Category: Fundraising

From left to right: Chris Fox, Community Events Fundraiser for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice, Jack Covill-Lowndes and Sue Carter, Ward Manger for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice

Jack Covill-Lowndes from Wainfleet in Lincolnshire smashes his fundraising target of £1,000 in memory of his loving mum

Lincoln, 29th July 2014 – Eleven-year-old Jack Covill-Lowndes has raised £1,500 for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice during his second annual Run to Remember event on Saturday 21st June.

Hundreds of participants turned out to take part in the sponsored run at Magdalen School field in Wainfleet, each paying a £3 registration fee and completing a minimum of three laps.

Jack’s own personal loss has inspired him to fundraise for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice. Tragically in 2006 Jack’s mother died of cancer when he was just three years old and it was the hospice who cared for her in her final days.

Jack Covill-Lowndes said: “My mum was very poorly and couldn’t get better but the caring people at St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice helped a lot. So I want to thank them because my mum can’t. I wanted to raise some money for people who really need it and at the same time keep my mum’s memory alive.”

The Run to Remember fundraiser also included a number of stalls offering balloon modelling and ice-cream plus a bouncy castle and raffle with all money raised being donated directly to St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice.

Jack’s aunt and guardian, Tamara Lowndes said: “The day was absolutely amazing. Lots of people, lots of smiles, lots of laughs and lots of tears but most of all lots of pennies donated! I would like to thank every single person who supported Jack on the day and also whilst he was busy planning Run to Remember. There are too many to thank individually, so to everyone a massive thank you.”

St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice was delighted to hear that the fundraiser had been such a success and are grateful for Jack’s continued support.

Chris Fox, Community Events Fundraiser for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice, said: “Jack may only be eleven years old but already he has shown what a driven and selfless young man he is.

“It really has been a pleasure to work alongside such an inspiring person and I know how hard he has worked to make Run to Remember such a success. On behalf of everyone at St Barnabas I would like to thank Jack and his family, every penny raised will help us to continue to care for seriously ill people across Lincolnshire.”

There is still time to donate online to Jack at: https://www.justgiving.com/Jack-Covill-Lowndes/

St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice hosted its 4th annual It’s a Knockout Competition last weekend, we saw local teams battle against each other to be crowned Knockout Champions 2014.

We had 10 teams join us on the day from local businesses such as David Lloyd Gym, Branston Ltd and The Danwood Group to name a few. The challenges were wacky, weird and wonderful with the theme being “Holidays.” These 10 teams took part in various challenges set around the world, from making sandwiches in Egypt to posting packages in Amsterdam all to win points for the top spot.

There was a host of stalls at the event also with a toy tombola, raffle, zorb balls, donkey rides, penalty shoot-outs and much more. We also had Queen Elsa and Princess Anna from the movie Frozen arrive to have photos with kids throughout the afternoon.

After the madness of the adult version of It’s a Knockout it was now the kids turn with our Children’s Gauntlet. The children were put into teams to represent different countries of the world cup and they too battled it out head to head to win the kids champion spot.

The event was a huge success and raised an amazing £11,157.00 for Hospice care across the county. Our winning team was “Hunger for Trouble” from David Lloyd being crowned the 2014 It’s a Knockout Champions with the “Shakey Black Ball Strokers” just missing out on 1st place and coming second after being crowned 2013 Knockout Champions. We would love to thank everyone who supported this event and you can view the full gallery of It’s a Knockout by clicking here.

You can also view some best bits of the event by clicking here

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 4th year on Sunday 20th July. The hospice mascot, Barnabas Bear, will be cheering on eleven teams including many from the local business community.

David Lloyds, The Shakesphere pool team, Danwood, Lincoln County Hospital, Sainsbury’s, Branston LTD and a team from the hospice will battle it out between themselves in hilarious costumes on holiday themed inflatables with giant props.

Jon Feneley, 2013 competitor, said:

“Truly great day, I’ll never forget!”

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; zorb balls, penalty shoot out, face painting, bouncy castle, donkey rides, plus lots more.”

Delicious ice cream will be available throughout the day from ‘Daisy Maid’ plus there is a bar and BBQ with Lincolnshire’s finest sausages and burgers from Elite Meat in the Bailgate.

Mark Doughty, from last years 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 Elsa and Anna from the hit Disney film Frozen! Come down and catch a glimpse of the princesses and even have your photo taken with them!

“Showcasing this year is the children’s race at approximately 4pm. 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

The Lincoln Minster School

Bassingham Village choir set to perform concert to help raise money for end of life care in Lincoln

Bassingham Choir are set to perform at Lincoln Minster School on Saturday 12th July at 7.30pm in support of St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice. The fifty-strong local village choir will present their ‘Come Rain or Shine’ concert which will feature songs from popular musicals and shows.

Ruth O’Melia, Community Liaison Manager for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice, said:

“We are 3extremly thankful that Bassingham Choir have chosen to put on this concert in aid of St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice. Support from fundraisers like this really is invaluable to the continuation of care and support we deliver. The evening is set to treat the listener to an eclectic and varied repertoire from musicals old and new.”

After the concert guests can indulge in a selection of fine wines and cheese whilst trying their luck in the charity raffle. Prizes for the raffle include a two night break for two in Cumbria and afternoon tea at Branston Hall in Lincoln.

Ruth said: “We have a long association with Bassingham Choir as one of our nurses and a volunteer sing in the group. The concert is a wonderful opportunity for the Lincolnshire community to come together and support their local hospice whilst enjoying a night of live music.”

Tickets to ‘Come Rain or Shine’ are priced at £6 and can be purchased by contacting the event organiser Ruth O’Melia on 01522 518 236. Tickets are also available to buy on the door.

From left to right: Alex King (18), Barney Aspinall and Harry King (16)

St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice teams up with local Garden Centre to put on an evening of music in memory of Jules King

On Saturday, 5th July from 4:30pm – 10pm, St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice will be working alongside The Garden House Saxby and the King family to host an evening of live music from a variety of acts with all the proceeds donated to the Hospice.

The Garden House Saxby is an idyllic setting for a relaxing evening to enjoy a picnic with friends. The event is now in its second year to help raise funds for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice in memory of Jules King and all those who are no longer with us.

Chris Neave, from the Garden House Saxby, said:

“We at The Garden House feel privileged to be providing the venue for the Midsummer Music Concert. We hope the evening will be a fantastic event raising much needed funds for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice. “

Alex and Harry King sadly lost their mother Jules to Bowel Cancer in 2012. Since then the boys have devoted their free time to continuing their mother’s legacy by fundraising for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice. The King boys have set up their own charity ‘Screw Cancer’ donating all the funds to St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice.

In March 2014 the boys had raised over £25,000 for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice from various fundraising activities such as a 10K Run, a cake sale, live music events and more recently the brothers shaved their heads.

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

“The King boys are a true inspiration, they have exceeded all expectations by raising over £25,000 for the hospice, this is a massive achievement which they should be really proud off. St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice is truly grateful for their continued support.

“I am thoroughly looking forward to the event, I can not express how stunning the venue is – it’s the perfect setting for a live outdoor music event. Bring a picnic and a deck chair, sit back and enjoy an evening of live music in beautiful surroundings.”

Local singers, songwriters and musicians will be providing live entertainment throughout the evening. Eight acts will be performing including; Billy Hughes and Chris Duncombe from William Farr School, a duo playing the cello and violin. Local folk band ‘As Plain As Day’ will also be playing.

Also playing is ‘Hot Club’ of Lincoln Minster School, they are unique as they learn all music aurally and the musicians improvise over changes played by the rhythm section, making each performance different. Lifting the tempo is ‘The Captains’ a local indie band and closing the event is ‘UK Headz’ who will be performing popular covers.

Tickets for this event are £8.50 for adults and £4.00 for under 18’s. 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 and from The Garden House Saxby (01673 878820). Tickets will also be available on the gate.

For further information about The Garden House Saxby please visit www.thegardenhousesaxby.co.uk

In 2002 Sharon’s Mother was diagnosed with having a Meningioma non-cancerous brain tumour. The tumour was successfully removed twice before returning again in 2013 when the family learned the devastating news that medically nothing more could be done. Sharon’s Mother is now receiving hospice at home care from St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice.

This is Sharon’s story in her own words:

Team Shirley’s Girlies had a fabulous time at the One Night in a Onesie walk on Saturday 7th June in Lincoln. The atmosphere was fantastic and it was great to see so many people taking part in such an important fundraising event for such a worthwhile charity.

We decided to have a team ‘theme’ and went with Winnie the Pooh. The tallest member of the team, my very good friend Catherine Forbes was Winnie the Pooh. I was Tigger, my daughter Beth Roberts was Piglet, my sister Jane Lowe was Eeyore and her good friend Charlotte Batty was Owl. My son Harry Roberts, 16, and nephew Sam Lowe, 13, were ‘honorary’ members of Shirley’s Girlies, although they declined the team theme!

During the few months leading up to the walk we had many donations to our justgiving pages, and were up to around £700. On the day of our walk we received the utterly amazing news that cousins of ours who have a charity foundation, The Street Foundation, linked to their business in Herefordshire had made a donation in our mum’s name for a massive £10,000. As you can imagine we were totally stunned and thrilled at this news. To date, and after adding gift aid, we expect that our grand total will be in region of £11,000.

Over the last eight months since mum left hospital St Barnabas has been a great support both practically and emotionally for us as a family. My dad George has been mum’s carer for a number of years following previous operations and treatment for her brain tumour and is utterly devoted to her. Jane was able to move in with them when mum left hospital and helps share the care with dad, which has been a godsend, especially in recent months when mum’s condition has started to deteriorate and become more unstable.

Mum wants to be at home and there was never any doubt or question that she wouldn’t be. She is the most family orientated person you could meet. She’s devoted her whole life to her family, especially her grandchildren Jack 22, Beth 19, Harry 16, Sam 13 and Tyler 9. She’s right where she belongs at the heart of her family.

St Barnabas are now visiting mum once a day and we know that the coming days, weeks and months are going to be very hard. St Barnabas along with Marie Curie have supported my Mum, Dad, sister and I and knowing that they are always there and on the end of the phone is a huge comfort.

Team Shirley’s Girlies will definitely be taking part in future fundraising for both St Barnabas and Marie Curie and will continue to support both these fantastic charities in whatever way we can.

The ‘One Night in a Onesie’ supporters in Lincoln – photograph courtesy of Kurnia Aerial Photography

St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice set new World Record at their ‘One Night in a Onesie’ fundraiser

On Saturday 7th June 2014, St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice hosted their annual Moonlight Sleepwalk which was this year themed as ‘One Night in a Onesie’. The walks took place in Lincoln, Louth, Boston and Grantham and saw 873 participants turn out to help raise £68, 780.

The walk in Lincoln attracted over 600 participants who helped the charity to set a new World Record for ‘the largest gathering of people wearing flashing headwear’. The record took place on the athletics track at Yarborough Leisure Centre which was also where the walk set off.

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

“This was the first time we have ever attempted a World Record and the sight of hundreds of people in flashing headwear really was extraordinary. The record was such a unique and memorable part of the evening and the atmosphere was simply palpable! Successfully setting the record was the perfect start to our annual Moonlight Sleepwalk.”

Participants were treated to entertainment from Sam Kirk from Lincs FM’s breakfast show and cheerleaders from Cheerstars before taking part in a pre-walk warm-up with an instructor from Dragon Fly’s pole studio. Participants set off at 10pm and embarked on a 10k walk around Lincoln before returning to Yarbrough Leisure Centre for a well earned bacon roll and hot drink.

Becky said: “I am completely overwhelmed by the sheer number of people who turned out to support us across the county. Their determination and enthusiasm for our organisation resulted in a successful evening that will see over £68,000 donated to ensure the continuation of our specialist care.

“My sincerest gratitude goes to each and every one of the 873 participants who turned out to support us. I must also thank our corporate supporters, in particular our headline sponsors Branston Ltd and Western Power Distribution, without whom this event would not be possible.”

Becky concludes: “It was wonderful to see so many like minded people coming together to unite for one common cause. The sense of community spirit was inspiring as men and women both young and old walked shoulder to shoulder 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 6,000 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.

Thank you to our corporate supporters; Kurnia Aerial Photography, Yellow Belly Telly, Running Imp, DJ Flipstones, Lincs FM, The Shakespeare, Brakes, Western Power Distribution, Branston Ltd, Pearson Hydraulics, G4S and The Co-Op.

The ‘paws 4 a Cause’ mascot Louis the Labrador

St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice is urging all dogs to make their paw print count

On Sunday, 29th June from 9:30am, St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice will be hosting its very first Paws 4 a Cause event taking a scenic walk from Woodcocks at Burton Waters along the Fossdyke Canal into the City – a morning filled with walking, woofs and wagging tales.

The walk will be lead by Louis the Golden Labrador and owners can decide to walk either 2,4 or 6 miles on the day.

Becky Otter Events Manager for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice:

“I’m so glad that we have this event in our calendar, it is a chance for the local community to get together and go out for a Sunday morning stroll with their pooches.”

There will be an interactive quiz for any children who wish to come along and a free goody bag for all dogs attending the walk.

Registration costs £5.00 per dog and you can sign up at www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk

Becky concludes by saying “This event is the first of its kind and we hope to see it continuing for many years to come. As a dog lover myself it will be truly wonderful to see people coming along with their dogs to make their paw print count for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice.”

St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice announces that they will attempt to break a brand new World Record at Lincoln’s ‘One Night in a Onesie’

St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice have today announced that they will be attempting to set a new World Record for the largest gathering of people wearing flashing headwear.

The Lincolnshire charity had previously set out to break the record for the largest gathering of people wearing onesies but decided to withdraw from this attempt after it was broken recently by over 3,000 people.

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

“It would have been demotivating to our participants to go ahead with the original record as it has been broken so dramatically. We weren’t prepared to accept defeat so have instead set out to break a brand new record that has never been done before! This attempt is perfect for ‘One Night in a Onesie’ as it perfectly encapsulates the vibrant and fun atmosphere of the evening.

“We promised our wonderful supporters a World Record breaking evening and that is what we will deliver. Of course what we must remember is that although the record itself may have changed the reason to walk hasn’t. Our main priority is hospice care and this is always at the forefront of everything we do. This year alone we must raise £3.4million in order for our services to continue throughout the county.”

‘One Night in a Onesie’ will take place on Saturday 7th June 2014 at Yarborough Leisure Centre based on Riseholme Road. Participants are encouraged to sign-up online with adults priced at £15 and children aged 11-17 priced at £5 at www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk.

Becky said: “We have been shown such wonderful support for this event with people signing up to take part daily. We are keen to keep the momentum going to ensure that we raise as much money as possible to fund our specialist end of life care in Lincolnshire.

“Not only is this a wonderful opportunity to be part of breaking a World Record, but it is also an opportunity for the local community to come together and show their support for hospice care. Last year we cared for over 6,000 patients and their families, creating bespoke care packages, to ensure that families could make the most of every second they shared together.”

Last year, 1,000 people took part in the annual late-night walks across the county and together raised over £55,000. This year, St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice, are hoping to attract 1,300 participants to help raise £80,000.

‘One Night in a Onesie’ is the eighth Moonlight walk the charity has organised but the first time they have attempted a word record.

Becky continues: “’One Night in a Onesie’ is not a race or a sport it is a unique walk that allows everyone in the Lincolnshire community to take part. Men and women from 11 years up are welcomed to sign up together and be part of our community driven event.

“So please put on your onesie for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice and join us as we set a brand new World Record. The flashing headwear will be available to purchase on the night and anyone wearing one will be able to join us for the record attempt. This is sure to be a night to remember and one that is full of fun and laughter.”

People who are unable to take part in the record breaking attempt in Lincoln are urged to join in with one of the other onesie walks taking place on the same night in Grantham, Boston and Louth.

Money raised through ‘One Night in a Onesie’ allows St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice to provide care and support to a patient and their family via; our in-patient hospice, day therapy centres, bereavement support and welfare support.

Participants can also register on the night of the walk. For further information on how to do this visit: www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk

The troupe of dancers from StreetBeat dance school

Lincoln dance school StreetBeat lead the way in promoting annual charity fundraiser

St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice and StreetBeat Dance and Fitness worked together to raise awareness of ‘One Night in a Onesie’ in a High Street flash mob on Saturday 24th May.

The flash mob performed outside St Benedict’s Church on Lincoln’s High Street at 1.30pm, where a group of 50 people dressed in onesies emerged from the crowd, to perform in-front of unsuspecting shoppers.

The event was organised by St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice to promote their upcoming ‘One Night in a Onesie’ walk taking place on Saturday 7th June. The annual Moonlight 10k walk will take place across the county in Lincoln, Louth, Boston and Grantham.

Hayley Evans, Co-owner of StreetBeat Dance and Fitness, said:

“We are delighted to work with St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice and to help them raise the profile of their upcoming event by putting together a flash mob. To ensure we retained the spontaneity associated with a flash mob we had only one rehearsal and included people of all ages with varying dance capabilities. We even had Mum’s and Dad’s taking part whose only experience with dance is dropping their kids off at our dance school!”

‘One Night in a Onesie’ is the eighth Moonlight Sleepwalk the charity has organised and are this year looking to raise in excess of £80,000.

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

“We cant thank StreetBeat enough for putting in so much time and energy into putting together a flash mob to raise awareness of our charity and our event. ‘One Night in a Onesie’ is not a race or a sport it is a unique walk that welcomes everyone in the Lincolnshire community to take part. It really will be a night to remember as hundreds of people gather together in their onesies to raise vital funds for the hospice.”

Participants can register online at www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk. Adults are charged at £15 and children aged 11 – 17 are charged at £5.

Money raised through ‘One Night in a Onesie’ allows St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice to continue to provide care and support to people who are seriously ill and dying. The county-wide charity has an eleven bed in-patient unit, eight day therapy centres and bereavement and welfare support.