Category: Fundraising
Fundraiser to help give patient’s children something to look forward to
47-year old mother of two Sam Pickersgill from Newton on Trent was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020 and received treatment for her condition.
Following a kick to the head from a horse in December 2021, Sam was brought in for a brain scan, which found progressive brain and leptomeningeal disease, limiting her life expectancy significantly.
Sam was referred to St Barnabas in January 2022 for psychological support and future planning to help her with the emotional difficulties and uncertainties that came with her diagnosis.
Mary, a Specialist Nurse Practitioner and Katie, a Health and Rehabilitation Support Worker from St Barnabas, took over her wellbeing and care planning in April.
They arranged for Sam to receive counselling, giving her a crucial safe space to talk about what she was feeling and what was happening to her and her family. They have also supported Sam maintain a level of independence with equipment to help her around the home.
Sadly, in July 2022, after enjoying a family holiday to Lanzarote, Sam was given the dreadful news that the metastasis had progressed further in the brain and leptomeningeal and that she is at high risk of sudden death.
Mary has played a crucial role in helping Sam and her husband Ro discuss with their children the serious topic of Sam’s limited time. The family feels that Mary helps them work through the difficult emotions and practicalities, as well as supporting them in finding the positive things in life.
Sam says: “Mary has been incredible; I don’t know how our family would have been able to handle this situation if we didn’t have her. She has kept me going and supported us throughout, from telling the children, to organising my own funeral and making sure it’s exactly how I want to be remembered.
“Mary made me realise I could take control of the situation and organise some wonderful times for everyone to remember and enabling me to spend my days comfortably at home around Ro, Hattie and Dominic.”
Mary has helped Sam facilitate a personalised care and support plan, with open discussions about what is important to Sam and the whole family. Financial support has also been given through the Welfare and Benefits team, as well as helping Sam list her final wishes. This is all part of the Advanced Care Planning which St Barnabas offers to patients and their families so they can focus on what’s really important to them – making the most of whatever time remains.
It was the couple’s 23rd Wedding Anniversary on Sunday 14th August. Unfortunately Sam was too unwell to attend a family meal, however later that day local legend Dan Hadfield performed a private Gary Barlow tribute concert in her parents’ garden, which Sam enjoyed surrounded by family and close friends.
St Barnabas continues to offer Sam and the family the psychological, emotional, physical and spiritual support when they need it.
Mary says: “When I first met Sam at her home, she threw her arms around me. From that point, I’ve seen her each week and have built a supporting relationship with the whole family. I have loved learning more about Sam the secondary school teacher, 14-year-old Hattie’s love of horses and 10-year-old Dominic’s obsession with Real Madrid.
“Sam has invested a lot of time supporting others in her life, and I feel it’s a privilege to do something in return to help her and her loved ones during this difficult time. St Barnabas will be with Sam when and where she needs us.
“We cannot change the outcome, but we can make every day count until then.”
Sam is fundraising to give Hattie and Dominic something to look forward to. Sam’s health makes it difficult for her to know day-to-day how she is going to feel, so she’s hoping that the family can do something for the children during such a difficult time.
Sam says: “I want to give the children memories to treasure.”
If you can support Sam and her family, please visit her GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/give-my-children-something-to-look-forward-to.
Additionally, if you would like to support us find ways to treat Hattie with a horse experience, or Dominic with anything Real Madrid related, please get in touch with St Barnabas Hospice via 01522 540 300 or by emailing fundraising@stbarnabashospice.co.uk
Beryl Jackson fundraises in memory of her daughter Lesley
In early July, Beryl Jackson from Lincoln hosted a coffee morning to raise funds for St Barnabas in memory of her husband Allan and daughter Lesley Guyler. Beryl hosts regular coffee mornings and fundraisers in support of the charity who cared for her beloved only child Lesley at the end of her life.
Since 2005, Beryl has donated an incredible £2,293 to St Barnabas Hospice in memory of Lesley and Allan.
Lesley was born in Scunthorpe in 1959 and the family lived in Crowle, North Lincolnshire, before taking on the exciting challenge of traveling and living abroad.
In the 1990s Beryl lived in Singapore and Thailand with Allan, while Lesley lived in Germany with her husband Mark, daughter Amy and son Jordan. The family saw each other often, happily taking the long journeys to spend holidays together.
Sadly, at age 39, Lesley was diagnosed with breast cancer, and received radiotherapy and chemotherapy in Dusseldorf, before the difficult decision was made by her doctors to perform a mastectomy, and after this a hysterectomy.
Beryl says: “I flew to Germany every month for a two week stay to support Lesley and the family during her treatments.
“Never once did she complain about her illness and her concern was for her children, who she adored. Her unfailing bravery through all this was inspirational. After her surgery, Lesley stayed with Allan and myself in Thailand to recuperate and they both enjoyed each other’s company, which meant a lot to me.”
After the hysterectomy, Lesley recovered and was in good health again, and enjoyed life fully. In 2000, Beryl and Allan moved back to Lincolnshire, with Lesley’s family following shortly afterwards.
Sadly, Lesley became unwell again in 2004 and the family learned her cancer had spread to her bones and that it was terminal. 
Lesley started to visit St Barnabas Hospice every week, enjoying lunch with the new friends she met through the charity, who understood her journey and gave her vital support during this difficult time. These social groups are still available to St Barnabas patients around the county today.
Beryl says: “Lesley had such a great personality; she loved to socialise and had a passion for baking and cooking – the latter has been passed on to her children.
“As her cancer progressed, Lesley made all her own funeral arrangement and decided to stop her treatment. However, she was determined to live long enough to meet her first grandchild and in September 2005 Livvie was born, whom Lesley helped deliver. Livvie became Lesley’s pride and joy!”
Nine months later, with her conditioning worsening, Lesley was admitted to St Barnabas Hospice’s Inpatient Unit in Lincoln, where she died peacefully 10 days later on 14th June 2006, surrounded by her family.
About the care St Barnabas provided to Lesley, Beryl comments: “The staff was so dedicated, and their care and compassion extended to us, her devoted family.
“As a thank you for providing her with this wonderful care, I forwarded all the donations from her funeral to the charity. After losing my husband earlier this year, I did the same with his funeral donations. I know that without donations, the good work of St Barnabas cannot be carried on to help all those other people who need it.”
Every year, St Barnabas Hospice supports over 12,000 people through free care and wellbeing services, and over £6 million needs to be raised each year to continue supporting patients around Lincolnshire.
The charity receives no funding from the government and fully relies on the kind donations of supporters like Beryl. Every pound makes a real difference and donations can be made as a one-off or as a regular Direct Debit.
Click here to donate to St Barnabas Hospice.
Top picture L-R: Beryl, Amy, Jordan, Lesley
Picture below L-R: Lesley, Beryl, Jordan and Amy
Care for a Cuppa at historic Middle Rasen Watermill raises over £2,000
On Saturday 6th August, St Barnabas Fundraising Officer Ellie Carter and her parents Mandy and Mark held a Care for a Cuppa fundraiser at their home; The Watermill in Middle Rasen.
The family opened their doors to residents from the community, friends, and family. Over 200 people attended the day, raising an amazing total of £2,154.05 for the Hospice, which could cover the cost for 60 hours of specialist Inpatient care.
Supporters were spoiled for choice with a large selection of baked goods and refreshments, along with children’s games, a tombola, and a raffle with 40 prizes to celebrate 40 years of St Barnabas, which were kindly donated by local businesses.
The Watermill is well known to those who live in the area as a Grade II listed building from the late 17th century situated along the River Rase.
Attendees were able to enjoy the sunshine and catch up with their neighbours and meet new people, as well as take a tour of the Watermill and the grounds.
Ellie says: “This was such a feel-good day for our family and the whole community! Everyone said they had missed this social contact during the pandemic, and they all thoroughly enjoyed the day. It was an amazing turn out with such positive feedback and support”
“My family and friends who helped us had an amazing day and we can’t wait for it to become a yearly event”
Many thanks to Ellie, Mandy and Mark and of course everyone who attended, for their donations and support.
Care for a Cuppa is a new campaign by St Barnabas Hospice, which encourages supporters to put the kettle on and host their own coffee morning, to raise vital funds for the charity.
To find out more about Care for a Cuppa or to get started on hosting your own, click here.
For every pound raised for St Barnabas, 77p goes straight towards delivering, and improving the care and support the charity offers to over 12,000 people every year. The other 23p goes towards generating future income.
Local PE teacher takes on 15,000 feet mountain to fundraise for St Barnabas
At the end of July, Rick Freeman from Lincoln took on a truly massive challenge in support of St Barnabas Hospice – reaching the summit of Matterhorn in the Alps.
The Matterhorn’s summit is about 15,000 feet and is one of the tallest peaks in the Alps, as well as one of the deadliest climbs in the world. This trek is extremely perilous, with around 12 people each year dying attempting to climb the mountain.
The famous mountain is near-symmetrical and is also featured on the packaging of Toblerone chocolate. The trek took two days to complete, after three days acclimatisation and training, and was an incredible challenge.
Rick is a PE teacher for a secondary school in Sleaford and started training for the trek last year. Through JustGiving he fundraised £2,560 in support of St Barnabas Hospice, and managed to reach the summit unscathed.
Rick says: “One of my aims was to raise funds for St Barnabas Hospice, who support many families within Lincolnshire. The care and support they offer needs to be maintained at this globally difficult time.
“I aim to promote self-belief, a strong positive mindset and a can-do attitude through my work in schools to encourage students to be the best people they can be. I hope by taking on this challenge, I can help further inspire them!
“I want to say a huge thank you to everyone for their donations and for supporting the challenge.”
St Barnabas Hospice Partner with Pygott & Crone As Charity Partner of the Year
Pictured above L-R: Jamie Aspland, Caroline Swindin, Kevin Scrupps
Pygott & Crone Estate Agents have chosen St Barnabas Hospice as their charity partner until May 2023, aiming to raise more than £20,000 for the charity.
As part of that fundraising effort, the estate agents will become a Silver Sponsor of St Barnabas Hospice’s HeART Trail, which will officially get underway in 2023, aiming to raise over £300,000 and attract 500,000 visitors to Lincolnshire.
Pygott & Crone will start up their own fundraising initiatives as well as put a spin on some of St Barnabas’s more popular activities, such as the Pub Quiz and 40 for 40 Challenge. To get their fundraising underway, eight members of the team will be taking part in this year’s Great North Run.
Members of the public will soon be able to see the partnership in action on their digital screens and with collection pots in Pygott & Crone branches across Lincolnshire.
Caroline Swindin, Fundraising Development Manager at St Barnabas Hospice, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be working collaboratively together with the teams at Pygott & Crone; such partnerships are invaluable both in helping to raise awareness of the diverse range of care and support we provide along with raising vital funds. This is an exciting partnership for both parties and will enable the team at Pygott & Crone to join us in fundraising and volunteering to make a difference to those in our local communities.”
Kevin Scrupps, Director at Pygott & Crone, said: “We are delighted to be working with St Barnabas again; the Charity is very close to our hearts. Personally, my family had their support at what was a difficult time, and they were amazing. This Charity provides services when families most need support and care, and the service is provided in such a caring way. It’s probably not until you need their support you realise how amazing they are in our communities.
“Hopefully, we can help ensure this support is available to more families in the future.”
Jamie Aspland, Branch Manager of Pygott & Crone Sleaford, is a Volunteer Ambassador for St Barnabas and is fully supported by the company and will continue to act in this role and make a positive contribution to support the work of the Hospice.
Jamie said: “I personally experienced St Barnabas and the care they offer when my late father passed away, I have continued to support this amazing charity both personally and with our company. St Barnabas will always hold a special place in my heart for being there when I needed them most.”
Lindum Cricket Club set to Go Yellow for St Barnabas Hospice
On Saturday 30th July, Lindum Cricket Club will turn yellow for St Barnabas Hospice as part of the charity’s Go Yellow campaign, celebrating 40 years of hospice, care and support across Lincolnshire.
Lindum 1st XI will play host to Spalding 1st XI in a Lincolnshire Premier League fixture, with all proceeds from the day being donated to the charity.
St Barnabas is a local independent charity, supporting more than 10,500 people each year across the county affected by a life-limiting or terminal illness.
The idea was inspired by Sydney’s Pink Test and the Red For Ruth Test at Lord’s, at which supporters, players and sponsors have come together to help raise awareness of the campaigns and to support fundraising for the McGrath Foundation and the Ruth Strauss Foundation respectively.
Lindum will be looking to replicate this on the day; a lot of the club’s in-ground branding will be turning yellow. Supporters are encouraged to come along and wear something yellow to show their support, with an optional donation on entry.
With the support of platinum partners CPC Civils and TNF Cricket, players from Lindum will wear special shirts and caps to mark the occasion.
The initiative follows the success of the floodlit cricket tournament at the club, which has seen them raise in excess of £7,000 for local charities.
Based on St Giles Avenue, a short walk from the city’s Bailgate area, Lindum Cricket Club offers cricket for all ages, genders and abilities, with junior cricket from age 5-19, a ladies team and 5 senior men’s teams. 
Will Taylor from Lindum Cricket Club said: “We are delighted to be able to continue our support for the Hospice this year in a slightly different way than we have seen previously. With the rising costs associated with the floodlit tournament, we have had to park that for the foreseeable, although we are hoping to see it return at some point.
“Cricket fans will be familiar with the idea we are trying to emulate with the aforementioned matches. Ultimately, we want everybody and anybody to come along and enjoy the cricket whilst simultaneously supporting the club and the charity and making a real difference to a worthy cause.”
Caroline Swindin, Fundraising Development Manager at St Barnabas added: “We are delighted that Lindum Cricket Club have chosen to support us again; especially in what is our 40th Anniversary year and we look forward to seeing the club `Go Yellow’ in support of Hospice care. The day is open to all, we hope to see lots of people coming along and joining in the fun and sporting something yellow!”
You can support the event by attending and wearing something yellow, as well as following the club or the charity on social media and sending in your pictures using the hashtags #GoYellow and #UTL.
The match begins at 11:30am on Saturday 30th July at Lindum Cricket Club (LN2 4PE), where the bar will be open with food available. Supporters are encouraged to bring their own seating and picnics are allowed.
Supporter to run 40km marathon for St Barnabas Hospice 40th anniversary
David Albans, a 64-year old running enthusiast, will be taking part in the 12 hour endurance marathon The Big School Run at Worksop College on Saturday 27th August to fundraise for St Barnabas Hospice and as a way to thank the charity for supporting a number of his close friends and their families in their hour of need.
The Hospice is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and is asking supporters to take up challenges with a theme around the number 40 to help raise funds. David is also celebrating an important anniversary this year, as he married his wife Kathleen 40 years ago.
David will be attempting to run for an incredible 12 hours between 7am – 7pm around the 5km circuit at Worksop College, and his goal is to run 40km, or even 40 miles if he can!
David says: “I have never done anything like this before and my longest ever run has been a half-marathon which is 21 kilometres.
“I am running to support St Barnabas Hospice’s work in helping those who need it, which recently has included some of my close friends and their families. I have witnessed what an amazing difference their support makes at a time of great difficulty for people. I know that if and when my family need it, St Barnabas will be there for us too.
“I started running in my 50’s and at the beginning I couldn’t go 200 metres without having to stop to catch my breath. I now love the challenge that distance running offers; testing both the mind and the body.
“I like being able to achieve what many people of my age wouldn’t even consider, and I would advise those of any age who are considering giving running a go, to just to start doing it regularly and this will help your progress.
“Last October I took part in the Lincoln 10K in support of St Barnabas, and though it was a very wet day, it was fantastic. The St Barnabas team gave me a lot of support, including providing me with high quality running tops with their logo, advising me how to raise funds, and being very encouraging all the way through. They were there to greet me at the finish line with smiles, congratulations and a goodie bag, which was very much appreciated. It definitely makes me feel like part of the St Barnabas team.”
To donate to David’s fundraiser, find his JustGiving page here.
In 1982 St Barnabas Hospice started from very humble beginnings with three nurses, with a vision to improve end of life care in Lincolnshire and has grown to become one of the region’s biggest charities supporting more than 10,500 people each year.
If you are inspired to host your own ’40 for 40’ event in support of St Barnabas Hospice, take a look on the website here for inspiration. Simply choose one of the themed activities or come up with your own 40-themed challenge to help raise money to support the charity’s great work.
St Barnabas Hospice Wins ‘Highly Commended’ for its Sensory Garden at the Lincolnshire Show
St Barnabas Hospice is delighted to announce that its Sensory Show Garden has been awarded Highly Commended by the President of the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society.
The Hospice can’t thank the staff and students at Riseholme College enough for their help with planting the garden and building the wheelchair-friendly flowerbeds and archway out of recycled, sustainable materials. The hospice would also like to thank everyone else who contributed to the development of the garden.
Visitors flocked to the garden over the two days of the Lincolnshire Show, learning more about the Hospice and why the garden’s sensory and accessibility features are so important. To gain a moment’s respite from the beating sun, visitors also enjoyed the first taste of St Barnabas Hospice’s new gin, Est.1982 Ruby, produced by long-standing Charity Partners of the Hospice, Bottomley Distillers.
The garden, which was originally intended for St Barnabas Hospice’s wellbeing centre in Boston before the pandemic, was designed by local landscape gardener Caroline Stanley from Inspirational Gardens. The garden is a reflective and relaxing space for all to enjoy, designed with the senses in mind and dementia-friendly elements with fragrant plants and some raised beds allowing patients of all mobility to touch and smell the flowers.
Head of Fundraising and Lottery, Veronica McBain, said: “Of course, this isn’t just our award. This has been a huge collaborative project for us and I want to thank everyone who has gone above and beyond, especially the students of Riseholme College who worked in the heat to plant the garden and build the wheelchair-friendly raised beds.
“With thanks to Caroline Stanley, who designed the garden, and Amy and Alan, who have supported us not only with the Garden but with the launch of our third gin, Est.1982 Ruby, which launched with us at the Lincolnshire Show. Finally, we’d like to thank the Showground, who initiated the project and invited us to create a Garden suitable to display at the Show.
“The Hospice simply could not help the people of Lincolnshire without the support of people like this. Thank you.”
Curriculum Area Manager for the Land-Based Department at Riseholme College, Lenny Malloy, said: “We were approached by St Barnabas over two years ago now, asking if we’d be interested in creating a garden at the Show for them and it just so happened that it marked their 40th anniversary.
“The students have been heavily involved, they’ve been involved in the design of the garden, in conjunction with Pin Gin, all the way through to sourcing and planting the plants.”
The Sensory Garden will be moved and incorporated into St Barnabas Hospice’s wellbeing centre in Louth for both patients and staff to enjoy.
“Nanny always looked after everyone so well. We all loved her. I miss her so much. Thank you to the nurses at St Barnabas for caring for my Nanny.”
Luca, age 8 will be running in memory of his Nanny, Karen at the Colour Dash and has raised an incredible £350 using his Facebook Fundraiser. We have spoken to Luca to learn a little more about his Nanny and to his mum Lydia, Karen’s stepdaughter about the support the family received from St Barnabas.
“Nanny always looked after everyone so well. We all loved her so much. We used to walk into Lincoln, over the blue bridge. I always wanted to wait for the trains, and she’d let me. I miss her so much. Thank you to the nurses at St Barnabas for caring for my Nanny.”
Lydia, Luca’s mum and Karen’s stepdaughter explains why St Barnabas means so much to the family.
“Karen was my step mum, and me and my siblings felt so blessed to have her in our lives. She loved us, and my mum, her wife Ashley immensely. She had a wicked sense of humour and absolutely adored her grandchildren. They gave her so much joy, especially when they reached toddler age and started to get into things and started to express their personalities. Karen loved to travel and had been many places and had a huge love of animals. A keen tennis fan, she loved Wimbledon and didn’t miss it for 20 years. Karen worked as a nurse for the NHS for over 30 years and loved her job.
We were so blessed to have Karen in our lives and love us all the way she did. She was the best sounding board and have the best advice.
We miss her every day.
Karen was 63 when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. It was a real blow to us all, but she vowed to fight it all the way and that’s exactly what she did.
Karen had a very rare form of ovarian cancer and it was exceptionally aggressive. But she underwent treatment she was told she couldn’t have because it wouldn’t work, but it did! Her prognosis was six months, but she stayed with us for two and a half years. She gave it everything she had. She was strong and we drew from her strength. She was a warrior and we fought hard with her. Now that she has gone, there is a huge void in our lives.
Karen wished to remain at home until she passed away and St Barnabas were key in making sure that this time at home was as comfortable as possible and that she maintained her dignity. They were so caring, thoughtful, kind and considerate and not just to Karen, the care extended to us too.
They were excellent after Karen had died, making sure my Mum, Ashley had access to counselling and support.”
If you would like to set up your own Facebook Fundraiser, to raise your sponsorship for the Colour Dash – it can be done in minutes.
Julie Fisher, takes on the Toubkal Trek in memory of her husband Chris Swift aka ‘Swifty’
Julie Fisher is about to embark on a life changing challenge as she will join other daredevils who are going to Trek Toubkal, North Africa’s tallest mountain, all in support of St Barnabas Hospice. Julie is doing the challenge in memory of her husband, Chris Swift
“Chris ran his own company Swift Renovations, he was a retained fire fighter for Wragby Station. He loved the outdoors, we went walking as a family, his favourite place was a tarn in The Lake District called Small Water. We scattered his ashes there.”
“Chris and I met at school when we were taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award, we were presented our gold awards by the Duke of Edinburgh together too.
“Chris had a thirst for life and fun with a witty humour and enjoyed playing pranks on people, always with a smile on his face. He had a very special quality of being able to inspire people and always had a word of wisdom for anyone he spoke to. He was a honest, genuine and straight talking guy who had a big impact on all the people who knew him. His two boys, Jacob and Reuben meant the world to him.
“Chris was first diagnosis in January 2001 with Malignant Melanoma and had to have his ear removed. Jacob and Reuben were only 7 and 5. We thought it had been caught but it had been laying dormant for 9 years and in January 2010 it returned, at this point we were told it was terminal.
“The hardest thing was to tell Jacob and Reuben that their dad hadn’t got long to live. We wanted to involve them and let them know we needed to make the most of what time we had left with him. Chris was determined to fight the cancer, for as long as could as he so wanted to watch Jacob and Reuben grow up. He made the decision to have Chemotherapy and had to travel to Leicester every three weeks, for four days of treatment. It was tough going, but he never gave in. The cancer spread to his femur, which he had pinned, then his lungs and finally his brain which was devastating as he was unable to communicate with us.”
Chris lost his battle on 30th July 2010. He was just 45.
“Chris’s wish was to be cared for at home, so he could spend as much time with his family and he didn’t want to be a burden to anyone. I did manage to take care of him at home at first, but found it very difficult once the cancer spread to his brain. At this point the St Barnabas nurses came into our home daily and overnight to help me with his care and to give us support. I remember how kind, caring and patient they were with Chris, and the support they gave me was incredible. I really would not have managed without them and Chris would have had to go into hospital/care which he didn’t want.
“Because Chris was at home it was so much better for Jacob and Reuben as they were able to pop in and out of his room day or night to see him without having to travel to Lincoln. If Chris had not been at home the three of us would not have been with him when he died which would have been even more devastating.
“I asked Jacob and Reuben if they’d do this fundraising challenge with me. I thought it would be an excellent way to mark 10 years since Chris died (now 12 because of Covid), because he would have loved to have done this Trek.
“Because the boys were so young when their dad died, I think it’s very important that we do different events together in his memory. We want to keep supporting St Barnabas Hospice so they can continue to give others the excellent care they gave us.”