Category: Fundraising

Volunteer Ali Cormack and her children Isla and Archie

Local Lincoln-based business donate 25ft Christmas tree for hospice celebrations

Lincoln, 5th November 2015 – 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 15th 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:

“The Tree of Life is an integral part of our Light up a Life celebrations and 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.

“The Tree of Life plays such an important role to so many and even choosing the tree itself has become a hospice tradition.”

Now in its 15th year the Light up a Life celebrations are an important fundraiser for the hospice who last year raised over £37,000 to help care for people with a life-limiting illness across Lincolnshire.

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

“Christmas trees have been grown at Doddington Hall for many years and are very much a part of our tradition.

“Each year it is our pleasure to donate a home-grown tree to St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice as we are mindful of what it means to so many people, not only the people who take part in the Light Up a Life celebrations but also the people visiting the Cathedral from the county plus far and wide.

“We are always very proud to see our tree surrounded by so much love in such a special place.”

There are nine 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, Our Lady of Lincoln Church,

24th November, 6pm

(followed by the Torchlight Procession from Clayton’s Sports Ground, Lee Road, Lincoln LN2 4BH, 7.30pm)

SKEGNESS, St Matthew’s Church,

3rd December, 6.30pm

BOSTON, Zion Methodist Church, Brothertoft Road,

4th December, 6pm

SUTTON ON SEA, Meridale Youth and Community Centre,

5th December, 3pm

SPALDING, St John the Baptist Church,

6th December, 4pm

LOUTH, Methodist Church,

7th December, 6pm

SLEAFORD, Methodist Church,

7th December, 6.45pm

GRANTHAM, St Wulfram’s Church,

8th December, 6pm

GAINSBOROUGH, United Reform Church,

8th December, 7pm

For more information go online to: www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/LUALLincoln

Fundraiser Caroline Swindin gets into the spirit of Christmas

St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice will be hosting a Christmas Shopping Extravaganza on Sunday 15th November, 11am-3pm, at Morton Village Hall in Gainsborough.

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

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

“Our Christmas Shopping Extravaganza presents an ideal opportunity to pick up that Christmas gift which is a little different whilst relaxing with our delicious refreshments! St Barnabas cards and giftware will also be available, along with our festive tombola, games and much 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.”

If you would like to host a stall at the fair or for further information go to www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/xmasshop or call Caroline on 07435 970309

Messages of love were tied around the Tree of Life outside Lincoln Cathedral

Celebrations will be held across Lincolnshire in 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 one of their nine Light up a Life celebrations.

The unique celebrations will see the community join together as they remember the life of someone special. Each event will feature touching readings, music and a time for quiet reflection; candles will also be lit in remembrance.

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

“Our Light up a Life celebrations are such a poignant time in our hospice calendar. These gatherings, which unite people in our community who have experienced the loss of someone special, bring great comfort and support to all who attend.

“Last year more than 11,000 lights shone brightly on our Trees of Life, each light representing the life of someone who is no longer with us.

“It is truly a beautiful sight and the wonderful thing about these celebrations is that they are inclusive to everyone within our community, regardless of whether they have a connection to our hospice.”

Now in its 15th year the Light up a Life celebrations are an important fundraiser for the hospice who last year raised over £37,000 to help care for people with a life-limiting illness across Lincolnshire.

For those attending the Lincoln event at Our Lady of Lincoln Church, there is an optional, torch-lit procession afterwards from Clayton’s Sports Ground past the Hospice and on to Lincoln Cathedral, where the Tree of Life will be illuminated for the whole community to see.

Becky concludes by saying: “The torchlight procession in Lincoln is utterly breathtaking and a truly moving event to witness. There is hundreds of flames flickering as far as they eye can see which evokes such a strong sense of unity.

“It is extremely humbling to be part of such special events and stand shoulder to shoulder with members of our community. They are able to support one another and demonstrate real empathy; it really is one not to miss.”

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, Our Lady of Lincoln Church,

24th November, 6pm

(followed by the Torchlight Procession from Clayton’s Sports Ground, Lee Road, Lincoln LN2 4BH, 7.30pm)

SKEGNESS, St Matthew’s Church,

3rd December, 6.30pm

BOSTON, Zion Methodist Church, Brothertoft Road,

4th December, 6pm

SUTTON ON SEA, Meridale Youth and Community Centre,

5th December, 3pm

SPALDING, St John the Baptist Church,

6th December, 4pm

LOUTH, Methodist Church,

7th December, 6pm

SLEAFORD, Methodist Church,

7th December, 6.45pm

GRANTHAM, St Wulfram’s Church,

8th December, 6pm

GAINSBOROUGH, United Reform Church,

8th December, 7pm

For more information go online to: www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/LUALLincoln

St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice will be hosting a Big Band Night on Saturday 7th November, from 7pm, at William Farr School in Welton.

Guests will be treated to music from the 1930’s and 1950’s which will be performed by 23-piece band ‘Room 21’.

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

“Our guests are in for a real toe tapping, finger snapping extravagant night of music, entertainment and dancing. The band will entertain with a wide selection of music and they will also provide some fun games to add to the evening’s enjoyment

“This promises to be a great night out 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.”

Vintage dress is optional and tickets are priced at £10 per person in advance.

To find out more and to book tickets go to www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/bigband or call Caroline on 07435 970309

Christmas Craft Fair returns to the historic Bailgate to raise funds for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice

St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice will once again be hosting its annual Christmas Craft Fair at the Bailgate Methodist Church on Saturday 14th November.

Now in its 12th year the Christmas Craft Fair will host a variety of craft stalls from across the county. The event will be open to the public from 10am – 3pm, with free parking and 50p entry.

There will be over 10 local craft stalls selling unique handmade gifts and a number of stalls from St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice. This year will see beautifully crafted glassware from Gemini Craft & Design, novelty doorstops from Daisy Ducks and Bird Boxes made from unusual items crafted by Johnny Fisher.

Ben Petts Community Events Fundraiser for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice said:

“This event is sure to get you feeling festive, it is a great opportunity to find unique Christmas gifts that have been lovingly handmade by the crafters we have on display.”

St Barnabas Hospice will host a cake stall with homemade Mince Pies, a Christmas raffle, a stall of Christmas decorations and gifts including the new Lincoln Barons Calendar for 2016.

Ben concludes by saying: “Start off your Festive season with this truly charming event, there will be refreshments served, your favorite Christmas songs playing and a variety of stalls to browse.”

The Bailgate Christmas Craft Fair takes place at the Bailgate Methodist Church on Saturday 14th November from 10am – 3pm. Free Parking and 50p Entry.

For more information about the Christmas Craft Fair please get in touch with Ben Petts on 01522 540300 or email ben.petts@stbarnabashospice.co.uk

Novice dancers in Lincoln and Grantham are being encouraged to put their best foot forward in a Strictly Come Dancing inspired competition.

Local independent charity St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice is hosting three Strictly Ballroom fundraisers; two in Lincoln and a third in Grantham.

“Strictly Ballroom has become a staple event in both Lincoln and Grantham and they are fast becoming our most popular hospice fundraisers. Our first-ever dance competition was held six years ago and since then we have raised over £56,000,” said Events Manager Becky Otter.

“Strictly Ballroom is a vibrant and fun event that enables our contestants to learn new skills and make new friends. It brings together our community who surprise us each year with their support and generosity.”

This year competitors in Grantham will learn the Jive and the Foxtrot whilst Lincoln will teach the Rumba and the Quickstep. Strictly Kidz will also return to Lincoln for the second year with children, aged 8 – 16, learning the Tango and Balmoral Blues.

Becky said: “Our professional dance teachers will be by their side every step of the way as our contestants learn the routines over a period of 10 weeks. They then compete in front of a live audience and a judging panel as they battle it out to be crowned the strictly champions.

“Our finales are always a sell-out and we are very grateful to our local community for their support and generosity.”

Dance lessons for the Grantham show will begin on Wednesday 13th January at Long Bennington Village Hall, from 8pm – 9pm, with the finale held on Saturday 23rd April at The Guildhall.

Training for Lincoln Strictly Ballroom and Strictly Kidz commences on the Sunday 17th January at St Johns Baptist Church Hall, Sudbrooke Drive, Lincoln. The children’s lessons are from 4pm – 5pm, followed by the adult lessons 5.30pm – 6.30pm. The grand finale is held on Sunday 3rd April at the Lincoln Performing Arts Centre (LPAC).

Registration in Lincoln and Grantham is £5.00 per competitor. Adults are asked to raise a minimum of £100 each and children £50 each.

To register:

Lincoln adults: www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/lincolnstrictly2016

Grantham adults: www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/granthamstrictly

Lincoln Strictly Kidz: www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/strictlykidz2016

For more information contact Becky Otter on becky.otter@stbarnabashospice.co.uk or call her for a chat on 01522 559516.

Lincoln, 2nd October 2015 – On Sunday, 11th October from 10:30am – 4:00pm Skellingthorpe Community Centre and Youth Hall will be bustling with local crafters. Discover unique Christmas gifts handmade by craft stalls from across the county.

Skellingthorpe Craft Fair is now in its 8th year and will once more be filled with gifts, trinkets and beautiful handcrafted items. Rosemary Pike will be attending with her beautifully handmade Stained Glass items; Mary Perridge will be exhibiting her original paintings and Mike Ellis with his handcrafted wooden gifts. Whether you want to browse or buy there is sure to be something that will catch your eye.

The event will take place at the end of Hospice Care Week to coincide with this year’s theme, connecting care. Hospice Care Week will run from the 5th – 11th October. St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice has worked with the Skellingthorpe Fundraising Group for nearly 20 years, in this time the group has raised a total of £88,000.

Ben Petts, Community Events Fundraiser for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice said:

“The Hospice connects with a diverse range of community groups, we connect care through a range of services and the Skellingthorpe Fundraising group is dedicated by organising their own events each year to raise funds for the hospice.”

St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice will host a variety of stalls with a new range of Christmas cards, decorations and gifts. Guests will have the opportunity to enter a prize draw by getting their program stamped at both the Community Centre & Youth Hall. This will give guests the opportunity to win a meal for 2 at the Stone Arms in Skellingthorpe. Admission is £1.00 and all funds raised will go directly towards patient and family care across Lincolnshire.

For more information contact Ben Petts on 01522 540300 or email: ben.petts@stbarnabashospice.co.uk.

On Friday, 2nd October from 6:00pm Toby Hope will start a 24 hour spin challenge to raise funds for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice in memory of his Mother in Law, Margaret Betts.

Toby has set himself a challenge to cycle on a spin bicycle from 6pm on Friday 2nd October to 6pm Saturday 3rd October.

Margaret Betts had a short battle with cancer which lasted only 12 weeks and in that time Toby and the family described the care as “amazing” and that the Hospice played and integral part in Margaret’s final days. Margaret supported the Hospice’s annual Light Up a Life events and would make a donation every year towards the appeal.

Toby first started to fundraise for the Hospice by taking part in our 2015 Strictly Ballroom event. Toby is hoping to raise much needed funds for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice and you can help Toby cycle through the night by donating online to his Just Giving page by visiting, www.justgiving.com/Toby-Hope2

Ben Petts Community Events Fundraiser for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice said:

“The public support our Hospice in various ways and Toby’s challenge will not be easy, 24 hours cycling on spin bike is going to be impressive. I would like to urge anyone that can support Toby in this mammoth challenge to donate anything they can in aid of our local Hospice.”

Toby’s challenge will be starting on Friday 2nd October at 6pm; he will cycle through the night until 6pm Saturday evening to complete this challenge of endurance.

From left to right: (Back row) James Mundy, Nicole Hagan, Emma Innesbeer, Chloe Cook (Front row) Sally Mundy, Richard Armstrong, Jamie Bendy and Jerry Innesbeer

Daredevil skydivers raise over £5,000 for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice

On Sunday 6th September, a group of eight friends took the plunge in a tandem skydive at Hibaldstow airfield to raise money for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice.

Richard Armstrong, Emma Innesbeer, Jerry Innesbeer, Jamie Bendy, Sally and James Mundy, Nicole Hagan (16) and Chole Cook (16) collectively raised over £5,000 from jumping 15,000feet out of a plane.

Richard Armstrong rallied up his friends to tandem skydive after the hospice cared for his dad.

Richard said: “I decided to jump for St Barnabas because I was amazed by the wonderful support the staff were able to provide my Dad in his latter weeks. In turn this made the difficult time easier to accept, for me and my sister, and others close to him, who knew he was in caring and experienced hands. It was a fantastic and dedicated service.”

Sally Mundy decided to jump for the hospice because of the care her step mum is currently receiving.

Sally said: “My step mum is currently receiving outstanding care and support from the St Barnabas Hospice At Home team. We wanted to do our bit to raise valuable funds and to say thank you for all that St Barnabas is doing. My son James and I were also looking for a challenge and the tandem skydive was definitely that!”

Following the tandem jump, Jerry Innesbeer has signed up to take on a solo jump.

Jerry said: “I was very apprehensive on the morning of the jump, once we all got on the plane it was go, go, go! My instructor, Noel, was excellent. He was a very calming influence and made the whole thing a fabulous experience.”

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

“Jumping out of plane from 15,000feet is an incredible achievement. We are truly grateful to anyone who undertakes this high flying challenge in aid of the hospice.

“I went along and supported the jumpers and it really was an incredible sight. I am urging anyone who wants to take on a big challenge to sign up today and help raise vital sponsorship for our hospice.”

To skydive for charity contact Becky Otter on becky.otter@stbarnabashospice.co.uk or call 01522 540 300.

George Henderson Lodge, Front Street, Morton.

St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice is delighted to be returning with its popular Coffee Morning on Thursday 17th September 2015. This will take place between 10am -12noon at the George Henderson Lodge, Front Street, Morton, Gainsborough.

The local community are invited to come along for a morning of delicious home made cakes, try their luck on the Tombola and pick up a bargain on our Book and Bric a Brac stall.

The local charity is also looking for donations of cakes and biscuits to be sold on their ever popular cake stall.

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

“These Coffee Mornings are always very popular and it is lovely to see so many people at our Hospice. Our last Coffee Morning in March raised £350 which was fantastic!

“We are extremely grateful to everyone for their support and generosity which contributes to the continuing delivery of Hospice Community services in the area from the George Henderson Lodge.”

For more information please contact Fundraising on 01522 540300 or e-mail fundraising@stbarnabashospice.co.uk