Category: Fundraising

For the past year local event supplies and sporting memorabilia firm Running Imp have not only been celebrating a significant milestone in their history – their 25th year in business, but they have also been raising funds for a charity close to their hearts – St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice.

“Our reasons for choosing St Barnabas are two fold” said Chris Illsley, Running Imp Co-Founder & Chief Executive. “Firstly we felt it would be appropriate to support a local charity in our 25th Anniversary year, and the hospice has been providing care and support free of charge to people living with a life-limiting illness for over 3 decades here in Lincolnshire. Secondly we wanted to say a big thank you for the kindness and support they showed to our amazing and inspirational friend Jules King who sadly died in St Barnabas in March of last year.“

In Jules’ own words:

“St Barnabas is a fantastic service and gives such wonderful care to me and my family. My biggest worry was how my family would cope after I am gone, but knowing that the hospice will be there for them is a massive weight off my shoulders. People need to know what a wonderful charity St Barnabas are and what great work they do”.

Over the past year the team at Running Imp have turned their hand to pretty much anything and everything they could in order to raise funds. They started with a festive dress down day back in December of last year which raised a staggering £560 with all staff dressing up something rather festive and one guy in a mankini!

CEO – Chris Illsley also took it upon himself to set his own personal challenge and that was to walk 2013 miles and set a target of raising £2013, well Chris more than doubled his target and completed his challenge well ahead of schedule back in October. This challenge saw Chris taking to the footpaths in and around Lincoln through wind, rain, hale and snow throughout the year as well as walking on holiday in scorching temperatures in Dubai and Spain, he never missed a day, lost over 2 stone in weight and raised a phenomenal £5,000 for the Hospice.

We also saw the adrenaline enthusiasts of the team take on the challenge to overcome their fear of heights whilst abseiling off the top of the Grimsby Dock Tower and two teams participated in our fun filled, wet and wild ‘It’s a Knockout’ event in the summer. On top od the support at various events we have organized, throughout the year Running Imp have also been donating 1p per medal ordered which culminated in a very generous donation of £10,000 from the company. All of this combined has resulted in…wait for it…a staggering £18,430 towards the on going cost of our patient and family care and support services across the county.

Fundraising Manager, Veronica Brien for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice said:

“When we were first approached by Running Imp with their offer of support we were absolutely thrilled to be involved with this family orientated local business who knew first hand about the care and services we provide through the support given to their close friends – the King Family.

The team should be so proud of themselves for everything they have done, they’ve had a wonderful year celebrating the success of 25 years in business and we are delighted to have been a part of that and of course, we are forever grateful for the support they have given us, not just the financial donations but also the awareness they have raised amongst friends, family and their customers. It is proven that there will be an ever increasing need for palliative and end of life care in Lincolnshire, what Running Imp have done is given us the support to ensure we will be able to continue providing the on-going care and support that we deliver within our community – Thank you”.

Co-Founder and Chief Executive Chris Illsley said

“We have been proud to support such a fantastic, caring and hard working organisation this year. We’re delighted to have raised £18,430 to help provide the people of Lincolnshire with high quality specialist palliative care and support.”

Lincoln’s 13th annual Light Up a Life and Torchlight Procession took place on the 26th of November which kick-started the Light Up a Life events that are taking place all over the county. This year we had over 1000 in attendance which is a record number of people. The procession walked past the hospice to the Cathedral to light the Tree of Life. This year we introduced messages of love so that people could tie a message to the railings of the tree to remember someone that cannot be with us over Christmas, this was received wonderfully and the messages of love look beautiful outside the Cathedral. The evening made over £3000 for hospice care throughout Lincolnshire and so far our Light Up a Life appeal countywide has raised £26,254.00. This is a truly amazing amount to raise and if you would still like to sponsor a light or donate towards the Light up a Life appeal then click here.

To see more pictures of Lincoln’s Light Up a Life event by the Lincolnshire Echo then click here

As part of our Piece of Cake campaign that ran throughout October a recent Coffee Morning was held at the village hall in Fulbeck and this raised over £300. The event was well attended and included a book stall, a bring and buy, bric’a’brac, tombola and a cake sale. Collette Hughes and Jenny Cottingham were serving up refreshments and cake throughout the day. The event was a huge success.

Many thanks to everyone involved Jenny & Geoff Cottingham, Carol Aram, Ann Watler, Iris & David Morison, Jenny Tree, Collete & Peter Hughes, Jane Harrison, Julie Harrison & lots more people.

If you would like to get in touch about running your own event please don’t hesitate to get in touch on (01522) 540300 or contact Becky Otter

Swishing To swap an item or items of clothing or shoes or an accessory with friends or acquaintances. Parties must willingly give an item to participate in the transaction, once they have given an item they are free to choose something of interest from what others have offered.

The most exciting thing about Swishing is the first reveal. That moment when the door opens and you see the rails, full of clothes – different sizes and different makes waiting to be re homed. My first swish was at the St Barnabas Hospice charity event at the Lincolnshire Showground. The week before, I’d ruthlessly scoured my wardrobe for those little gems, that don’t fit or in fact, never did hanging shamelessly with their label still on. I’d packaged them up hoping they’d find a new owner, one who liked them more than I did, and fitted them like a dream.

On the night, it was more than just a Swap Shop. Twenty stalls of vintage loveliness were there to tempt me with dresses, bags and jewellery to style anyone from top to toe. I indulged in a delicious slice of Victoria Sponge, and a cup of tea served in fine china, before browsing the stalls. I passed a broach and fascinator making class by local shop owners Rock + Paper + Scissors and hairdressers from The Strand offering vintage ‘up-do’ with victory rolls to boot. What’s more the soft tones of Heather Marie, a 1940’s singer offering renditions of old classics Run Rabbit Run Rabbit gave the evening a jolly feel.

Then, at 8pm on the dot they announced ‘The Swishing is now OPEN’. I dashed over; with my point cards held tightly in my hand and browsed the rails packed with leather jackets, sequined ball gowns, ripped jeans and a lovely little jacket, I deemed ‘perfect for the autumn.’ I grabbed it and went over to the pay desk. One of the helpful volunteers from St Barnabas took my points and sent me on my way. And that’s how easy it is. No money, just swapping.

To find out more about swishing visit www.swishing.co.uk or see what else St Barnabas have planned for 2013 visit www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk

Have you been inspired by the Great British Bake Off? Maybe you think you’re the next Paul Hollywood or Mary Berry? Or maybe you just love a little piece of cake?

Whatever your interest is, St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice has a treat right up your street!

Throughout October is our ‘It’s Piece of Cake’ campaign, where the concept is quite simple as the name rightly suggests…Whether it’s a cake sale or a bake off, a tea party, coffee morning or maybe a spot of afternoon tea…the choice is yours!

Once you know what you want to do, pick a date in October, encourage your friends, family, work colleagues, classmates and/or neighbours to join in and host your very own ‘It’s a Piece of Cake event’. You can make it as simple or as extravagant as you like. It could be your local church group, other social groups, or your weekly get together with friends or even tea break at work.

Whatever the occasion, use it as an excuse for a chat, a cuppa and a piece of cake.

Any contribution you can make will make a BIG difference to supporting local people and their families living with a life limiting illness.

We are proud to be supported by our very own Lincolnshire born and bred award-winning Chef – Rachel Green.

“I am delighted to support the St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice ‘It’s a Piece of Cake’ campaign and I hope you will enjoy baking my Piccolo Parsnip and Orange Cake with Mascarpone Frosting”

Love Rachel. X

Rachel grew up on her family farm in Lincolnshire, and her family have been farming in the county for 14 generations. Rachel has made numerous television appearances, recently on BBC Escape to the Country, Countryfile and the One Show. She has produced two cookbooks, contributes to cookery and lifestyle magazines and hosts regular cookery schools at Divertimenti in London.

www.rachel-green.co.uk

As part of our campaign, we will of course be hosting our very own ‘It’s a Piece of Cake’ events during National Hospice Care Week 7th-13th October at our Day Therapy Centre’s across the county.

We’d be delighted to see you so why not pop along to one of our events and say hello whilst enjoying a delicious cake from local business Angels Desserts. Business Owner Fiona Harris is also supporting our campaign and has kindly donated some yummy specially branded St Barnabas cupcakes for our Hospice Events. You can also buy your own yummy cakes direct from Angels Desserts and if you quote the code: “POC1013”, Fiona will donate 20% of the sale back to the Hospice. You can view the delicious selections online www.angelsdesserts.co.uk.

Our ‘It’s a Piece of Cake’ events are on:

7th: Open Day, St Barnabas Louth Hospice, Next to Fanthorpe Farm, Grimsby Road, Louth, 10 am – 2 pm

8th: Coffee Morning, St Barnabas, Hawthorn Road, Lincoln, 10 am – 12 noon

8th: Coffee Morning, St Barnabas Spalding Hospice, 2 Clover Way, Wygate Park, 10 am – 12pm

8th: Afternoon Tea, St Barnabas Grantham Hospice, 86 Barrowby Road, Grantham, 2 pm – 4 pm

9th: Coffee Morning, St Barnabas Gainsborough Hospice, Front Street, Morton, 10 am – 12pm

9th: Coffee Morning, St Barnabas Boston Hospice, Mayflower Lodge, Green Lane, 10 am – 12 pm

If you would like to join us by hosting your very own ‘It’s a Piece of Cake’ event then please get in touch for your very own Fundraising Pack on 01522 540300 or email fundraising@stbarnabashospice.co.uk or you can download the information by clicking here.

We appreciate any support you can give, every penny really does make a difference.

Together we love ‘Caring for Life’.

Click here to look at the fun-tastic photos courtesy of Paul Love from our It’s a Knockout event July 2013.

Want to take part in 2014… Contact Becky becky.otter@stbarnabashospice.co.uk

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Returning for the 3rd year last week at Washingborough playing fields was the fabulous Graham Fisher it’s a knockout event. The day kicked off at 1pm with all the teams entering the arena. The fun rivalry was evident in the 1st game with all teams striving to win. The crowds poured in to watch as the teams competed against each in wacky foamy games.

Juggling with fire and entertaining the children was Pedro the clown. Children had their faces painted and had a go on the many games and octopus ride. Daisy Made kept everyone cool serving up their delicious ice cream and the crowds tucked in to meaty burgers and our famous Lincolnshire sausages from (Kenny) Elite Meats in the Bail.

It was a close finish with only 1 point separating first and second place but it was Turbonuts & Amazeballs who took gold place. We would like to thank the teams; PDSB, Wrong Direction, The Reem Team, Nettleham Nutters, Witness the Fitness, Risky Business, Impressive & The Impcredibles all for taking part.

It’s a Knockout was a extremely successful event and with all the sponsorship money pledged by the teams an incredible £9,598 was raised for our hospice. We would like to say a special thanks to ‘Inside Lincs Magazine’ www.insidelincs.co.uk for supporting the event and their on going support. As a local charity we rely heavily on the support of local business.

To view photos click here

Next years event is scheduled for Sunday 20th July 2014 – contact Becky Otter becky.otter@stbarnabashospice.co.uk (01522) 559516 if you would like to enter a team.

Imagine standing at the edge of an open doorway in an aircraft flying at 10,000 feet – the noise of the engines and the wind ringing in your ears with only the outline of distant fields below. Now imagine leaning forward out of that doorway and letting go – falling forward into the clouds, diving down through the air as you start freefalling at over 120mph! Then imagine the peace and quiet as the canopy opens, the steering toggles come down either side of you and you begin a tranquil parachute descent from a mile up in the air, steering yourself back down to the centre of the drop zone below. Does this take your fancy?

Well two of our very own daring Health Care Support Workers, Tracy Atkin and Deborah Hallows are doing just that on Saturday 8th June, at Hibaldstow Airfield. They saw the advert for it in our recent newsletter and decided to embark on it, when asked why they were doing it they simply said “to help raise funds for the patients that we care for and support everyday and we are a little mad.”

They won’t be alone, we also have four other daring individuals who are taking to the skies and collectively they’ve raised over £4,000 so far for the Hospice.

Karen Jaines is also participating in this event, she only signed up a month ago after seeing it advertised in our newsletter, the date of the skydive is particularly significant to her and her family as she explained:

“We lost my brother Andy in October of last year aged just 44, he was a very special person, kind and caring and loved his family dearly. Andy fought his illness bravely and only spent the last two days of his life in the hospice. We were all with him and I was so touched by the care the nurses gave him, and the dignity he was given in his final stages. Also when we returned to the hospice three months later to bring the donations from his funeral, all of the nurses remembered who he was, not just a number. My dad came with us as he had been unable to deal with seeing him in the last few days and the nurses who had looked after Andy talked to my dad and showed him where he had been. Totally amazing and this is my way (from all of my family) of giving a little back to help someone else have that care and compassion they deserve.

It would have been Andy’s 45th birthday on 8th June, that was why it was so important for me to do this skydive on this day, I just had to do this for him, to celebrate his life and hopefully help someone else. We all love him and miss him terribly. He will always be in our hearts forever (I just hope he’s watching over me on the day!)”

Karen’s words are deeply touching and from all at St Barnabas we wish them all the best of luck and hope they have the most amazing experience as they float through the skies. Fundraising Manager – Veronica Brien will be there to support them on the day and said:

“We are extremely grateful to all who decide to support the Hospice in their fundraising efforts throughout the year whether they are hosting a coffee morning, doing a sponsored silence, running a marathon or taking on a challenge such as the skydives. This year we have seen a number of people taking up the skydive challenge already including a group from the Gelder Group company, I can honestly say that I take my hat off to anyone who does the skydives as it is something I could never do. We wish them all the best of luck and look forward to seeing them with their feet firmly planted on the ground afterwards.”

The care and support we provide is all completely free of charge and is supported by donations from people like you, gifts in a will, our fundraising events, lottery membership and income from our 23 charity shops across the county. Each year we have to raise over £3.1 million to ensure this care is available and without the generous support from the local community we simply could not do what we do.

If you would like to support the Hospice in any way you can do so easily by donating online; you can participate in one of our many fun filled events across the county; volunteer your time to us or maybe you’re having a clear out – we’re always looking for items to sell in our 25 charity shops. Any support is gratefully appreciated by all our patients, staff and volunteers. Click here to make a donation or for further information visit our homepage or call us on 01522 540300.

We are pleased to announce our annual Moonlight Sleepwalks have just opened for registrations online over the weekend but they wouldn’t be possible without the support we have received from local businesses and we’d like to say a huge thanks to Western Power Distribution, Ambitions Personnel, G4S, Wright Vigar, Ringrose Law and Hodsgon Elkington have all made donations in support of the event. In addition we owe a great deal of thanks to the Lincolnshire Cooperative Society and Brakes for donating refreshments and Running Imp for providing an inflatable gantry for our Lincoln walk. Also supporting us are Harpers in Market Deeping of which we are very grateful.

Michael Clarke of Western Power Distribution spoke to us about why they chose to support the event this year

“The work that St. Barnabas Hospice does for people and their families in Lincolnshire is so valuable and we are very pleased to be supporting the St. Barnabas Moonlight Sleepwalks, as the walks raise huge amounts of money for the charity and is a wonderful series of events that the local community can take part in and enjoy.”

Back by popular demand for 2013 is our annual Moonlight Sleepwalks. In its seventh year we invite you this summer to join hundreds of inspirational men and women taking part in our Moonlight Sleepwalks across the county in aid of St Barnabas Hospice. Last year we saw all sorts of nightwear being donned from the traditional striped pyjamas to a variety of onsies ranging from animals to funky patterns, whatever takes your fancy!

Lincoln’s event is the first of the four, happening on Saturday 15th June, commencing and ending at Yarborough Leisure Centre. The walk is approx 10km and encompasses a route through the City and back up past our Hospice finishing back at Yarborough for your commemorate medal and of course a nice breakfast bap and hot refreshment awaits you.

The event is open to all adults and children aged between 11 –17 year old but they must be accompanied by a guardian who is taking part in the walk.

Registration for the events will be open from the beginning of March with an early bird special price of £8 per adult & £20 per family until the 1st May, thereafter the prices will be £12 per adult and £25 per family.

Whatever your reason, to get fit, for fun, or to remember a loved one, join us in your PJs for a night to remember.

If you’d like more information or to register visit the Events Calendar or contact the fundraising office on 01522 540300 or email fundraising@stbarnabashospice.co.uk.

Back by popular demand for 2013 is our annual Moonlight Sleepwalks. In its seventh year we invite you this summer to join hundreds of inspirational men and women taking part in our Moonlight Sleepwalks across the county in aid of St Barnabas Hospice. Last year we saw all sorts of nightwear being donned from the traditional striped pyjamas to a variety of onsies ranging from animals to funky patterns, whatever takes your fancy!

Lincoln’s event is the first of the four, happening on Saturday 15th June, commencing and ending at Yarborough Leisure Centre. The walk is approx 10km and encompasses a route through the City and back up past our Hospice finishing back at Yarborough for your commemorate medal and of course a nice breakfast bap and hot refreshment awaits you.

Becky Otter Events fundraiser said:

“For those of you who have not yet experienced our Moonlight Walks the night will be full of memories, laughter, music and a chance to have some fun with friends and family. In 2012 almost 1000 people took part across the county, raising over £60,000 for our Hospice. You too can make a real difference to our patients and their families. Get together with your friends, put a sparkle in your step walking under the moonlight and help raise vital funds for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice. Let’s support one another and have another excellent 30 years of ‘Caring for Life’ across our County!”

The event is open to all adults and children aged between 11 –17 year old but they must be accompanied by a guardian who is taking part in the walk.

Registration for the events will be open from the beginning of March with an early bird special price of £8 per adult & £20 per family until the 1st May, thereafter the prices will be £12 per adult and £25 per family.

Whatever your reason, to get fit, for fun, or to remember a loved one, join us in your PJs for a night to remember.

If you’d like more information or to register visit the Events Calendar or contact the fundraising office on 01522 540300 or email fundraising@stbarnabashospice.co.uk.