Category: Fundraising

This years Strictly Ballroom competitors

Novice dancers from across Lincoln performed at a charity fundraiser in aid of St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice

On Sunday the LPAC played host to two Strictly Come Dancing inspired fundraisers which raised over £16,000 in front of an audience of 500 for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice.

First to the stage was the under 16’s for Strictly Kidz which saw 32 couples dance the Tango and the Swing. They were followed by 34 adult couples who competed in Strictly Ballroom and danced the Rumba and the Quickstep.

The couples have spent the past ten weeks learning the dance routines with professional dance instructors, Andrew Pigg and Ursula Barker.

Michael Johnson, 10, and Hannah Vickers, 10, danced together in Strictly Kidz and won an award for raising the most amount of sponsorship, which totalled £1,112.

Michael Johnson, said:

“We were so amazed at how generous all our friends and family were with their sponsorship and our mums are really proud that we were able to raise so much money for St Barnabas as they have cared for good friends of ours. Raising money for them was my main reason for doing it. I definitely want to do it again next year.”

Hannah Vickers, said:

“I really wanted to do Stricty Kidz because I wanted the experience of learning the dances and taking part in the finale, and also because I have had relatives and family friends who have used St Barnabas Hospice services. I really wanted to raise lot of money so they can help more people.”

The overall winners of Strictly Kidz were Archie Perkins, 9 and his school friend Harry True, 9.

The judging panel, Aggi Doughty winner of Strictly Ballroom 2011 and 2012 and Andrew Pigg and Ursula Barker, dance instructors from Premier Dance, marked each couple and gave feedback on their style and technical ability.

Strictly Ballroom’s winner, Emma Platton from Lincoln, said:

“When I saw that the hospice was recruiting for participants for their Strictly style show I couldn’t wait to sign up! I have always had a love of dance and the hospice is a charity that is very close to my heart.”

Her dancing partner and sister, Charlotte Cox from Surrey, said:

“When my sister asked me to join her I immediately jumped at the idea despite the distance I had to travel to attend the dance lessons. It has been lovely to spend so much time with my sister and together we have pulled out all the stops to cram in as much practice as possible. It was a real shock when we heard our names announced as the winners but it is a moment I will hold on to forever.”

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

“Our contestants treated us to a truly entertaining day filled with all the glitz and glamour a Strictly inspired fundraiser demands. I am incredibly proud of all of them for giving up their time and for showing real enthusiasm to learn the routines and fundraise along the way.

“It is only with the support of our local community that we are able to continue caring for people who are living with the impacts of a life limiting illness.

“Our aspiration is to help our patients and their families make the most of every single second they share, regardless of how much time remains. It is money raised from events like these ones that can turn our aspirations into reality.”

St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice brings popular Ladies Afternoon Tea to Horncastle

Local independent charity St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice are holding a ladies afternoon tea in Horncastle to help boost the funds they need to care for people living with a life limiting illness throughout the county.

The afternoon tea will be held at the Admiral Rodney Hotel in Horncastle on Thursday 14th July, from 4pm – 6.30pm. Guests will be treated to a selection of homemade sandwiches, cakes and cream scones.

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

“The afternoon tea is one of our Great British customs and the perfect excuse to indulge with family and friends. Set in idyllic surroundings guests can expect to enjoy a relaxing afternoon and one of them will also walk away with the prize for the best-dressed lady.”

Guests can also enjoy live music from Heather Marie who specialises in music from a bygone era and will entertain with a selection of songs from the 1940’s, 50’s, Wartime, Big Band, Swing and musicals.

Tickets are priced at £15 per person.

For more information and to book go to www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/horntea or contact Caroline on 07435 970309, email caroline.swindin@stbarnabashospice.co.uk

Novice dancers have been putting their best foot forward for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice

St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice will be hosting their annual Strictly Kidz and Strictly Ballroom fundraisers on Sunday 3rd April at the Lincoln Performing Arts Centre.

Over the past 10 weeks, 34 adults have been learning the Rumba and the Quickstep and 32 children have been learning the Tango and the Swing.

Contestants will compete on stage in front of a live audience and a judging panel consisting of; Aggi Doughty, winner of Strictly Ballroom in 2011 and 2012 and Andrew Pigg and Ursula Barker, dance instructors from Premier Dance.

Anxiously anticipating the show’s finale, the Strictly Ballroom contestants all have very individual reasons for signing up to the fundraiser.

Rebecca Homer, 46, from Lincoln, said:

“Mark and I decided to take part to learn a new skill, spend some quality time together and most importantly to raise funds for a local charity and who doesn’t like a bit of strictly! The support from our friends and family has been amazing.”

Graham Turner, 61, from Horncastle, said:

“I’m dancing to make a difference in the quality of people’s lives. Any audience will be contributing to a fantastic local community asset and will enjoy a musical evening of fun, laughter and maybe even, a bit of something resembling dancing.”

Danusia Olbinson, from Nettleham, said:

“I’m taking part in memory of my dear Dad and to support a great cause. St Barnabas were a great help and comfort to our family during his illness and passing and it’s a pleasure to be able to raise money for them again.”

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

“What I love most about Strictly Ballroom and Strictly Kidz is watching the contestants’ progress. They start with two left feet and by the end of the ten weeks, they have mastered both dances.

“The sense of achievement on the children’s faces is priceless. I also commend all of the dancers as taking part in strictly requires a huge amount of commitment to ensure that the event is a success.”

Limited tickets are available for the strictly style fundraisers. Strictly kidz commences at 1pm and Strictly Ballroom starts at 7pm.

Tickets for the adults show can be purchased at www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/strictlyfinal

Tickets for the children’s show can be purchased at www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/strictlykidzfinale16

Ticket prices for both events are £10 for adults and £5 for children.

Last year’s dogs and their owners

St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice has announced plans to host a second Paws 4 a Cause sponsored dog walking event in Horncastle.

The walk will take place on Sunday 8th May, from 9.30am and will begin at the Horncastle Playing Fields before walking along the ‘Spa Trail’, the midsection of the old Horncastle to Woodhall Spa Junction railway line and part of the Horncastle canal.

Dog walkers can choose to walk up to six miles and takes in part of the Viking Way passing through woods and rolling countryside. Registration is just £5 per dog and includes a free goody bag.

Caroline Swindin, Community Events Fundraiser, said:

“Last year’s event was a huge success and we saw over 12 dogs take part and together they raised an incredible £640 for end-of-life care in East Lindsey. This year we are hoping to raise even more money to ensure that we are able to support the thousands of people with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

“Don’t worry if you haven’t got your own pooch; why not borrow one, bring along a cuddly one or even dress up as one!”

St Barnabas is the principal provider of end-of-life care across East Lindsey and has the community Hospice at Home team have cared for over 800 people in the familiar surroundings of their own home.

Register online at www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/pawshorn or contact Caroline Swindin on 0745 970309 or email caroline.swindin@stbarnabashospice.co.uk

Runners are being encouraged to act quickly to avoid disappointment as spaces fill quickly for Lincolnshire’s original Colour Dash.

Local independent charity St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice has teamed up with events supplier, Running Imp, to host the Colour Dash on Saturday 14th May at the Lincolnshire Showground.

The special early bird price is also due to end on 1st March which will see prices rise from £15 per adult to £20 and £5 per child (5 – 16 years old) to £10. The family ticket (two children and two adults) will also increase from £35 to £50.

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

“This year we have increased our capacity to allow for 3,500 people to take part after the sell-out success of last year. Once again the tickets are being snapped up as we see people sign up in their droves.

“The support that we have had from our local community is truly inspiring and the money we are able to raise ensures that St Barnabas remains at the forefront of end-of-life care across Lincolnshire.”

The event has also received support from the local business community with Western Power Distribution being named as the headline sponsor.

Michael Clarke, Corporate Communications Officer for Western Power Distribution, said:

“The beauty of an event like this is that so many people, young and old, can take part, and it’s good fun while raising money for a fantastic cause. Our sponsorship will help towards covering the costs of the Colour Dash, so that money raised can directly benefit the Hospice.

“Many of our local staff have been involved and have been touched by the work done by the Hospice for many years now and are only too happy to get involved in the events. Some of our local staff took part last year and are very much looking forward to this year’s run.”

The 5k route will be lined with paint stations which will see runners showered from head to toe in environmentally friendly powdered paint, with a different colour for each station. Runners will also be given their own paint which they will be able to use after the run.

To secure one of the remaining spaces go to: www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/cd16

The route will take participants past the iconic Lincoln Cathedral

Lightsabers at the ready as Lincoln prepares for Star Wars themed sponsored event

Lincoln, 16th February 2016 – Sci-fi enthusiasts from across Lincolnshire are being encouraged to sign up to a sponsored walk being held in Lincoln this summer.

Local independent charity St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice are hosting Star Walks: Lincoln Awakens, a Star Wars themed 10k walk on Saturday 17th September.

Participants will start the 10k walk at Yarborough Leisure Centre where they will be greeted by favourites from the film and warm up with Jedi training. There will also be free food after the walk with guests treated to Han Solo Halloumi baps or a Padmé pork bap courtesy of Meltworks, local Lincolnshire outdoor caterers.

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

“We are really excited to be bringing this fabulous new event to Lincoln, which will provide our community with a chance to celebrate their love for Star Wars and their passion for raising money.

“Whether you choose to walk for the Light Side or the Dark Side the evening is set to be a fun family evening out. Participants will follow the path through the Lincoln galactic journey where film favourites will be cheering them on. There will even by a musical surprise half way!”

Star Walks: Lincoln Awakens is the tenth annual Moonlight Walk the charity has hosted which was last year themed One Night in a Onesie.

The route will see participants leave Yarborough Leisure Centre and head to Lincoln Cathedral before making there way along the High Street and on to Yarborough Road to return to the leisure centre.

Becky said: “Star Walks is an exciting opportunity for us to offer something new to our loyal supporters and this year we are hoping to see more than 1,000 people join us in crossing the finish line.

“Whether you choose to take on this intergalactic adventure for fun or to support the hospice, you’ll need all the power of the Force!”

To take part, participants must be at least eight years old, and anyone aged 16 or under must be accompanied by an adult. Adults can take advantage of the early bird price of just £12 and children are charged a flat rate fee of £7.

Participants can also buy an early bird family ticket (two adults and two children) for just £30. The early bird price is valid until 30th June 2016. Every registered participant will receive a free Star Walks branded bag.

Register at: www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/starwalks

For more information please contact Becky Otter, Events Manager on 01522 559 516 or e-mail becky.otter@stbarnabashospice.co.uk

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

On Friday 11th March, from 7.30pm – 10pm, St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice will be hosting a fundraising Quiz Night for the Bourne area, which will include a Fish and Chip supper.

Doors open at 7pm for 7.30pm start at The Elsea Park Community Centre, Elsea Park, Bourne PE10 0US.

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

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

“Last years Quiz 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 offers in the Bourne area as well as raising funds, and hope that the quiz will be well received.”

Tickets are priced at £8 each, to include supper, and can be bought in advance online at www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/bquiz or from the St Barnabas shop on Bourne High Sreet’. Deadline for entry is Tuesday 8th March.

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

How many sweets in the jar? Tracy Atkins gets her fundraising underway as she strives for £2,800 target

A hospice Health Care Support Worker is planning to raise £2,800 this summer by trekking the Great Wall of China.

Tracy Atkins, 51, from Lincoln, is heading to Beijing in September for an eight-day charity trek in aid of St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice.

Tracy said: “The trek really is the chance of a lifetime and I am honoured to be able to raise the money for St Barnabas. My family and colleagues are behind me one hundred percent and their support will help with the emotional and physical aspects of this challenge.

“Every day I witness first hand just how crucial fundraising is to the care and services we provide and it is really motivating to know that I am able to support that, even in some small way.”

Two years ago Tracy raised £1,500 when she jumped 13,000ft in a sponsored skydive.

Tracy said: “Fundraising is vitally important to our hospice because it raises much-needed funds and helps to raise the awareness of our services.

“People often ask me if working in a hospice is upsetting and, although we experience times of great sadness, the hospice is also an inspiring place filled with laughter, love and an abundance of happy times.

“I am incredibly proud to say I work for the hospice and that I am able to help people to have the best quality of life until the very end. It is comforting to know that what we do makes a real difference to so many people across Lincolnshire.”

Tracy has worked at the Inpatient Unit on Nettleham Road in Lincoln for the past 17 years.

Tracy said: “My role is to take care of the patients, which can be anything from helping them to eat and drink to washing their hair and applying their make-up. It’s about more than just the physical side of care. It’s about ensuring that their wellbeing is looked after.

“I am so confident about the quality of care that we deliver that if a member of my family ever needed the support of the hospice I know they would be receiving the best possible care in Lincolnshire.”

Since the beginning of January, Tracy has organised a coffee morning, bingo night and disco to help raise the minimum sponsorship of £2,800 for her to take part in the trip.

Tracy continued: “I am very lucky to have the support of all my wonderful colleagues who have been digging deep to help me in my fundraising endeavours. They have helped to raise over £700 already.

“The knowledge that the money I raise will directly benefit local adults battling life-limiting illnesses is enough to see me through to the finish line.”

To sponsor Tracy, go to: https://www.justgiving.com/Tracy-Atkins3

John and Anne on their silver wedding anniversary in 1989

An annual quiz night that was started by Lincoln widower, John Davey in memory of his wife, Anne is celebrating its 20th year this year.

Since the quiz began in 1996 over £35,500 has been raised for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice who cared for John’s wife in her final days.

In December 1992, Anne was admitted to the hospice on Nettleham Road in Lincoln after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.

John, 77, said: “Anne’s diagnosis came as a real shock to us all especially when we learnt that nothing more could be done for her. It was such a sad time, truly heart-breaking for all the family.

“I was a little apprehensive when it was suggested that Anne should be transferred into the care of the hospice but I was assured that they would be able to help make Anne comfortable and pain-free.

“The hospice was a truly wonderful place and the people there were incredibly kind. They took such good care of Anne but they also looked after the whole family too.”

John added: “I will always remember the night I fell asleep holding Anne’s hand and I awoke to find that a blanket had been placed over me by one of the kind people there. It’s only a small thing but it is something I will never forget and it really meant a lot.”

During her time in the hospice, Anne and John celebrated Christmas and New Year together.

“I’ll never forget Christmas Eve and the carol singers who were performing in the hospice. The sound of the music drifted into Anne’s room and the most remarkable thing happened, Anne sat up in bed for the first time in a long time and she sat and sang every carol. For that short time, I had my Anne back, she was just like her old self.

“It was wonderful, they had managed to bring Christmas inside the hospice and bring some normality back into all of our lives. Of course, I have many sad memories of Anne’s time in the hospice but I was also given many happy ones and it’s those memories that are really important.”

Anne died at the hospice at the age of 56 on 13th January 1993, just eight weeks after being diagnosed.

Following her death, John organised two sponsored walks which raised over £8,000 for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice. In 1996, John decided to organise a quiz night which became known as the annual Wine and Wisdom fundraiser.

John said: “Wine and Wisdom began as a wonderful way to remember my wife of 29-years and also for our family and friends to remember her too. It also gave us an opportunity to raise money to help other families who need the valuable support of the hospice.

“I am truly humbled by the amount of money the quiz has raised and it far exceeds any expectations I had. I never expected the quiz to become so popular and I wouldn’t have dared to dream that it would still be going now.

“It’s a lovely lasting tribute to my dearest Anne.”

Wine and Wisdom is held on Friday 4th March, from 7pm, at Waddington Village Hall on Mere Road in Lincoln. Participation cost is £6 per person and teams of 5 – 8 will compete in eight rounds of questions. The winning team will win a bottle of wine each.

Participants can register online at: www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/WWWAD

For more information please contact Ben Petts, Community Events Fundraiser on 01522 559 515 or e-mail ben.petts@stbarnabashospice.co.uk

Thonock Park course

Golfers from across Lincolnshire are encouraged to take part in the annual golf day and help raise money for local hospice

Local independent charity, St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice are holding a golf day to help boost the funds they need to care for people living with a life-limiting illness throughout the county.

The golf day will be held at Gainsborough Golf Club on Belt Road on Friday 1st July. There is availability for 20 teams of four to take part in the AM-AM tournament on the Thonock Park course.

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

“Our golf day is an annual event and last year it raised £3,000 and we are hoping to build on that success this time. Money raised from events like this one allows us to continue to deliver our specialist end of life care to those who need it the most.”

Anyone can take part in the golf day, costing £140 per team of four people which includes a drink on arrival and a two-course carvery lunch.

For more information please contact Caroline Swindin, Community Events Fundraiser on 07435 970309 or e-mail caroline.swindin@stbarnabashospice.co.uk