Category: Fundraising
Running a marathon for Hospice care
On 16th April, Lauren Wood from Lincoln laced up her trainers to run the Manchester Marathon in support of St Barnabas after the hospice charity looked after her mother.
To thank the Hospice’s staff for their good care of her beloved mother Carolyn, Lauren wanted to raise £500. She has absolutely smashed that target, with her JustGiving page currently standing at double – an incredible £1,000.
Carolyn was diagnosed with breast cancer in the mid-2010s, which she bravely fought. In 2019 she was suffering from headaches and thinking there may be a problem with be her vision, she visited her optician, who sent her straight to the hospital.
Carolyn was diagnosed with a brain tumour, which was operated on, and radiotherapy followed. Later that year, she became ill again and was in the hospital for some weeks before the family received the dreadful news that the cancer had spread to her liver.
Lauren says: “Mum had days or weeks to live, and said she didn’t want to go through treatment again. This is when St Barnabas stepped in. That very day, my father and I visited the Inpatient Unit in Lincoln so we could decide whether that would be a good fit her, and we were so pleased. The room available to her was quiet, private, and there were lots of nurses on hand.
“Mum was moved to the Hospice that night and I travelled in the ambulance with her. They washed her, helped her wear her own clothes and made her comfortable. In the hospital, mum hadn’t been drinking and her mouth looked sore and uncomfortable. Immediately the St Barnabas nurses helped her by use of a mouth cleaning kit, she looked much more peaceful and pain free after that.
“They were able to manage mum’s pain and also cared for us, they set up beds in her room so we could stay over with no visiting restrictions. We received endless cups of tea and coffee, and food was always provided if we needed it. No one was rushed, all the nurses were always in good spirits and loved finding out about mum’s life. They would talk to her even though she wasn’t conscious, as they said she could hear us, and we’d tell them funny stories about what she was like.”
Carolyn passed away on 6th October 2019 after a three-day stay at the Inpatient Unit, surrounded by her family. Lauren has been supporting St Barnabas ever since and signed up for the Manchester Marathon after having enjoyed running for many years.
She says: “I signed up and told St Barnabas I was running for them, and the team have been brilliant. There are a lot of check-ins from them along the way, with fundraising and training tips, as well as invites to group training with other people who are fundraising for them.
“I was invited to a Facebook group for fundraisers, which is great to keep each other going and where we can share our stories and progress. I received a goodie bag with St Barnabas merch, including a running top, water bottle and other items. This way, I never forget what I’m running for!
“The week before the marathon I was feeling nervous but excited. In that week St Barnabas had stepped into our lives again providing care at home for my father-in-law, Graham, in his last days with us. Race day was very emotional, and I spent a lot of the run with a lump in my throat. The best part for me was spotting my family cheering me on and stopping for a hug to keep me going.
“The crowds were amazing, shouting out the names on the runners’ tops, and children holding their hands out for a high five. It really got me through that midway struggle! There were bands, DJs and choirs all the way round to spur you on. Although it was tough on my body, I loved it and want to do another marathon for St Barnabas!”
St Barnabas encourage running enthusiasts to choose the Hospice as their charity to support when signing up to marathons this year. If you are still looking for a challenge, the charity has spaces available for the iconic Berlin Marathon, taking place on 24th September in the historic city. Click here to find out more and to book your space.
St Barnabas also offer exhilarating once in a lifetime adventures, such as skydiving and wing walking, where you are strapped into a seat on the wings of an airplane, and walking over fire or LEGO.
If these challenges are too extreme, there are many other ways to support the Hospice this summer, including hosting a coffee morning or Pub Quiz, by volunteering or shopping in its 25 Lincolnshire-wide shops or online. To find out all the ways you can support St Barnabas, visit: www.StBarnabasHospice.co.uk/Fundraising
Lauren says: “Mum loved shopping and was always picking things up she thought other people would like, we would often go around St Barnabas charity shops and hunt for a bargain. My mum lit up any room, you usually heard before you saw her! I miss her a lot, but I know what a difference St Barnabas’ care made to her last few days, and I am forever grateful.”
St Barnabas supports more than 12,000 people across Lincolnshire with a life-limiting or terminal illness each year, by offering free, high-quality, compassionate end-of-life care and support to patients, their families, and carers.
Support St Barnabas by celebrating the Coronation
With the Coronation of King Charles III less than a month away, St Barnabas Hospice are encouraging supporters to think of the charity while celebrating the new monarch.
Many people are planning Coronation festivities and no British party is complete without cake, tea, and coffee! The St Barnabas Care for a Cuppa fundraiser has everything you need to host a successful coffee morning, bake sale or afternoon tea whilst supporting the Hospice.
When you sign up, you will receive a free fundraising pack including a St Barnabas collection box, branded bunting, cake flags, recipes from Lincolnshire celebrity chef Rachel Green, games including activity sheets, word searches, and much more.
Whether you are celebrating in your own home, hosting a street party or attending a gathering in a community venue, Care for a Cuppa is a feel-good fundraiser that can be held at the venue and date of your choosing.
After registering, the free pack will be posted to you, and you can also download and print off your own materials if you need extra such as invites and posters. To sign up for Care for a Cuppa and receive your free pack, visit: www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/care-for-a-cuppa
Or if you prefer your drinks a bit stronger, the St Barnabas Pub Quiz is a great way to support local hospice care with some friendly competition.
The newest Pub Quiz includes several rounds of general knowledge questions plus a round all about the Royal Family. Do you have what it takes to be ‘crowned’ the winner?
The Pub Quiz doesn’t just have to take place at your local pub, you can also organise this for your family and friends in your garden or at a community group.
After signing up, a free fundraising pack will be sent to the Quiz Master to make organising and hosting the quiz stress-free. The pack includes a St Barnabas collection pot, a pre-written quiz with answer sheets, posters, beer mats and more. To sign up for the Pub Quiz and receive your free pack, visit: www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/pubquiz
Both fundraisers can be held on a date and time of your choosing so you can host your Care for a Cuppa or Pub Quiz before, during, or after the Coronation. Simply sign up via the website to receive your free pack and start sending invites to your family, friends, colleagues, and members of your community.
Annually, St Barnabas provides free, compassionate, and dignified care to over 12,000 adults living with a life-limiting or terminal illness, as well as much needed support for families and carers. This care is offered in people’s homes around Lincolnshire, within hospice buildings in Lincoln and Grantham, and in numerous Wellbeing Centres around the county.
Each year, the charity needs to raise over £6.5million to keep providing its many care and support services. With so many local people needing help, St Barnabas gratefully accepts support in any way, including through volunteering.
The Big Help Out is a national campaign, marking The King’s Coronation year by giving everyone the chance to lend a hand and make a difference in their communities through volunteering.
St Barnabas welcomes volunteers of all backgrounds over the age of 14, to support the charity across a range of opportunities. From volunteering in one of the 25 charity shops across Lincolnshire, to supporting patients in the Inpatient Unit in Lincoln, to being part of this summer’s HeART Trail, the Hospice would love to hear from you.
To find out more about volunteering and to sign up, please visit: www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/get-involved/volunteer
Veronica McBain, Head of Fundraising and Lottery at St Barnabas, says: “We are grateful to every person who supports us by raising money for our cause or volunteering. Every pound raised and every hour given really does make a difference to our Hospice.
“We’re very excited to see how our supporters will fly the St Barnabas flag while celebrating the Coronation next month, and we look forward to welcoming new volunteers to the St Barnabas family through The Big Help Out!”
Feeling stoked: Harry takes on the St Barnabas Fire Walk
24-year old Harry Page from Grantham is taking on a fiery challenge this year in support of St Barnabas: Walking over red-hot embers in memory of his grandparents!
Taking place on Saturday 7th October at the Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln, the charity’s Fire Walk is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you feeling de-lighted.
Harry is taking part in the challenge in memory of his grandparents Dennis and Rosemary, who both received care from St Barnabas Hospice.
Harry says: “Grandad was generous, kind and witty, and he always had a book in his hand that he would throw at you to read once he had finished it! Gran was the point of call for the whole family, she excelled in cooking and there was never a bad dish. I used to go for dinner as a child and we would watch Deal or No Deal together.”
Both of Harry’s grandparents were diagnosed with lung cancer, which was a real shock to Harry and his family. When Dennis was diagnosed, he went into the Hospice for care before coming home where he continue to receive care from St Barnabas nurses.
He says: “Grandad had defied cancer before and was always a fighter, but sadly he couldn’t fight this one. The care he received from St Barnabas was incredible, both in the hospice and at home.
“After he died in 2017 we took part in the St Barnabas Bubble Rush so we could have fun together as a family and raise money. It was myself, my father, sister, brother-in-law, nephews and Gran, running through bubbles on a beautiful sunny day. I believe it was really heart-warming for my Gran to be able to do something in Dennis’ memory.”
After Rosemary’s diagnosis, she received courses of chemotherapy for several months before requesting support from St Barnabas.
“When Gran was diagnosed, it was so difficult, she was almost like the Queen of the family. After Grandpops died, Gran was my best friend. We went shopping, out for food, always up to no good!
“Both of them always described St Barnabas as the best place for care and support, and the care we have seen first-hand really proves that. Both wanted donations at their funeral to give to St Barnabas, as a final thank-you.”
Now, Harry is remembering them by taking on the red-hot Fire Walk challenge this autumn. He has set up a JustGiving page and hopes to raise at least £200, which he is likely to smash as he’s already raised £180, with over half a year to go.
Harry says: “I’m feeling nervous but eager to try something new, and I want to raise as much money and awareness as I can for a charity that is so close to my heart.
“On the day I’ll be receiving training from the UK Firewalking Company so I’ll know how to beat the heat. It’s perfectly safe, in all the years the company has done it there’s only been so much as a blister, and as long as I follow the guidance, I’ll be fine.
“It’s such a crazy challenge, and I can’t wait. I know Dennis and Rose would be proud of me and laughing all the way! If you are considering signing up, you absolutely should. St Barnabas deserves all the support they can get, and you’ll have an incredible experience.”
Registering for the Fire Walk costs just £30, and St Barnabas kindly ask people to raise a minimum of £85. Supporters can raise that money any way they like, from asking for cash donations to organising a coffee morning, boot sale, or any other fundraiser that takes their fancy.
Last year, Fire Walkers raised an incredible £32,000 and St Barnabas are hoping to raise even more this time.
To sign up for the Fire Walk, please visit https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/events/fire-walk/
And for the first time, there will also be a new challenge for the whole family – walking over LEGO. Children who wish to participate must be 5 years and over, with parental consent and guidance on the day.
Registration for the LEGO Walk is just £7.50 for a child between 5 – 12 years old, and £15 for teens and adults. Family tickets for 2 adults and 2 children are available at just £40, saving £5. No sponsorship needs to be raised for the LEGO Walk, and you can book your place here: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/events/lego-walk/
Hospice at Home care inspired Louise to run in support of St Barnabas
Louise Southgate laced up her trainers recently and ran the St Neot’s Half Marathon in support of the Hospice, whose team of nurses gave vital end of life care to her mother Pam Burton.
Pam was diagnosed with Oesophageal Cancer in May 2021, something which Louise says was a huge shock to the whole family. As her health deteriorated, Pam knew she wanted to remain at home, and the St Barnabas’ Hospice at Home team were able to respect her wishes.
Louise says: “Mum was a strong, hardworking, and independent woman who very rarely accepted help, always insisting on doing things herself. Her family home held so many happy memories for her and was always open and full of love. Being nursed at home at the end of her life was very important to her.
“Nurse Lizzie who was most involved in Mum’s care, was amazing and Mum trusted her. Having someone to talk to about her fears and wishes face to face is just what she needed. Lizzie always had time for us all, no matter what. We are so grateful to her and the whole team for ensuring mum received the care that she deserved.”
Pam died peacefully at the end of August 2021, with Louise and her brother Stuart by her side, in her own home. Since then, Louise has raised funds for St Barnabas in multiple ways. Money given to the family at Pam’s funeral has been donated to the charity, Louise and her brother bought an ironwork heart through the Hospice’s Forever in Our Hearts campaign, and Louise also plays the weekly lottery.
On top of all this, Louise decided to run the St Neot’s Half Marathon in Cambridgeshire, which took place in November 2022. Louise says she enjoys running as it helps her with her wellbeing, as well as keeping fit. St Neot’s is a race she has taken part in before but this time she asked her family and friends to donate in support of the charity that looked after her Mum.
After signing up and making St Barnabas aware that she was running for them, Chris Dunkley of the Hospice’s fundraising team supported her all the way.
Louise says: “Chris was very easy to talk to and helped with the setting up of my JustGiving fundraising page, and sent me a St Barnabas running shirt to run the race in. He has given me encouragement along the way and was there If I needed any questions answered.”
Louise raised a brilliant £516 through her half marathon fundraising, which will help support St Barnabas give care to other patients and their families.
Louise says: “We are eternally grateful that with the support from the St Barnabas Hospice at Home team Mum was able to remain in her own home at the end of her life. A home that she had set up with my father where they had been able to make some very happy memories.
“She was visited by all those that she loved, something we could not have done without Lizzie and the team. Her final wishes were met and though we dearly miss her every day, the care that we all received from St Barnabas was incredible. Thank you.”
This spring, St Barnabas are encouraging supporters to take on a challenge in support of the charity; from skydiving and wing walking to cycling the famous Castle 2 Coast 2 Castle route or running a marathon like Louise.
Each year, St Barnabas provides free, compassionate palliative and end of life care to over 12,000 people with a life-limiting or terminal illness around Lincolnshire.
Visit www.StBarnabasHospice.co.uk for more information about their care services and how you can support the charity.
Local singer performs to raise funds for St Barnabas Hospice
24-year-old Laura Chester from Lincoln is a famous name in care homes and day centres around Lincolnshire, as she regularly brings smiles to patients’ faces by performing her classic rock repertoire.
At the end of 2022, Laura decided to request a small contribution from each centre for her regular performances so she may donate this to St Barnabas, in memory of her singing mentor Amanda Garrett.
Amanda fought a short battle with breast cancer and received care in the St Barnabas Inpatient Unit, before sadly dying in August 2022 in Grantham Hospital. She went by her stage name ‘Amanda G’ and was a well-known and much-loved performer in the live music scene around the county, greatly missed by many. Amanda and Laura are pictured on the left.
With an extensive catalogue of songs and an impressive set-up including amplifiers and personalised equipment in the style of a juke box, Laura visits eight centres on a rotating basis to sing. This is on top of performances in pubs and community clubs across the region, where she has made many friends along the way.
In total, Laura raised £425 and to round off her tour she performed in the Inpatient Unit at the end of January, where she was happy to take on requests as she sang. She met some of the clinical team that looked after Amanda and was able to have a look around the newly refurbished building.
Laura says: “I am really pleased that I raised this money for St Barnabas, to say thank you for taking care of Amanda. I know she was looked after really well here, and that means a lot to me.
“Performing at the Inpatient Unit was a nice experience, not many patients were able to make it to the area where I was singing due to their health but they will have been able to hear the music in their wards and rooms, and I hope it cheered them.
“I just love singing, whether that’s to three people or thirty. It’s always fantastic to see people enjoy my music, especially when they request a song and have a good time.
“I am a huge Elvis fan and a lot of the music I perform is from that 1950s and ‘60s era, often the people I sing for really brighten up when I play a song they remember from their youth and they will dance and sing along.”
Sue Carter, Ward Manager at St Barnabas says: “A big thank you to Laura. In the words of her hero: One, for the money, and two, for the show! It was lovely to meet her, and we greatly appreciate her generous donation and performance in our Unit.”
Trekking the Great Wall of China for St Barnabas
In 2019, longstanding St Barnabas Hospice volunteer Jim Ferguson took on a truly spectacular challenge; walking the Great Wall of China in support of his favourite charity.
Jim was 74 years old at the time and had recently retired from a demanding career. Full of beans, fit and healthy, he decided it was now or never to take on this incredible adventure.
After he signed up for the trek, Jim became part of a team of five which included fellow supporters and St Barnabas fundraising staff members Caroline Swindin and Rebecca Hooton. The group walked more than 75km in five days, trekking for 35 hours in that time and totalling 128,000 steps, according to one person’s Fitbit.
In some places on the Wall, the team were walking on unrestored sections which were less than a metre wide and had sheer drops on either side. They stayed with local lodges each night, immersed themselves in the local culture and sampled a whole range of local delicacies during their stay – Jim tried chicken feet in batter but not all his companions joined him in this venture!
A grand total of £19,500 was raised by the team to support Hospice care in their local community and they also planted two trees in the name of St Barnabas as part of China’s reforesting project.
Jim says: “I had been volunteering for St Barnabas for some years, driving patients to and from our Wellbeing Centre in Grantham. That is very rewarding, and I love doing it, but raising money by being part of this unique adventure was something else altogether.
“After retiring I finally had time on my hands, and I’m lucky enough to enjoy good health. St Barnabas is a local and very worthwhile charity, so when the call for supporters to take on this crazy challenge came up, I thought ‘bingo, this is it!’
“It was a fantastic opportunity to visit China and challenge myself in a completely new way. At times the trek was close to brutal, but I don’t regret a second of it. On the final day we were able to play tourist and visit the beautiful city of Bejing, including Tiananmen square, the Imperial Ancestral Temple and other incredible areas.
“I raised £3,450, thanks to the generosity of family, friends and many others.
“To anyone considering taking on a challenge that’s beyond their comfort zone I’d say don’t even hesitate. Go out and push the boundaries. The experience, euphoria and sense of achievement is unforgettable!”
St Barnabas Hospice are not offering the Great Wall of China trek this year, but there are plenty of challenges to participate in and support the charity. From running marathons to sky diving, walking on fire or on the wings of a plane, St Barnabas have plenty of adventures lined up.
Or if you have something already in mind, the charity’s Fundraising team can help you set up your own challenge and support you every step of the way.
To find out more about St Barnabas challenges, visit: www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/adventure
Spring Forward with St Barnabas
The weather might not yet feel like it, but spring will be here soon and there’s no stopping the St Barnabas Hospice fundraising team, who have a range of exciting activities planned for supporters of all ages!
The Hospice invites supporters to ‘Spring Forward’ with them and help raise money for vital patient care around the county, with activities ranging from sporting events and daredevil challenges to coffee mornings, pub quizzes and a not-to-be-missed concert at Lincoln Cathedral.
Sports and activities
St Barnabas encourages supporters to lace up their running shoes and participate in the City of Lincoln 10k, taking place on 16th April. With a route that goes past Lincoln’s most beautiful landmarks and with huge crowds to cheer you on, it’s a must-do for any running enthusiast.
If cycling is more your speed, the famous Castle 2 Coast 2 Castle (C2C2C) charity cycle ride will be back on 29th June, offering truly spectacular views of the Lincolnshire countryside as you make your way through a 100 mile or 200km route in support of St Barnabas. This untimed challenge is open to all, with some participants riding all of it, or in relay.
Or if a set activity doesn’t suit you, the fundraising team would be delighted to help you choose your own challenge in support of the Hospice.
In the summer of 2020, Sarah Poucher took up the charity’s On Yer Bike cycling challenge along with her three children to raise money for the Hospice which had given end-of-life care to her father, Colin. At the time Mollie was 10 years old, Thomas 8, and Bethan 4 – the latter sat on the back of her mum’s bike and enjoyed the sights.
Sarah says: “We set a goal of 100 kilometres, which seemed like a massive target, but we broke it down into six cycle rides. I’m not a big fan of cycling or exercise so those who know me, knew it would be a challenge!
“The children thought it was fantastic, and I really enjoyed spending time together as a family. We wanted to raise £250, and actually raised £620, we were really pleased with that. It was great being active and exploring the countryside in the sunshine.
“If you’re considering taking on a challenge this spring, you should definitely do it. You’ll feel great afterwards and the difference it can make to someone in need of St Barnabas Hospice’s support is phenomenal, as well as the comfort it gives that person’s family.”
Calling all daredevils
If you are a thrill seeker, then how does walking over red-hot embers sound to you? The Hospice’s latest Fire Walk will be held on 18th March in Grantham, with a brand new LEGO Walk also available on the same day for supporters from the age of 5.
Both events are a great way to challenge yourself and raise money for the Hospice, and they also make for a fantastic teambuilding exercise for your workplace or school.
Other ways to support the Hospice
Not everyone is a daredevil or sporting enthusiast, and St Barnabas has plenty of great fundraising ideas for those who prefer to take it easy.
The charity’s 25 shops around Lincolnshire are always fully stocked with high quality items including clothing, shoes, homeware, books, and much more. By shopping, you can support the Hospice while picking up fantastic bargains. And if you’re feeling lucky, scratch cards with prizes up to £1,000 can be purchased in-store or online as well.
On 4th March, the world-famous Morriston Orpheus Choir will return to Lincoln Cathedral for the fourth time in support of the Hospice. This concert is not to be missed by music lovers, as the outstanding 80-strong Welsh male voice choir performs in the historic setting. St Barnabas expect this to be a sell-out as per the previous Choir concerts, so make sure to purchase tickets quickly by clicking here.
Two popular St Barnabas fundraisers launched last year – Care for a Cuppa and Pub Quiz are for those who love socialising over a drink – whether that’s a cup of coffee or tea, or something a bit stronger! When you sign up for to either of these fundraisers, you receive a pack in the post that helps you host the best possible coffee morning or pub quiz. These flexible and fun events can be hosted on a day and time of your choosing in your own home, workplace, community centre, club or of course down your local.
Gardening enthusiasts can open their garden, however small or large, to family, friends, or the local community for everyone to enjoy and get out in the fresh air, relax and take in the beauty around them.
You could also volunteer in one of our shops, at the Inpatient Unit or sign up to help out at our organised events. Every single hour given to us means so much, and helps us further support people in your community. Click here to find out more about volunteering.
Veronica McBain, Head of Fundraising and Lottery, says: “We support over 12,000 Lincolnshire people living with a life-limiting or terminal illness annually and we need to raise over £6.5million each year to continue providing this care. It’s a big target and every pound raised really makes a difference.
“We appreciate everyone’s donations, whether that be through an event or fundraiser, by shopping with us, playing our lottery, purchasing scratch cards or volunteering your time. We really couldn’t do what we do without the support of those in the local community, and we thank everyone who will ‘Spring Forward’ with us.”
Festive fundraisers bring in over £100k for St Barnabas
St Barnabas Hospice has been given a boost of over £100,000, fundraised through several campaigns over the Christmas period.
The Hospice’s annual Light up a Life, Rudy’s Run and Tree-cycle brought in a staggering total of £95,134, with the charity’s sales and bucket collections at the Lincoln Christmas Market raising a further £4,363. On top of this, an influx of cash donations came in throughout the festive period – taking the total raised to over £100k.
Light up a Life is St Barnabas’ biggest yearly fundraiser, which sees thousands of people dedicating a light in memory of loved ones lost via the charity’s website. These lights shone brightly on the Tree of Life, a 30-foot Christmas tree located in front of Lincoln Cathedral throughout the holiday period.
The Tree was lit during the Hospice’s Torchlight Procession on 22nd November. Almost a thousand people of all ages came together to remember those no longer with us, walking with flaming torches and lanterns through the historic uphill area of Lincoln towards the Cathedral.
1,265 people dedicated a light, with 875 torches and lanterns purchased during the Procession. Together, this campaign raised an incredible £44,987.
Louise Cotton, Fundraising Officer and project lead for the Torchlight Procession says: “It is such a poignant event and an incredibly moving evening. So many people join us, all with their own memories of those they have lost – it’s both a deeply personal event, as well as a communal experience. We are so grateful to everyone who has dedicated a light or walked in our Procession, and we look forward to doing it again at the end of this year.”
A fundraiser for our younger supporters, Rudy’s Run is an action-packed fun run that 65 schools, nurseries and social groups like Scouts and after-school clubs took part in throughout December.
Over 7,400 children of varying ages were given activity books to inspire them and play with, and they ran, walked, skipped, danced or pranced to raise money for St Barnabas, wearing antlers and a red nose – just like Rudy the reindeer!
A total of £16,752 has been raised through Rudy’s Run, with some donations still to be received and counted.
Ellie Carter, Fundraising Officer and Rudy’s Run lead comments: “We loved seeing the children have so much fun while also making a huge difference for people in their community! Rudy personally dropped off the activity packs, antlers and noses, and he spreads joy wherever he goes. He is now back at the North Pole, and can’t wait to see all the children again next Christmas.
“We want to thank every child and grown-up who took part or donated money, Rudy is very proud of you all!”
Running from 1st until 4th December, the Lincoln Christmas Market saw an estimated 300,000 people attend. This year, St Barnabas was honoured to have been chosen as the Market’s very first Charity Partner, with both organisations celebrating their 40th anniversary year.
The charity was given a wooden cabin in front of their Tree of Life to sell a selection of gifts, including its special anniversary gin and rum by Pin Gin and coffee blend by The Lincoln Tea & Coffee Company. St Barnabas was also given the opportunity to fundraise through bucket collections, which volunteers kindly did throughout the Market’s duration – including on those cold and wet days!
In total, the Hospice’s fundraising efforts at Lincoln Christmas Market raised £4,363, with thanks to City of Lincoln Council for choosing St Barnabas.
Once all the festive fun is over, what do you do with your unwanted Christmas tree? Well, you let the St Barnabas elves take care of it!
Tree-cycle returned earlier this month, offering individuals and businesses tree collection from their front door, in return for a donation to the Hospice. Unpotted trees get chipped, which can then be turned into fuel for biomass boilers or mulch for gardens. Potted trees are replanted and given a new lease on life.
This green campaign proved to be even more popular than ever before, with our elf-volunteers collecting 1,552 trees around Lincolnshire and raising a tree-mendous £33,395.
Chris Dunkley, Fundraising Officer and project lead on Tree-cycle, says: “The take-up has been incredible; we were able to visit even more locations around the county than before thanks to increased support from our volunteers. It really is a community effort, we couldn’t have done it without the brilliant local businesses who lend us their manpower, vans, chipping services or offered other help.
“A huge thank you to everyone who booked a tree collection or supported us during Tree-cycle, and we hope to ‘branch out’ further next year!”
St Barnabas extends its gratitude to every person and organisation who has supported it over the holiday season.
The money raised helps the Hospice in its mission to provide compassionate, dignified care to over 12,000 adults living with a life-limiting or terminal illness annually. Each pound really does make a difference and is greatly appreciated.
7-year-old Jonah raises £333 in memory of Auntie NatNat
A real superstar, Jonah from Market Rasen raised an incredible £333 for St Barnabas by making Christmas baubles in memory of his aunt Natalie Watson, or as Jonah calls her, Auntie NatNat.
Jonah says: “I started making baubles about a month ago with her name on and family and friends bought them, they are very excited to have them in their Christmas trees. Auntie NatNat loved Christmas and so do I, we have four trees in our house and baubles with her name on!
“I always had fun with her, we used to dance together and she always smiled. I’m very proud and happy that people like the baubles and that I can help St Barnabas by giving this money. I wanted to raise £100 but I got £333, and now I want to raise even more by doing other things!”
Jonah also wrote a special letter thanking St Barnabas doctors and nurses for looking after Natalie, who sadly died of brain cancer on 9th July of this year at the age of 34.
The letter has been given to nurse Emma Rogers, one of the clinical staff that cared for Natalie. She was delighted and honoured to be able to share the letter with her whole team.
Emma says: “I am privileged to have cared for Natalie in her last phase of life. The family were amazing and always at her bedside, it really was beautiful to see.”
Natalie worked as an end-of-life care coordinator for St Barnabas Hospice, and her colleagues are feeling the loss keenly this holiday season.
Julie Bishop, PCCC Clinical Lead Nurse comments: “We really miss Nat in our team, she was the life and soul of the party. She was always really family orientated and we have been smiling to ourselves recently as she would always be the first to have put her Christmas tree up!
“A huge thank you to Jonah for raising so much money for us, it is really a fantastic achievement, and the baubles are so lovely.”
Natalie’s sister Becky says: “Natalie was so special, really the most caring, loving and giving person, and she adored her three children. There was a constant stream of family members and friends visiting Natalie while she was cared for at home, and nurse Emma went out of her way to check in with her and the whole family.
“I hope all the St Barnabas staff know truly know how special they are, their care made a massive difference to Natalie and to all of us who love and miss her so much.”
St Barnabas Hospice is the leading charity in Lincolnshire providing palliative and end-of-life care to adults living with a life-limiting or terminal illness. Donations are vital for the charity to continue to offer free care to patients and their families across the county.
Each year St Barnabas need to raise around £6.3 million to continue providing their services to the local community. If you would like to make a donation to support St Barnabas, please visit: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/donate
£4,636 raised for St Barnabas at Lincoln Christmas Market
St Barnabas Hospice are delighted to have raised over £4,636 during the four days of the Lincoln Christmas Market, which ran from Thursday the 1st until Sunday 4th December in Lincoln’s historic uphill area.
As announced last month, the Hospice was chosen as the Market’s very first charity partner by organisers City of Lincoln Council. A traditional wooden cabin in a prime spot outside the Lincoln Cathedral was made available for St Barnabas, and volunteers were able to collect donations from Market visitors through bucket collections.
Veronica McBain, Head of Fundraising and Lottery at St Barnabas Hospice, says: “We are very grateful to the Council for choosing us as their charity partner, it is a wonderful collaboration between two organisations that are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year.
“Staff and volunteers had a fantastic time at the Market, the support from visitors both local and from further afield has been amazing and we are so thankful to everyone who purchased something or donated into our buckets. We also want to thank our volunteers who helped throughout the event, we couldn’t do without their support.
“We had on sale a wonderful selection of Christmas gifts including bottles of Est.1982 Rum and Gin which local distillery Pin Gin created for our 40th anniversary, as well as celebratory Ruby Coffee Blend and gift hampers by The Lincoln Tea & Coffee Company. These items and more can be bought in our online shop: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/shop/onlineshop/
“Throughout the month, we will be attending events across the county so people can come see us and browse our range of gifts. As ongoing Charity Partners of the Waterside Shopping Centre, we will be there with a stall on 8th and 9th December and back again on the 15th and 16th December.
“And of course our 25 Lincolnshire-based charity shops are open to pick up festive outfits and gifts, homeware, and much more!”
The cabin that St Barnabas occupied outside the Cathedral during the market was located right by the beautiful Tree of Life, which is part the charity’s annual Light Up a Life campaign. This poignant initiative sees families and friends remember loved ones lost by dedicating a light in their name, which then joins thousands of others on the Tree.
Supporters who dedicate a light also receive a lovely wooden decoration for their Christmas tree, a handwritten thank you card from the St Barnabas team, and a digital tribute to share the dedication across their own social media pages.
The campaign is open for the entire festive season, and the Tree will be available to visit until early January. To find out more about Light up a Life or to dedicate a light, visit: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/light-up-a-life/