Category: Fundraising

Photograph courtesy of Stuart Wilde

Families from across Lincoln gathered together to remember their loved ones in annual hospice celebration

St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice has so far raised over £30,000 in memory of loved ones after they welcomed more than 1,000 people to their Light Up a Life event in Lincoln.

The 16th annual celebration was held on Tuesday 22nd November and began with an open service at Our Lady of Lincoln Church followed by a flaming torchlight procession through Uphill Lincoln to the Cathedral.

Becky Otter, Event Manager for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice, said:

“We would like to say a huge heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated to our campaign and dedicated a light in memory of their loved ones. This is such an incredible amount of money to raise for hospice care and it will help to make a real difference to our patients and their families this Christmas.”

The procession was led by RAF Waddington Pipe Band before being greeted by songs from Vocal Authority, Treble Cliff and the Lincolnshire Cooperative Choir before the Tree of Life lights were switched on. People were then invited to tie messages of love to the railings surrounding the tree before coming together to enjoy mulled wine and soup.

Becky Otter said:

“It was stunning to see over 1,000 lights shining brightly on our Tree of Life, each one dedicated to the life of someone special who is no longer with us. It is heart-warming to see so many people honouring the memories of those they have loved.

“Light Up a Life is the perfect opportunity for people to come together and remember loved ones in a positive way whilst finding comfort in each other. It is truly a special evening that will remain a firm favourite in our hospice calendar.”

There are seven more Light Up a Life celebrations scheduled throughout November and December with the total amount raised set to increase.

Photograph courtesy of Stuart Wilde: The annual Light Up a Life procession finishes at Lincoln Cathedral

Road closures announced in Lincoln for St Barnabas Hospice Light Up a Life event

Hundreds of families will come together tonight (22 November) to remember and celebrate the lives of those they love as part of the annual St Barnabas Hospice Light Up a Life celebration.

Part of this celebration features the iconic torchlight procession which begins at Clayton’s Sports Ground on Lee Road and ends at Lincoln Cathedral.

In order to ensure the safety of all those involved a number of road closures and no waiting/no loading at any time orders will be in place from 6pm to 9pm.

They are as follows;

• Bailgate

• Castle Hill

• Church Lane

• Eastgate

• Lee Road

• Nettleham Road (Lee Road to Church Lane)

• Newport (Bailgate to Rasen Lane)

• Minster Yard

Roads will re-open on a rolling basis, as soon as it is safe to do so.

Becky Otter, Event Manager for St Barnabas Hospice, said:

“We look forward to welcoming all those attending our annual Light Up a Life celebration. Unfortunately with an event this size a certain amount of disruption is avoidable and we would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.

“We will endeavour to keep all closures to a minimum and re-open each road as soon as it is safe to do so.”

For further information on the road closures, contact the Greater Lincoln & Gainsborough Highways Division on 01522 782070.

Lincoln’s Light Up a Life celebration begins at 6pm at Our Lady of Lincoln Church followed by a torchlight procession from Clayton’s Sports Ground, Lee Road, Lincoln LN2 4BH at 7.30pm.

The event is free to attend and open to everyone, regardless of faith. There is no need to book in advance.

Local hospice set to bring local East Lindsey community together with Christmas fundraising events

St Barnabas Hospice is inviting the local community of East Lindsey to join them in a host of Christmas-themed events.

The Hospice Craft and Gift Fayre will be held on Saturday 26th November, from 10.30am – 1pm, at St Barnabas Louth Hospice, Grimsby Road, Louth LN11 0SX. Guests will have the opportunity to browse handmade crafts and gifts and enjoy Christmas carols, mince pies and festive drinks. There is free entry and onsite parking.

On Sunday 4th December, the local community will come together to remember and celebrate the lives of those they love at the annual Light Up a Life celebration. The event is held at Louth Methodist Church, Nichol Hill, Louth, LN11 9NQ, from 3pm, and will feature touching readings, music and time for quiet reflection; candles will also be lit in remembrance of loved ones.

Light up a Life is free and open to everyone, not just those touched by hospice care.

Amy Reeve, Community Fundraiser for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice, said:

“Christmas is a treasured time and a wonderful opportunity for our local community to join together and raise vital funds for our hospice. I know that for many Christmas is often met with mixed emotions but Light Up a Life is an opportunity for us all to gather together and recall fond memories of those we hold dear.”

For more information contact Amy Reeve, Community Fundraiser on 07442504651 or e-mail amy.reeve@stbarnabashospice.co.uk

The Tree of Life for Lincoln’s Light Up A Life is chosen by Becky Otter, Event Manager and St Barnabas Volunteer, Ali Cormack

Local Lincoln based family business donate 25ft Christmas tree for hospice Light Up a Life celebrations

Doddington Hall and Gardens are lending their support to local independent charity St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice and their Light up a Life appeal.

For the 16th consecutive year the family-run business are donating the 25ft Tree of Life that is illuminated outside Lincoln Cathedral.

Becky Otter, Event Manager from St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice, said:

“In Lincoln the Tree of Life is an integral part of our Light up a Life celebrations as it is adorned with hundreds of lights, each one dedicated to the life of someone special. The tree is also a focal point in the service which brings together our community at a time which can be difficult for many.

“We are so grateful to Doddington Hall and Gardens for such a generous donation and for their ongoing support. Their commitment to our Light up a Life celebration’s is truly inspiring and it simply wouldn’t be the same without them.”

Now in its 16th year, Light up a Life is an important fundraiser for the hospice who last year raised over £37,295 to help care for people living with a terminal illness across Lincolnshire.

Claire Birch, who runs the Doddington Hall Estate alongside her husband James, said:

“Each year we enjoy supporting our local community and donating a home-grown tree for such a special celebration. The tree stands outside Lincoln Cathedral and brings so much festive enjoyment to so many thousands of visitors as well as those taking part in Light Up.

“The tree we donate will have been growing on our Estate for approximately 25 years so it makes us proud to see our tree surrounded by so much love in such a special place. Doddington Hall enjoys being part of so many families’ Christmas tradition.”

There are eight Light up a Life celebrations across the county and each one will last approximately 1 – 1.5 hours, they are free to attend and open to everyone, regardless of faith. There is no need to book in advance.

Lincoln – Tuesday 22nd November, 6pm, Our Lady of Lincoln Church followed by a torchlight procession from Clayton’s Sports Ground, Lee Road, Lincoln LN2 4BH, 7.30pm

Skegness – Sunday 27th November, 2.30pm, The Storehouse, North Parade, Skegness, PE25 1BY.

Boston – Sunday 4th December, 2.30pm, The Hive, Boston West Academy, Sussex Avenue, Boston, PE21 7QG.

Louth – Sunday 4th December, 3pm, Louth Methodist Church, Nichol Hill, LN11 9NQ.

Spalding – Sunday 4th December, 4pm, St John’s the Baptist Church, Hawthorn Bank, Spalding, Lincs, PE11 1JQ.

Sleaford – Monday 5th December, 6.45pm, Sleaford Methodist Church, Northgate Sleaford, NG34 7BH.

Grantham – Tuesday 6th December, 6pm, The Kings School, Brook St, Grantham, NG31 6RP.

Gainsborough – Tuesday 6th December, 6.30pm, United Reformed Church, Gladstone Street, Gainsborough, DN21 2JR. Followed by a torchlight procession to the Tree of Life at approximately 7.15pm

St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice is returning with its popular Christmas Shopping Extravaganza on Sunday 20th November, 11am-3pm, at Morton Village Hall in Gainsborough.

There will be a number of beautiful, local craft and gift stalls, along with delicious refreshments and games.

Caroline Swindin, Community Events Fundraiser for St Barnabas, said:

“Our Christmas Shopping Extravaganza presents an ideal opportunity to pick up a unique Christmas gift and enjoy delicious festive refreshments. Our hospice Christmas cards and giftware will also be on sale, along with our festive tombola, games and more.

“With free entry this promises to be a great day out for all the family whilst at the same time helping to raise funds to support the delivery of Hospice community services to people across the growing community of West Lindsey.”

Find out more at www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/gainsxmas or call Caroline Swindin on 07435 970309.

The contestants from Strictly Ballroom 2016

St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice is searching for 28 novice dancers to take part in their third Strictly Ballroom Fundraiser in Grantham

Commencing January 2017 dancers will learn to dance a Rumba and a Quickstep with local dance teacher Ann Gibbons. Contestants will then compete on stage in front of a live audience and an experienced judging panel for the grand finale.

The finale will be held on Saturday 22nd April 2017 at the Guildhall Arts Centre where contestants will be given two chances to win the Strictly Ballroom crown with an audience vote and a judge’s vote.

Janie McCormick, Event Organiser for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice, said:

“We are looking for 14 couples to join us and take on this fundraising challenge. This is the perfect event for couples looking to do something special or to take on a new hobby together.”

Suzanne Stevens, audience winner from Strictly Ballroom 2016, said:

“It was an absolute honour to be on that stage, dressed up and showing the audience what we had learnt over the last 11 weeks, also knowing that we were helping lots of different families by raising vital funds for St Barnabas too.

“I have been on an incredible journey, made fantastic new friends, learnt some dance moves and felt exhilarated on the stage! I would recommend everyone to have a go, I promise you will overcome the nerves and have an evening you’ll never forget!”

Registration is charged at £5 per person with each dancer expected to raise a minimum of £100 sponsorship. Lessons span 11 weeks and begin on Wednesday 11th January, 8pm – 9pm at Long Bennington Village Hall.

Janie McCormick said:

“Grantham held its first ever strictly fundraiser event in the spring of 2014 and it was a fantastic success with adrenaline at an all time high. Last years event raised over £5,350 and we hope to raise even more this year!”

To register or for further information please visit www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk or call Janie McCormick on 01476 591010 or email Janie.mccormick@stbarnabashospice.co.uk

Popular Christmas Craft Fair returns to Uphill Lincoln in bid to raise money for local hospice

St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice will host its annual Christmas Craft Fair at the Bailgate Methodist Church in Lincoln on Saturday 12th November, from 10am until 3pm.

Now in its 12th year the Christmas Craft Fair will host a variety of craft stalls from across the county. There will be local craft stalls selling unique handmade gifts and a number of stalls from St Barnabas Hospice.

This year will see Tales from the Heartwood with beautifully carved items from local English hardwoods, delicate handmade Christmas decorations from Daisy Ducks and beautifully fused glassware from Gemini Craft Designs.

Laura Stones, Events Fundraiser for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice said:

“St Barnabas Hospice will host a cake stall with homemade Mince Pies, a Christmas raffle and a stall full of Christmas decorations. The craft fair is a brilliant way to start off the festive season, there will be refreshments served, your favourite Christmas songs playing and a variety of stalls to browse.”

Entry is 50p and parking is free.

For more information about the Christmas Craft Fair please get in touch with Laura Stones on 01522 540300 or on laura.stones@stbarnabashospice.co.uk

Last years winning team

Guests are invited to test their general knowledge and skills at fundraising Quiz Night

On Friday 4th November, from 7.30pm – 10pm, St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice will be hosting its annual fundraising Quiz Night for the Grantham area.

Doors open at 7pm for 7.30pm start at The Kings School, Brook St, Grantham NG31 6RP.

Teams of up to six will compete in various rounds of questions including sport, trivia and general knowledge.

Janie McCormick, Events Fundraiser for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice, said:

“Now in its 17th year, The Kings School quiz has always proved very popular and we are looking forward to running this event again. A quiz often brings out the competitive side in people and it is a great way to socialize with friends and neighbours whilst raising much-needed funds for a local cause”

Prizes will be awarded on the night to the highest scoring team and a bar and raffle will be available.

Janie concludes: “We are continuing to increase awareness of the services that St Barnabas offer in the Grantham area as well as raising funds and hope that the quiz will be well received.”

Tickets are priced at £4 each and can be bought in advance online at www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk or from their Day Therapy Centre on Barrowby Rd, Grantham.

For further information contact Janie McCormick on 01476 591010 or email janie.mccormick@stbarnabashospice.co.uk 

Lesley (third from right) with her family

Eight celebrations will be held across Lincolnshire throughout November and December to remember loved ones who are missed

St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice is inviting the local community to celebrate the life of someone special at their annual Light Up a Life celebrations.

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 feature touching readings, music and a time for quiet reflection; candles will also be lit in remembrance.

Jason Wilkinson has always supported the hospice, but it has become particularly poignant since the death of his mum to cancer in 2014.

Jason, 40, Lincoln, said: “We were devastated to hear that Mum’s cancer was terminal especially when she was given just two years to live.

“St Barnabas Hospice played a crucial role in her last months as she was able to benefit from the services available at their Day Therapy centre. Mum would take part in T’ai Chi, relaxation and sleep classes which helped her with the physical side of the symptoms she was suffering.

“What’s more, the hospice allowed Mum the opportunity to make friends and meet people who were in a similar situation to her own. This gave Mum a real sense of purpose and a reason to get up in the morning. Quite simply, they gave her a lease of life that I don’t think would have been possible without the hospice.”

Jason and his family will attend the Light Up a Life celebration held in Lincoln which is followed by a torch-lit procession from Claytons Sports Ground to Lincoln Cathedral.

“This year we will be attending Light Up a Life as a family to mark the second year without Mum and to celebrate her life. We will light our torches in her memory and send her a message of love on the Tree of Life,” he said.

Since the death of his mother, Jason and his family have found themselves receiving care and support from St Barnabas Hospice.

Jason said: “The wonderful thing about St Barnabas is that they looked after the whole family and supported us every step of the way. They have helped my younger sister with bereavement counselling, and I know that if I ever need them, they will be there for me too.

“That’s why I hope you will be able to join us at Light Up a Life as we come together to remember those who brought joy to our lives and to support St Barnabas Hospice to care for more families like ours.”

Each Light Up a Life celebration will last approximately 1 – 1.5 hours, are free to attend and open to everyone, regardless of faith. There is no need to book in advance.

Lincoln – Tuesday 22nd November, 6pm, Our Lady of Lincoln Church followed by a torchlight procession from Clayton’s Sports Ground, Lee Road, Lincoln LN2 4BH, 7.30pm

Skegness – Sunday 27th November, 2.30pm, The Storehouse, North Parade, Skegness, PE25 1BY.

Boston – Sunday 4th December, 2.30pm, The Hive, Boston West Academy, Sussex Avenue, Boston, PE21 7QG.

Louth – Sunday 4th December, 3pm, Louth Methodist Church, Nichol Hill, LN11 9NQ.

Spalding – Sunday 4th December, 4pm, St John’s the Baptist Church, Hawthorn Bank, Spalding, Lincs, PE11 1JQ.

Sleaford – Monday 5th December, 6.45pm, Sleaford Methodist Church, Northgate Sleaford, NG34 7BH.

Grantham – Tuesday 6th December, 6pm, St Wulframs Church, Church St, Grantham, NG31 6RR.

Gainsborough – Tuesday 6th December, 6.30pm, United Reformed Church, Gladstone Street, Gainsborough, DN21 2JR. Followed by a torchlight procession to the Tree of Life at approximately 7.15pm

Annual Craft Fair returns to Skellingthorpe to help raise money for local hospice

St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice will host their ninth annual Craft Fair at Skellingthorpe Community Centre and Youth Hall on Sunday 16th October, from 10:30am – 4:00pm.

Laura Stones, Events Fundraiser for St Barnabas Hospice, said:

“Shoppers can discover unique Christmas gifts handmade by craft stalls from across the county. There will handmade glassware from Gemini Crafts, handmade rag rugs from Mary Mason and wooden gifts from Johnny Fisher.

“Whether you want to browse or buy there is sure to be something that will catch your eye. There will also be the opportunity to indulge in some delicious food and beverages.”

St Barnabas Hospice will host a variety of stalls with a new range of Christmas cards, decorations and gifts.

Guests will also have the opportunity to enter a prize draw by getting their program stamped at both the Community Centre & Youth Hall.

Admission is £1.00 and all funds raised will go directly towards patient and family care across Lincolnshire.

For more information contact Laura Stones on 01522 540300 or email laura.stones@stbarnabashospice.co.uk