many of the charity’s annual fundraisers.

Terry said: “The whole family has thrown themselves into fundraising for St Barnabas and we just want to raise as much money as possible and give something back to such a deserving organisation. What I like about St Barnabas is that the care is there when you need it the most and the people are so genuine.

Terry concludes: “It’s the small things that make the biggest difference, like they take the time to remember your name; it’s that level of personal care that really matters. Before Christine’s passing I didn’t know a single person at the charity but they have welcomed me with open arms. You never have to feel like you are alone; it’s just like being a part of one big family.”

 

St Barnabas has launched an urgent appeal for volunteers across the county to help out with their winter campaigns.

This winter, St Barnabas Hospice are urgently appealing for a range of volunteers to help out with two of their biggest campaigns – Light up a Life and the Christmas Tree-cycle.

There are a whole range of volunteering roles on offer for people right across Lincolnshire, which are great to add to your CV, do something positive for a local charity, and experience the work that the Hospice does in the county. All volunteers must be aged 16 or over. The roles on offer are:

• Runners – St Barnabas is on the lookout for local runners to take on an extremely important role during the Lincoln Light up a Life service and Torchlight Procession on Tuesday 28th November. Their job will be to light the first torches and run approximately one mile with them from the service at Our Lady of Lincoln Church to Clayton’s Sports Ground. As it is St Barnabas’ 35th birthday year, the Hospice hopes they are able to get 35 runners to take on this role. To express an interest, please contact Ella Beale on 01522 540 300 or ella.beale@stbarnabashospice.co.uk.
• Stewards – Help out by stewarding at the Torchlight Procession and aiding the team during the night. You will be needed from 6.30pm until approximately 9.30pm on Tuesday 28th November. This will begin at Clayton’s Sports Ground, Lee Road, Lincoln, LN2 4BH. You must be available to attend ONE of two compulsory safety briefings. You can either come to the 6pm briefing or the 8pm briefing on Monday 27th November. These will be held at the St Barnabas Day Therapy Centre, Hawthorn Road, Lincoln, LN2 4QX.To express an interest, please contact Laura Stones on 01522 559 515 or email laura.stones@stbarnabashospice.co.uk.
• Chippers – Do you own a chipper? Why not volunteer some time to the St Barnabas Tree-cycle campaign and help by chipping donated Christmas trees once they have been collected. For ease, all the trees will be brought to you. This will happen on 6th – 8th January 2018. To express an interest, please contact laura.stones@stbarnabashospice.co.uk for the Lincoln area, and amelia.mochan@stbarnabashospice.co.uk for the Grantham and Stamford area. Both fundraisers are also available on 01522 540 300.
• Van drivers & assistants – If you own a van that you would be willing to use for the Tree-cycle campaign, please get in contact with St Barnabas. Your time would be required between 6th – 8th January 2018 in either the Lincoln area, or the Grantham and Stamford area. Ideally, you would be able to provide a van, van driver and van assistant. This role involves travelling to people’s houses, collecting their Christmas trees, and depositing them at the chipping yard. To express an interest, please contact laura.stones@stbarnabashospice.co.uk for the Lincoln area, and amelia.mochan@stbarnabashospice.co.uk for the Grantham and Stamford area. Both fundraisers are also available on 01522 540 300.
• Leaflet distributors – If you want to help out with the Tree-cycle campaign but don’t own a vehicle, you might be interested in becoming a leaflet distributor for a few hours. St Barnabas needs people to deliver leaflets in their local areas throughout December to promote the Tree-cycle campaign. You can take on as many or few areas as you wish. It’s a great way to stay active and get some fresh air during the festive season. To express an interest, please contact laura.stones@stbarnabashospice.co.uk for the Lincoln area, and amelia.mochan@stbarnabashospice.co.uk for the Grantham and Stamford area. Both fundraisers are also available on 01522 540 300.

Laura Stones, Events Fundraiser in the North of Lincolnshire, said:

“We have over 1,100 volunteers in various roles at St Barnabas, and the amazing work they do really helps the Hospice to continue supporting patients with life-limiting or terminal illnesses, and their family and carers, across Lincolnshire.

“This is a great opportunity for others to join the team, even if it’s just temporarily, and help the Hospice to raise some much needed money.

“Whether you want to add to your CV, do a random act of kindness, or simply just find out more about what a hospice is, we encourage everyone curious about these roles to give us a call and find out more.

Amelia Mochan, Events Fundraiser in the South of Lincolnshire, said:

“Last year our Tree-cycle campaign only covered Lincoln and the surrounding villages, but due to its success, we have decided this year to expand it into Grantham and Stamford. It would be lovely if we had enough volunteers in this area to make it a success, as it means we will be able to carry it on going forward and maybe even expand into more locations.”

St Barnabas is inviting the local community to celebrate the life of someone special by dedicating a light on one of seven Trees of Life across Lincolnshire.

This is part of the Hospice’s annual Light up a Life campaign, which will help the Hospice to support and care for patients living with a life-limiting or terminal illness, and their families and carers, at a difficult time of year.

Each of the Hospice buildings will house one of the special Trees of Life over the festive season. These will be at: Boston, Gainsborough, Grantham (Barrowby Road), Lincoln (Nettleham Road), Louth and Spalding. There will also be a 25ft. Tree of Life standing proudly outside Lincoln Cathedral, which was kindly donated by the Birch family at Doddington Hall & Gardens.

Local people are also invited to celebrate the life of their loved ones at one of nine Light up a Life events in November and December. Each event will feature touching readings, music and a time for quiet reflection. Candles will also be lit in remembrance. These events are as follows:

• Boston – Sunday 26th November 2017, 2pm – Salvation Army, 59-61 High Street, Boston, PE21 8ST
• Lincoln – Tuesday 28th November 2017, 6pm – Our Lady of Lincoln Church, Laughton Way, Lincoln, LN2 2HE (followed by a Torchlight Procession at 7.30pm from Clayton’s Sports Ground, Lee Road, Lincoln, LN2 4BH)
• Skegness – Friday 1st December 2017, 6.30pm – St Pauls Baptist Church, 19 Beresford Avenue, Skegness, PE25 3JD
• Spalding – Sunday 3rd December 2017, 3pm – St John the Baptist Church, Hawthorn Bank, Spalding, PE11 1JQ
• Sleaford – Monday 4th December 2017, 6.45pm – Sleaford Methodist Church, 8 Claybergh Drive, Sleaford, NG34 7GB
• Gainsborough – Tuesday 5th December 2017, 6.30pm – United Reformed Church, Gladstone Street, Gainsborough, DN21 2JR
• Louth – Sunday 10th December 2017, 3pm – Louth Methodist Church, Nichol Hill, Louth, LN11 9NQ
• Grantham – Tuesday 12th December 2017, 6pm – St Wulframs Church, Church Street, Grantham, NG31 6RR
• Sutton – Saturday 16th December 2017, 3pm – St Andrew, Sutton Road, Hannah cum Hagnaby, LN13 9QL

All of these unique celebrations are a special time for families and friends to join together in remembering the people that they love, who are no longer with us.

Each event will last approximately 1 – 1.5 hours, is free to attend and open to everyone, regardless of faith. There is no need to book in advance.

The Lincoln event includes the iconic and moving Torchlight Procession, which involves over 2,000 local residents joining forces to walk from Clayton’s Sports Ground to Lincoln Cathedral, carrying flaming torches in memory of loved ones.

St Barnabas is also on the lookout for local runners to take on an extremely important role during the Lincoln Light up a Life service and Torchlight Procession on Tuesday 28th November. Their job will be to light the first torches and run approximately one mile with them from the service at Our Lady of Lincoln Church to Clayton’s Sports Ground. As it is St Barnabas’ 35th birthday year, the Hospice hopes they are able to get 35 runners to take on this role. Runners must be aged 16 or over. To express an interest, please contact Ella Beale on 01522 540 300 or ella.beale@stbarnabashospice.co.uk.

The Lincoln Light up a Life event will be held on Tuesday 28th November 2017 at 6pm at Our Lady of Lincoln Church, followed by a Torchlight Procession from Clayton’s Sports Ground on Lee Road, Lincoln, LN2 4BH at 7.30pm.

If you would like to dedicate a light in memory of someone you will never forget, or for more information about the Light up a Life events, please go to www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/LUAL.

St Barnabas marks 25 years since the Boston Hospice building was officially opened by Dr Denis Brackenbridge.

Not only are St Barnabas Hospice celebrating their 35th birthday this year, but on 28th October it will also be the 25th anniversary of the opening of the Boston Hospice building.

To mark the special anniversary, the Boston Hospice is inviting the local community to join them for a glass of fizz, cup of tea and slice of anniversary cake on Saturday 28th October at 12pm.

The event will be held at St Barnabas Hospice, Green Lane, Boston, PE21 9NB, and will see the Worshipful Mayor of Boston, Councillor Bernard Rush, and the local MP for Boston and Skegness, Matt Warman, in attendance.

St Barnabas Hospice opened its doors to its first patient 35 years ago. Over three decades later and more than 80,000 people have received free, high-quality, compassionate end-of-life care and support across Lincolnshire.

To help reach a £100,000 birthday target, the charity is challenging the local community to take on 35 challenges for St Barnabas in their ‘Do 35 for 35’ campaign.

Leading the fundraising is Hospice Chief Executive, Chris Wheway. Chris said:

“I am really excited about taking on these challenges and hope the local community will join me. Since I joined St Barnabas, I have witnessed the incredible lengths our community will go to in order to support the Hospice and raise much needed funds.

“Inspired by their selfless acts of generosity, I decided to put myself out there and help as much as I can to raise the extra £100,000 we have pledged”

With the support of the local community, the Hospice has grown and developed its services over the past 35 years and now has a workforce of 330 paid members of staff who are supported by 1,100 dedicated volunteers.

Last year St Barnabas Hospice supported more than 9,000 people across Lincolnshire, and over 2,000 people were cared for within their own homes by the St Barnabas community nursing team.

All of the care and services are delivered free of charge, but this year the charity must raise £5.5 million to continue.

Chris said:

“Our birthday celebration isn’t just about the Hospice; it is about the people of Lincolnshire and is our opportunity to thank them for their unwavering support.

“Our mission is to continue to deliver high-quality care and ensure that we are around for another 35 years and beyond.”

Visit www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk or email fundraising@stbarnabashospice.co.uk for more information about how to get involved in the ‘Do 35 for 35’ campaign.