Category: Fundraising
Recycle your Christmas Tree and support local Hospice care with St Barnabas Tree-cycle
Looking for a simple and sustainable way to discard of your Christmas tree this new year? The elves at St Barnabas Hospice are here to help!
Tree-cycle is St Barnabas Hospice’s annual, seasonal initiative where Santa’s little helpers work to collect Christmas trees across Lincolnshire in return for a donation. The funds raised will support the provision of hospice care and related services to over 12,000 people across Lincolnshire every year.
Your unwanted trees are collected after the 12 days of Christmas and taken to be recycled using chippers across the county. The chippings produced are then repurposed into biofuels or other usable goods, such as mulch for gardens or fertilisers and bedding for agricultural use.
Chris Dunkley, Fundraising Officer at St Barnabas Hospice and lead elf of Tree-cycle, says: “Our service offers a great opportunity for you to have your tree collected from right outside your door, safe in the knowledge that it is going to be recycled in a sustainable way.
“By booking your tree collection with us, you will be supporting vital hospice care in the local community whilst making an environmentally friendly choice, alongside freeing up extra time to spend with your family and friends instead of needing to make that trip to the tip!
“Tree-cycle is also open to all individuals alongside local businesses who can also book to have their trees removed. All trees do have to be under 7 feet and if we are collecting multiple trees, we would be very grateful if your donation could reflect this.
“We do request that businesses get in touch directly if they have a large number of trees that they would like collected. To enquire for 3 or more trees to be collected from one location, please email fundraising@stbarnabashospice.co.uk.”
The St Barnabas elves will be picking up trees from Saturday 6th to Wednesday 10th January. This year, they are able to visit more villages and towns in Lincolnshire than ever before, thanks to increased support from local businesses.
Chris continues: “Once you have booked your tree collection, we will be in touch to inform you of which day we will be collecting in your postcode area. For updates, please check our social media pages which will be up-to-date with any changes.
“Please ensure your tree is left in a clearly visible location, either at the end of your drive or outside your door. We are unable to enter your property, back garden or shed so please make sure the
tree is ready for collection. If we cannot see your tree, we will leave a calling card to let you know we visited and will aim to come back another time.
“We want to say thank you so much to all our volunteers and for the support we’re receiving from local businesses and communities. We are so grateful to be able to offer this service and we couldn’t do what we do without their support. Here’s to another successful Tree-cycle!”
All donations for Tree-cycle will support the care of over 12,000 people in Lincolnshire, every year. By way of example, please see below the difference your donation would make:
For a suggested donation of £19.93, you would cover the cost for St Barnabas to care for and support a terminally ill patient in their own home for one hour.
£30.00 would cover the cost of providing a comfort bag to a child or young person.
£50.00 would pay for the Hospice’s bereavement helpline to run for a day so urgent support can be provided to those struggling with their grief.
Registrations for Tree-cycle are now open and are due to close on Wednesday 3rd January or when bookings reach capacity. To find out more and to book your tree collection, visit: www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/tree-cycle
Thousands join beautiful Torchlight Procession in uphill Lincoln
On Tuesday 21st November, thousands of people came together in the historic uphill area of Lincoln for the annual St Barnabas Hospice Torchlight Procession, in remembrance of loved ones.
The Procession was led by the RAF Waddington Pipe band, with individuals and families following whilst holding flaming torches and light-up lanterns. Walking from Clayton’s Sports Ground, together they made their way along the route to Lincoln Cathedral. The atmosphere was beautiful, with many supporters seen to be visibly emotional as they paid tribute to lost loved ones.
As is tradition, the Procession paused at the Hospice’s Inpatient Unit on Nettleham Road, where a lone piper shared an emotive rendition of Amazing Grace. Staff, volunteers and patients that were able to come out and watch enjoyed this poignant display, whilst others listened from inside the building.
Once the Procession arrived at Lincoln Cathedral, attendees took part in a service of celebration and reflection. Throughout the service, several representatives of St Barnabas Hospice, delivered short speeches.
Chief Executive Chris Wheway said: “Our Light Up a Life campaign and Torchlight Procession are adored and poignant appeals, enabling members of the community to honour, reflect and remember loved ones lost.
“This is the 8th year I have been involved in the Torchlight Procession and I have to say it gets better and better every time. It is a truly magical evening that I feel brings comfort to all of us here, young, and old, as we are connected by the shared experience of grief.
“We are very honoured to be supported by you all here tonight and we couldn’t do our job without that support. Over the last year, we have supported over 12,000 people across Lincolnshire and the positive impact of that care will go on for generations to come.”
Individuals and families were able to write Messages of Love and tie them to the railings of the 30-foot Tree of Life outside Lincoln Cathedral, sending a special message to their loved ones lost.
In attendance was Finn Dillon, owner of the Tower Hotel and son of Philly, who through St Barnabas shared his story of the death of his mum, Philly earlier this year.
Upon the Procession’s arrival at the Cathedral, Finn brought the flaming torch forward from the crowd to the Cathedral doors and lit the ceremonial torch that burned throughout the service.
Again, this year, Finn and his team continued Philly’s much-loved tradition of offering mulled wine and soup to participants of the Torchlight Procession.
Ness Wilson, Events and Innovation Fundraising Officer, and project lead for the Torchlight Procession, said: “Our Torchlight Procession is such a poignant event, and it has been an incredibly moving evening for all involved.
“It means so much to the people of Lincolnshire, and us at St Barnabas, to be able to come together in remembrance of our loved ones lost. Many of our supporters have been attending the Procession for years, and it’s wonderful to see them bring along old and new faces.
“We want to thank everyone who walked the Procession or has dedicated a light on the Tree of Life, your support really makes a difference to the provision of vital hospice care across Lincolnshire.”
Over the last month, St Barnabas have encouraged members of the community to dedicate a light in memory of a loved one through their Light Up a Life appeal. These dedicated lights now shine
brightly on the Tree of Life outside Lincoln Cathedral.
The appeal continues throughout the whole festive period, with supporters receiving a personalised handwritten card, a star-shaped tree decoration and a digital tribute to share with family and friends on their social media pages.
To dedicate a light, please visit: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/light-up-a-life
Light Up a Life has already raised over £50,000 for vital hospice care in the local community. St Barnabas thank everyone who has dedicated a light, walked in the Torchlight Procession, or donated to their cause.
Ness adds: “Each year Light Up a Life is supported far beyond what we could ever imagine by individuals, the local community, businesses, and organisations, for which we are so grateful. Without this support we simply couldn’t do what we do, so thank you all.
“The Tree of Life sits outside the Cathedral and is completely free to visit. We encourage people who were unable to attend the Torchlight Procession to visit when they can, for a moment of reflection for loved ones lost.
“To add a Message of Love to the railings of the Tree of Life throughout the festive period, please visit Lincoln Cathedral or the Visitor Information Centre to find and write a message, in return for a donation to St Barnabas Hospice”.
With special thanks to all volunteers, runners, stewards, Doddington Hall & Gardens, Allen Signs, Lincoln Cathedral, Lincolnshire County Council, S. Lyon & Son Haulage Ltd, BBC Radio Lincolnshire, Lincolnshire Police, Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, RAF Waddington Pipe Band, TSS Events, Taylor Lindsey, Bates Sound Services, Flying Hire Ltd, Lindum Rotary Club, Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School, Annie Griffith and her Community Choirs: Ermine Voices, SCONE, Silver Voices (AgeUK) & Treble Cliff, The Towel Hotel, Ruddocks, St Mary Magdalene Church, Lincolnshire Co op, Davis Trackhire, The Subdean and Chapter of Lincoln Cathedral, Community Response Lincolnshire, SRP Hire Solutions, Highways and Planning, Chevron Traffic Management Ltd, Distract, EE Call Centre Lincoln, Homlet/PIB Trust, Melvyn Prior, Peachy Events, Ringrose Law Solicitors, Sian Hutchings, St John Ambulance, Stuart Wilde Photography Ltd, The Lincoln Camera Club, Wilkin Chapman Solicitors and Wootton Forestry & Powerline Services Limited.
Helpful Information for Torchlight Procession attendees
Over 1,500 people of all ages have signed up for our annual Torchlight Procession taking place in Uphill Lincoln on Tuesday 21st November.
As this year’s event has now sold out with more people taking part than ever before, for Health and Safety purposes, please do not arrive to take part in the Torchlight Procession if you have not booked a place. Registered names will be checked at the entrance gates. We are not selling tickets on our website, or on the gate as we are at a maximum capacity.
For those that have registered to take part, please read the following carefully in preparation for Tuesday evening’s event:
Before the event:
• With road closures in place in some areas from 6:30 pm and a large number of people taking part, please arrive with plenty of time to spare.
• Please car share with friends and family where possible.
Arriving at the event:
• Please have your registration forms to hand, either printed or accessible on your phone, so these can be easily checked by marshals.
• For those that have booked a place without a torch, there will be an opportunity to buy torches and battery-operated lanterns on the evening, although availability will be limited.
• Claytons Sports Ground is very uneven. If you have any mobility issues, please speak to a member of the team on your arrival.
During the event:
• Please be mindful of the weather conditions and wear suitable clothing and footwear.
• It is important to remember that the flaming torches drip wax and are a potential fire hazard.
• Dogs are unable to enter Clayton’s Sports Ground and will not be permitted to walk in the Procession.
• The Tower Hotel will be offering soup and wine to participants of the Torchlight Procession for the service of celebration and reflection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I park?
The Lincoln Christ Hospital School car park is open from 4:00pm until 9:00pm for this event. Please note all cars must be off site by 9:15pm as the car park will be locked until the following day. There is a maximum capacity of 450 cars, allocated on a first come first served basis.
Yarborough Leisure Centre car park is open from 4:00 pm until 9:00 pm allocated by a parking attendant on a first come first served basis. Space here is very limited with a total of 30 car parking spaces. Please remember to advise that you are there for the Torchlight Procession.
What happens if there are adverse weather conditions?
We will be monitoring the weather and will make the best decision for the event, with the Health and Safety of attendees as the main priority. In ideal circumstances, we will look to go ahead weather permitting.
However, please monitor your emails and check our website and social media pages for up to date announcements.
What age do you have to be to walk in the Procession?
We welcome all ages to attend the Torchlight Procession. Please note that children aged 14 and under must be accompanied by someone over the age of 18. You must be 18 years old or above to walk with a torch.
Our St Barnabas Bereavement line will be open from 7 pm to 10 pm on the evening of the Procession for anyone who feels they need some additional support. You can contact the team on 0300 303 1897.
This year, both the Lincoln Cathedral & the Church of St Mary Magdelene will be open following the Torchlight Procession. St Barnabas staff and volunteers will be available to provide additional support and a space of reflection for participants.
Thank you so much for registering to take part in this event and supporting the Hospice. We are looking forward to sharing this experience with you.
To dedicate a light on the St Barnabas Tree of Life outside Lincoln Cathedral, please visit our website: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/light-up-a-life/
Dunston St Peter’s C of E Primary School is taking part in Rudy’s Run 2023 in memory of adored teacher Mrs Popple
This December, local primary school Dunston St Peter’s C of E are taking part in St Barnabas Hospice’s festive fundraiser Rudy’s Run for the fourth year in a row.
The fundraiser is an opportunity to have some festive fun whilst making a difference to those in the local community this Christmas. On a date of choice, pupils can run, dance or prance as they take part in their very own Rudy’s Run whilst raising vital funds for Hospice care in Lincolnshire.
Mrs Popple, a beloved teacher, was described by staff members as the beating heart of the school, with an infectious personality and wicked sense of humour.
Before her sudden death in the summer of 2022, Mrs Popple trailblazed fundraising initiatives for St Barnabas Hospice; a charity that meant a lot to the school, and her personally.
Dunston primary school have previously taken part in the Hospice’s Young at HeART initiative and even hosted a ‘Dunston’s Got Talent’ competition, all in aid of raising money for local hospice care.
Abigail Burland, a teacher at the primary school, says: “Mrs Popple really loved getting involved with Rudy’s run! It is a firm favourite with the children and raises funds for a charity very close to our hearts.
“It is a brilliant way for us to make a difference to those in the local community whilst honouring Mrs Popple and the activities she enjoyed with the children.”
St Barnabas Hospice provide everything you need to take part including Rudy’s accessories, letters to send to parents, a guide to set up a Just Giving page, and an activity pack.
Abigail continues: “We love taking part in Rudy’s Run especially when we get a visit from Rudy himself. Even the teachers get involved by dressing up for the run!
“We enjoy the silliness of it all and the chance to shake off the winter cold with a fun run around the playground with Rudy. Sometimes we even challenge ourselves to see who can be the fastest.”
It is completely free to sign up to St Barnabas’ festive fundraiser, with the Hospice asking that each child taking part aims to raise £3.
Abigail says: “Our community have had first-hand experience of the vital support and care that St Barnabas provide. We absolutely encourage other schools to join Rudy’s Run and raise money for such a great cause.”
St Barnabas is an independent, local charity that supports over 12,000 patients, their families, and carers each year. Every pound raised truly matters to the Hospice, who give their sincere thanks to all children, parents, teachers and staff members for their generous support.
To sign up your school, preschool, nursery, or community group to Rudy’s Run today and join over 8,000 other participating children across Lincolnshire, please visit the St Barnabas Hospice website: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/rudysrun/
Free Will Cafes running throughout October
Every day, St Barnabas Hospice are privileged to see the impact that legacy donors make on the services we provide to the people of Lincolnshire. These remarkable gifts help us expand our services, set up new initiatives and support our staff. But there is always so much more that we would like to do.
In light of this, we are launching our Free Will Cafés across Lincolnshire. These are regular, free events providing face-to-face support, run in our Wellbeing Centres throughout the county.
The Cafés will provide you with the chance to meet with a legal professional, receive advice and take guided steps towards making your Will. Representatives from St Barnabas will also be available throughout the sessions for you to talk to.
During Hospice Care Week (9th – 15th October), the Free Will Cafés are due to run at our Lincoln and Boston Wellbeing Centres. To find out more information and book your 30-minute appointment with a legal professional, please go to either of the following links:
- https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/events/free-will-cafe-lincoln
- https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/events/free-will-cafe-boston
If you would like to receive further information about writing a will with our service, please contact Ellie Carter, Legacy advisor at St Barnabas on ‘legacy@stbarnabashospice.co.uk‘ or 01522 540 300.
Please note: When making a simple Will, the service is provided for free. If you have more complex circumstances, there will be a small charge for making your Will, however, this is at a reduced rate.
Going once, twice, sold: HeARTs under the hammer
This summer, St Barnabas Hospice is spreading joy and awareness of hospice care through their HeART Trail.
Thirty beautiful heart-shaped sculptures are currently on display around Lincolnshire for families to enjoy until 4th September, with Trail guides and maps available to purchase from the Hospice’s 25 charity shops.
Once the Trail ends, the Lincoln Museum (formerly The Collection) will be hosting a HeART Reunion exhibition from 12th until 28th September where people can see all the sculptures in one place.
On the last evening of the Reunion, the museum will host an auction of eleven HeART Trail sculptures. Tickets for this exclusive event have just been released via the charity’s website.
Caroline Swindin, Head of Fundraising & Lottery at St Barnabas, says: “Bidding on one of our Trail sculptures is an amazing opportunity to support local hospice care and obtain a unique ‘HeARTwork’.
“The bidding for each of these stunning HeARTs will start at £3,000, with some of the bespoke metal and wooden sculptures expecting to raise over £10,000 each.
“All funds raised on the night will go to St Barnabas, so we can keep caring for people with life-limiting and terminal illnesses around the county. If we raise a total of £50,000, we can fund a nurse for a whole year to provide vital care in patients’ own homes.
“We organised the HeART Trail to show our love for the communities that we serve every day, with over 12,000 people receiving our care annually. The Trail has seen massive amounts of people take part so far, and we hope the auction will be a huge success too.
“We want to raise as much as we can, so if you’re interested in art and supporting a local, independent charity, don’t miss out. If you can’t make it to the auction, we have a proxy bid form you can complete on our website.
“Apply for tickets for the HeART Trail auction and get your bidding paddle in the air!
Space in the Lincoln Museum is very limited, with only a few dozen tickets available at £15 each, including welcome drinks and canapés. St Barnabas kindly ask for people to only purchase a ticket if they are interested in bidding on the night.
To find out more and buy tickets to the HeART Trail auction on 28th September, visit: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/hearttrail/auction/
St Barnabas gives thanks to the Lincoln Museum for hosting the auction, to Brown& Co JHWalter for running the evening’s bidding, and to HeART Trail sponsors Tipsy Imp for providing the auction’s drinks reception.
Dunston school raises £1,500 for St Barnabas with fun-day
St Peter’s C of E Primary School recently celebrated the life of their beloved Mrs Popple, who provided wraparound care at the school until her sudden death last year.
The celebrations took place on 20th July, one year since Sharon Popple’s sadly died. They aimed to raise £500 for St Barnabas Hospice, a charity that meant a lot to Sharon and the whole school.
All staff members, children and their parents turned out to take part in the fun-day which included a tombola, bouncy castle, water activities, a flyover from the Red Arrows, and the children competing in Sharon’s favourite activity of all: Dunston’s Got Talent.
At the end of this extraordinary day the school had smashed their £500 target, raising over £1,500 for their favourite charity, St Barnabas Hospice.
Emma Toulson, Deputy at St Peter’s School, said: “Mrs Popple was the beating heart of our school.
“Her infectious personality and wicked sense of humour made everyone feel like they truly mattered and she kept us laughing every day. She was a ‘mother’ to all and gave the best hugs.
“She loved sunflowers, so our children have made a sunflower memorial which takes pride of place inside the school. We remember her warmth and caring nature, and we miss her every day.
“We have supported St Barnabas for years by taking part in their annual festive funrun Rudy’s Run and the children have created a heart sculpture for the Young at HeART Trail which is currently on display at the Waterside in Lincoln.
“St Barnabas is such an important charity for the community and many staff members from our school’s overarching Spire Federation have received care and support from them. This day of activities is a way of giving back while remembering our incredible Mrs Popple.”
St Barnabas in an independent, local charity that supports over 12,000 patients, their families, and carers each year. Annually they need to raise over £6.5 million to keep providing their compassionate, dignified care to people with a life-limiting or terminal illness.
This free care is provided in people’s own homes, as well as in two Hospice buildings and six Wellbeing Centres around the county.
Every pound raised truly matters to St Barnabas, who give their sincere thanks to all children, parents, teachers and staff members for their generous support. St Peter’s School’s incredible donation of £1,500 could pay for 79 hours care of patients in their own home, which costs the charity £18.84 per hour.
To find out more about St Barnabas and the care services it provides to the people of Lincolnshire every day, visit: www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk
Photo of two women: L-R Abigail Burland and Emma Toulson
St Barnabas 40th Anniversary Gin and Rum nearly sold out
Last year, St Barnabas Hospice teamed up with Louth Distillery (former Bottomley Distillers) to create delicious gin and rum blends to commemorate the charity’s 40th anniversary.
From the sale of each bottle, £14 is donated directly to St Barnabas.
The delicious drinks, aptly named Est.1982 Ruby Gin and Rum respectively, have so far raised over £10,000 for local hospice care, with limited stock still available via the charity’s online shop by clicking here.
The Est.1982 Ruby Gin is infused with strawberries and elderflowers with added flavours of citrus and cinnamon. It is a classic dry gin with a twist, lovely with a tonic.
Distilled with Caribbean sugar cane, the Est.1982 Ruby Rum is a reminder of a tropical beach holiday. It is sweetened with fresh pineapple and bananas, plus a touch of cinnamon and ginger.
Caroline Swindin, Head of Fundraising and Lottery at St Barnabas, says: “These blends have been really popular and we don’t have many bottles left. They’re just £28 each and made by the creators of Pin Gin, so you know they’re made with love and expertise. If you want some – be quick!
“Both the gin and rum make for a perfect summer’s drink to enjoy in the sunshine when hosting a Care for a Cuppa fundraiser for us, or winding down on a warm night.
“They also are excellent gifts to thank your clients, partners, or employees. Some of our corporate supporters have done this before to thank their excellent staff members – much to their delight!”
Amy Conyard, of Louth Distillery, home of Pin Gin says: “We are very pleased to be supporting St Barnabas Hospice, they do so much good for the county and almost everyone knows a person who has received care from them over the past fourty years.
“The gin and rum are delicious flavours that are perfect for summertime drinks. We have distilled both here in Louth, especially for St Barnabas supporters to enjoy.”
All profits from the sale of the bottles will go directly to care for people with palliative and end-of-life needs in Lincolnshire.
Each year, St Barnabas supports over 12,000 people, including patients, their family, friends, and carers. All care is offered free of charge, and much of this work is reliant on donations and fundraising.
By buying a bottle (or two!) of Est.1982 Ruby Gin and Rum, you will be supporting hospice care in communities around the county. Visit https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/shop/onlineshop to purchase.
St Barnabas delighted with £90,354 donation from Lincolnshire Co-op members
St Barnabas Hospice has received a donation of £90,354 from the Lincolnshire Co-op and its members through their Community Champions scheme.
St Barnabas was the chosen Champion in various locations in the county, including the city of Lincoln, East Lindsey, South Holland and other areas. Every time a member shopped in a Lincolnshire Co-op outlet between March and June, a donation was made to their local Champion.
Money was also raised through activities, staff and community fundraising events and collection boxes throughout spring. A total of £165,929 was raised for local hospices, with St Barnabas receiving the majority.
Rebecca Franks, Director of Patient Care at St Barnabas says: “We are so grateful to the Lincolnshire Co-op and all its supporters for this incredible donation. It will make a huge difference in the care we provide.
“To give an indication of how far this money will go, £896 pays for one day of a patient’s stay in our Hospice for specialist end–of-life care. We also offer our care and support in people’s own homes around the county, which comes at a cost of £18.84 per hour.
“Apart from vital medical care, we also provide wellbeing services such as counselling, bereavement support, welfare and benefits advice. £57.10 pays for our bereavement helpline to run for a day so we can give urgent support to those struggling with their grief.
“All our care and support are free of charge to the patient as we believe everyone should have access to high-quality, compassionate care when they need it.
“As a charity, we rely on the kind donations of local people, and we put that money right back into their own community. Annually we need to raise over £6.5million to continue providing our service, so this donation is very gratefully received.”
Sam Turner, Community Manager at Lincolnshire Co-op, said: “St Barnabas has been there for so many families in our community during some of their most difficult times, providing essential care and enabling terminally ill patients to live the remainder of their lives comfortably and with dignity.
“This funding has come directly from the community that they work so hard to support, making it even more special.
“Thank you so much to our amazing members, colleagues and customers, who have all contributed to this total by getting involved with fundraising, donating change or shopping with their dividend cards.”
To find out more about St Barnabas Hospice, the care services it provides and how to support the charity further, visit: www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk
£1,000 St Barnabas lottery win for Jim
Jim Hardy recently won a whopping £1,000 in the St Barnabas lottery, a prize that must be won by one lucky winner every week.
Jim has played the lottery for seven years, along with his mother and brother, to thank the charity for the end-of-life care given to his father Steve.
Steve loved fishing and made his passion into his job as he worked in outdoor and fishing shops after first working as an art teacher and postman. Jim remembers his father as an avid reader of World War books, model aircraft builder and having a flair for cooking.
Steve was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and suffered a heart attack at the age of 50, which is when he took an early retirement. The family received a big shock in July 2015 when, after he had not been well for some time and suffering particularly from a painful back, he was given a diagnosis of cancer in his spine and lymph nodes.
Jim says: “Dad was in hospital for a while, which he really didn’t take well to – the constant noises, flickering lights, and general hustle and bustle agitated him. He came home and St Barnabas nurses supported him there, installing a syringe driver into his arm which gave a regular dose of morphine to help with the pain.”
After some time, Steve was taken to the Inpatient Unit in Lincoln, where St Barnabas staff could look after him around the clock.
Jim says: “Dad experienced more peace here – it was much quieter than the hospital and we didn’t have to adhere to any visiting times, we could stay as long as we wanted. The staff quickly became like friends; they really are experts at giving wonderful end of life care and providing support to family members. We felt so welcome, and nothing was too much trouble.”
During the five weeks Steve was in the Hospice, Jim and his family (including his Mum and his twin brother) rotated their visits daily. During Steve’s final week, Jim’s family stayed at the Hospice overnight, with one family member always awake by Steve’s bedside.
Jim says: “The care we received that week was amazing, and we are incredibly fortunate that we got to experience this time as a family. To grieve, laugh, cry, and reminisce together before death is an incredibly special thing, and we are forever grateful to St Barnabas making this time so memorable.
“The last few months before Dad’s death was obviously an emotional time for all of us. It was incredibly sad seeing Dad get worse, but it was a time that allowed all the family to come together too. We shared stories of past times, talked about our futures, and I learned so much about my Dad that I’d never heard before.”
Steve Hardy died on 10th November 2015 in the St Barnabas Inpatient Unit, surrounded by his family. Ever since, Jim and his family have been supporting the hospice care charity, by playing the weekly lottery as well as other initiatives and fundraisers.
Jim says: “I felt a little guilty when I found out I had won £1,000! But this changed to feeling lucky when I realised that for a lottery to exist, there must be some winners. My wife and I bought a house last summer and with this money we’ll buy a few things for our garden.”
Every Friday, the charity’s lottery is drawn, with the top prize of £1,000 going to one lucky winner and a rollover game up to £7,000. Further prizes are £300, £200, and £100 which must be won every week.
To find out more about the St Barnabas Lottery and to sign up, visit: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/lottery/