Lincolnshire hospice to host It’s a Knockout fundraiser

Teams battle it out against each other in hilarious costumes to raise funds for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice.

St Barnabas Lincolnshire hospice brings ‘It’s a Knockout’ to Washingborough Playing Fields for the 5th year on Sunday 12th July. The hospice mascot, Barnabas Bear, will be cheering on fourteen teams including many from the local business community.

Teams from YMCA, Deans Sport and Leisure, Running Imp International, NMB Minebea UK, Western Power, AM2 Architects and Your Print Partner will battle it out between themselves in hilarious costumes on carnival themed inflatables with giant props.

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

“It’s a Knockout is a fun way of raising money for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice. As well as watching the giant inflatable games there will be lots of fun activities for spectators to get involved in including; climbing walls, penalty shoot out, face painting, bouncy castle, donkey rides, plus lots more.”

Delicious milkshakes will be available throughout the day from ‘Eskimoo’ plus refreshments from local stands ‘The Coffee Bean’ and ‘The Donut Shack’, there will also be a bar and BBQ with Lincolnshire’s finest sausages and burgers from Elite Meat in the Bailgate.

Mark Doughty, from 2013’s winning team ‘Turbo Nuts Amazeball’ said:

“It’s a Knockout is a great, fun event to take part in with either family, friends or even work mates, It’s even better to watch, support and laugh at people taking part for a great local charity that means so much to a lot of people.”

Becky Otter Concludes:

“This year we have very special guests Mickey and Minnie Mouse! Come down and catch a glimpse of these Disney favourites and even have your photo taken with them.

“Showcasing again this year is the children’s race at approximately 4 pm. Children will be able to have a go on the foamy inflatables for only £5 with no need to register just turn up on the day. Come along and cheer on the competing teams with Barnabas bear and enjoy a fun family day out.”

The event is free to come and watch. For more information please visit: www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/knockout

Live music event in aid of Lincolnshire hospice

St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice teams up with the King family for 3rd annual Midsummer Music event

On Saturday 4th July, from 4:00pm – 10:30pm, St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice will be teaming up with the King family and Brightwater Gardens in Saxby to host an evening of music in memory of Jules King.

Local bands will be performing live from 4.30pm and guests are encouraged to bring a picnic to enjoy in the idyllic surroundings of the gardens. There will also be pimms for sale throughout the evening.

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

“I am thrilled that the King family have approached St Barnabas for a third year to get involved with this event. Brightwater Gardens is the perfect location to enjoy a picnic with friends, watch the sunset and listen to local up and coming bands who have donated their time for free to support this event.”

In March 2012, Jules King died following a 14 month battle with bowel cancer. Since then Alex and Harry King have taken part in a number of fundraising events to continue Jules’ lasting legacy.

Ben said: “The sheer determination and drive of the King family is truly inspirational. Alex and Harry King were teenagers when their mother died and since then they have raised over £25,000, started their own charity all the while studying at college and university. “

Nine local soloists and bands will be providing live entertainment throughout the evening.

The headline act is UK Headz, a seven piece line-up covering popular songs from The Killers, Kings of Leon and The Jam.

For the second consecutive year George Harris & Alfie Norman will be returning to perform acoustic covers and local indie band, The Captains.

Andy King said: “Midsummer Music was the brain child of my children Alex and Harry and made possible by the continued generous support of Chris and Jonathan at Brightwater Gardens.

“It gives the opportunity to showcase new local talent and all in the name of a good cause. I feel that it is a fitting legacy to my late wife Jules and I am immensely proud to be part of it.”

Tickets for this event are £8.50 for adults and £4.50 for children. A family ticket is £20.00 (2 Adults, 2 Children). Please note that pets are not allowed at this event.

Tickets are available from St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice: www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/midsummermusic and from Brightwater Gardens in Saxby (01673 878820). Tickets will also be available on the gate.

For further information about Brightwater Gardens please visit: http://brightwatergardens.co.uk/

Hundreds turn out in their onesies and raise £31,140 for Lincolnshire hospice

Local community turn out for One Night in a Onesie in support of St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice.

On Saturday 6th June 2015, St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice hosted their ninth annual Moonlight Sleepwalks across the county. The sponsored walks took place in Lincoln, Spalding and Grantham and saw 535 people turn out in their onesies to raise £31,140.

The walks which were all approximately 10k in length saw participants as young as 11 put on their onesies and walk around the streets of Lincolnshire to raise money for the local charity.

The walk in Lincoln attracted the most walkers with over 400 participants setting off from Yarborough Leisure Centre.

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

“I am humbled by the generosity and dedication of our supporters who have come together to raise much needed funds for our hospice. It was extremely touching to see so many people united by one cause and in particular those who were walking in memory of loved ones.

“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 this one can that can turn our aspirations into reality.”

Lincoln walkers were treated to entertainment from DJ Flipstones from Lincoln’s community radio station, Siren FM and a team from Total Fitness led the warm-up.

Becky said: “I would like to say a special thank you to our corporate partners PayPlan, Clarriotts Care and Pearson Hydraulics for their generosity in supporting our event.

“Without them and the dedication of our committed team of volunteer’s events like this would not be possible. There is a real sense of community at an event like this one, as men and women come together, to make a difference for hospice care.”

Money raised through ‘One Night in a Onesie’ allows St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice to continue to care for people who are terminally ill and dying. Last year the charity cared for more than 9,000 people across the county, creating bespoke care packages that allow patients and their families to make the most of every last moment they share together.

Skellingthorpe residents open their gardens for local hospice

Gardens throughout Skellingthorpe Village will open to raise money for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice.

Local residents in Skellingthorpe Village in Lincoln will be opening their gardens for the eighteenth year in aid of St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice. The annual event which is organised by a committee of volunteers will see nine gardens open on Sunday 31st May, from 11am – 4pm.

Mike (70) and Carol (66) Robinson have been opening their garden to the public for the past eight years.

Carol said: “The Open Gardens draws in people from far and wide from across the country. Garden enthusiasts and families come for a browse around the gardens and the village and just to enjoy a nice day out.

“When the weather has been particularly good we have seen up to 70 people in our garden at one time. The day has a wonderful feeling of community spirit and is a brilliant way to bring so many people together.

“It takes a lot of time and hard work to get our garden ready for the Open Gardens but it fills us with a great sense of pride when it is finished. It is very satisfying when we see people enjoying our garden and the experience.”

Entry to the gardens will be via the Skellingthorpe Community Centre and costs £3 per person. Many of the gardens will also have craft stalls and refreshments which will be available for a small donation.

Carol said: “It is wonderful to be able to give something back to such a deserving charity that is a vital part of our community. We know people who have used the hospice and we know how important the service is to so many across the county.

“Over the years the fundraising committee in Skellingthorpe have raised in excess of £73,000 for St Barnabas with over £38,000 from the Open Gardens events. It really is an enjoyable day that helps to make a difference to our local hospice.”

St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice will also be hosting a plant sale and serving hot and cold refreshments from the community centre.

Lincolnshire’s first ever Colour Dash a success

Photo courtesy of Stuart Wilde Photography Ltd

Local independent charity gets a boost of £100,000 from colourful sell-out fun run

St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice has had more than £100,000 pledged from runners after they hosted Lincolnshire’s first ever Colour Dash which saw more than 2,500 people take part.

The independent charity teamed up with local events supplier, Running Imp, to host the fundraiser on Saturday 9th May at the Lincolnshire Showground.

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

“I am delighted to reveal that the Colour Dash is the single most successful event in our charity’s history. We are overwhelmed by the number of people who have turned out to raise this incredible sum of money and show support for their local hospice.

“From the very beginning we were excited to be bringing this family focused fundraiser to the Lincolnshire community. It has captured the minds and hearts of so many who have come together to make this event a resounding success.”

The Colour Dash saw participants as young as five hit with environmentally friendly powdered paint as they ran the five-kilometre course.

Becky said: “We met people who were taking part for all sorts of reasons. Many were there to remember and honour someone special whilst others came along to soak up the atmosphere at this feel-good event.

“Not only was the day bursting with colour it was also brimming with high energy and positivity which really added to the atmosphere. I think it goes without saying that we will definitely be bringing the Colour Dash back next year.

The event saw support from the local business community with Western Power Distribution, named as headline sponsors.

Becky concludes: “The money raised from this event will directly impact the care and services we provide. Last year we cared for more than 9,000 people across the county and this year we hope to care for even more.”

2,500 get ready for sell-out Lincolnshire Colour Dash

Lincolnshire’s first ever Colour Dash proves it’s popularity as it sells out with just over a week to go

St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice has announced that they have sold all 2,500 of its places ahead of the Colour Dash on Saturday 9th May.

The Colour Dash, held at the Lincolnshire Showground, is a fun run which will see participants take on a 5k course lined with paint stations. At each kilometre runners will be splattered from head to toe in environmentally friendly powdered paint.

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

“It is amazing to see the popularity of this event and to see so many people who want to be part of Lincolnshire’s first ever Colour Dash.

“The fundraising team are counting down until the day of the event and we can’t wait to see what 2,500 people look like showered in a rainbow of colour!

“People have been signing up for this event in flurries from the very beginning and we are still getting enquiries from people now. Unfortunately all the spaces are full so we are having to turn people away.”

The run was organised in partnership with local events supplier, Running Imp and support has also been received from Western Power Distribution, who have been named as headline sponsors.

The Colour Dash is set to see the largest turnout in the charity’s fundraising history and is expected to be the highest grossing.

Becky said: “We hate to turn people away from any event but due to health and safety we have to ensure that we do not exceed this capacity. Plans are already in motion for next years Colour Dash and we are hoping to accommodate an even larger attendance.

“There is just over a week to go until the Colour Dash kicks off and now is the time for people to be getting their sponsors. Every single penny they raise will help to support their local hospice to continue caring in their community.”

14 years of hospice Grand Plant Sale

St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice will once again host the Grand Plant Sale on May 17th at the Grandstand on Carholme Road. Now in its 14th year the Grand Plant Sale has become a favoured event among supporters.

Each year supporters of St Barnabas Hospice donate an array of quality indoor & outdoor plants, bedding plants, shrubs and beautifully filled hanging baskets. All plants donated will be put on sale on the 17th May at bargain prices. The Grand Plant Sale is open from 10am – 1pm, 50p entry and all funds raised from this event goes directly towards patient and family care across Lincolnshire.

Ben Petts Community Events Fundraiser said: “Each year we ask for donations of bedding plants, shrubs, perennials and house plants. This event solely relies on the support of our local community and we welcome any plant donations.”

“Over the past 14 years this event has raised a staggering £42,225.00 for Hospice care across Lincolnshire, making this a firm favourite in our calendar of events.”

If you have any plants that you would like to donate towards this event then please feel free to contact a member of the St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice Fundraising Department on 01522 540 300 or email: ben.petts@stbarnabashospice.co.uk.

Plants can also be taken to the Grandstand on Saturday 16th May, between 10am – 12pm.

Strictly Ballroom charity night raises £20,500

Local independent charity gets a boost from Strictly Come Dancing inspired events.

On Sunday 29th March, St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice hosted Strictly Kidz and Strictly Ballroom, two dance inspired fundraisers that raised £20,500. Both events were held at the Lincoln Performing Arts Centre and saw over 760 people attend.

Strictly Kidz raised over £7,500 from 23 couples aged 7-16 years who battled it out to be crowned the Strictly Kidz champions. Each pairing performed the Paso Doble and Cha-Cha-Cha before Isla Rose Perkins (10) and Samuel True (10) lifted the trophy.

Isla said:

“Strictly Come Dancing is one of my favourite programmes to watch and I have always wanted to take part in something similar myself. I never thought that I would win. It was a real shock when I heard my name announced. I was shaking but so excited!”

In its triumphant return, the fifth annual Strictly Ballroom raised £13,000 with 22 couples performing the Melody Foxtrot and Jive. A sold-out audience watched as Richard Fogg and Lisa Sandland-Taylor danced their way to victory.

Richard said:

“The past 11 weeks have been a real pleasure as we got to grips with the dance routines and got to know our fellow dancers. The whole experience has been fantastic and winning is simply the icing on the cake.

“I would recommend taking part in Strictly Ballroom to anyone and I am already thinking about signing up again for next year.”

The winners of Strictly Kidz and Strictly Ballroom were decided by a combination of an audience vote and scoring by a judging panel, which consisted of; Aggi Doughty, winner of Strictly Ballroom 2011 and 2012 and Andrew Pigg and Ursula Barker, dance instructors from Premier Dance.

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

“I am absolutely astounded by the support from our local community who have helped us to raise such an incredible amount. Both events brought the heart and soul of our local community together through music, dance and fun.

“All of our participants demonstrated real willing and determination throughout our Strictly events to learn the dance routines and to put on a show stopping performance. I am immensely proud of each and every one of them who made the shows such a resounding success.

“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 that can turn our aspirations into reality.”

Limited spaces left for Lincolnshire’s first ever Colour Dash

Photo courtesy of Bryony Hooper

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

Local independent charity St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice has teamed up with events supplier, Running Imp, to host the Colour Dash on Saturday 9th May at the Lincolnshire Showground.

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

“There has been a flurry of people signing up for the Colour Dash and we are receiving dozens of new applications daily. Our maximum capacity for this event is 2,500 participants and we are fast approaching that figure.

“The Lincolnshire community have shown a real enthusiasm for this event and it is sure to be a fun-filled day for the whole family. Colour Dash also provides us with the opportunity to raise much needed funds to continue our provision of end of life care across the county.”

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

Mark Hutchinson, Distribution Manager for Western Power North Lincolnshire, said:

“We have a long-standing relationship with the charity and are excited to be the sponsor of the first ever Colour Dash in Lincolnshire. Our sponsorship will help towards covering the costs of the Colour Dash, so that all money raised can benefit the Hospice.”

“Some of our staff will also be taking part in what has already proved to be a very popular event, with so many people already registering to take part. We look forward to working with St Barnabas and hope the event raises a lot of money for such a worthy charity.”

The 5k route will be lined with paint stations which will see runners splattered 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 during the run.

To take part, participants must be at least five years old, and anyone aged 16 or under must be accompanied by an adult. Children cost £10, adults £20 and a family ticket is £50.

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

Family fun for all at hospice Easter craft fair

Join St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice for Easter fun at Branston Hall Hotel

On Sunday 12th April, from 10am – 4pm, St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice will be hosting it’s 8th annual Easter Craft Fair Egg-stravaganza at Branston Hall Hotel. Join St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice for Easter egg hunts, face-painting, arts, crafts and a chocolate tombola.

There will be over 20 local craft stalls showcasing their handmade goods and include Stained Glass products by Rosemary Pike, Daisy Ducks, Body Shop at Home and Gemini Crafts.

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

“Our Easter Craft Fair has been growing each year and is becoming a firm favourite in our hospice events calendar. Branston Hall Hotel is set within 88 acres of stunning parkland and lakes and provides the ideal setting.

“We have lots of activities for children such as an Easter egg hunt, an egg and spoon race and a Bunny Hop complete with an interactive quiz around the lake.”

Barnabas Bear will be making a special appearance as he judges the children’s arts & crafts competitions. There will be a selection of homemade cakes all lovingly prepared by St Barnabas Hospice volunteers plus refreshments provided by Branston Hall Hotel.

Guests are invited to take part in the chocolate tombola whilst children enjoy the bouncy castle and face painting. The half mile Bunny Hop leads participants around the grounds of Branston Hall on an interactive quiz with a chocolate treat for every participant. No prior booking is required and the cost is just £5.00 per child on the day.

Children’s activities are timetabled throughout the day;

10am – 3pm Easter egg hunts

11am Onwards Bunny hop

12pm – 3pm Arts and crafts activities

2pm Egg and spoon race

Admission is just 50p per adult which includes one free entry into the prize draw which is Sunday lunch for two at Branston Hall Hotel. Children up to 17 years old are admitted for free and free parking is also available.

For further information please visit www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/eastercraftfair