Category: Fundraising
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.”
St Barnabas Hospice Colour Dash Returns for a Sixth and Final Time
St Barnabas Hospice’s popular Colour Dash event is returning for a sixth and final time to celebrate St Barnabas’s 40th anniversary and aims to raise crucial funds to support Hospice Care across Lincolnshire.
Taking place on Saturday, 14 May, the Colour Dash has been one of the most popular fundraising events in the Hospice’s history, raising more than £745,000 to fund vital patient care across Lincolnshire with 15,644 people taking part.
The Colour Dash is a 5km untimed fun run around Lincolnshire Showground, with participants being covered in coloured, environmentally friendly paint powder at each kilometre. It is designed so supporters can have fun with their friends and family, with no pressure to run any or all of the route; you can run, walk, dance, or skip your way around the course.
On the day, Lincolnshire Showground will be a hive of activity, with food, drink and merchandise stalls, music and a fun warm-up from the stage, the opportunity to see yourself on the big screen and more!
This year’s Colour Dash wouldn’t be possible without the sponsorship and support of Western Power Distribution, Lincolnshire Showground, HSBC, Lincolnshire Coop, Claverings Removals, Clearance and Storage, and Peachy Events.
Stella Hayward, Corporate Communications Officer at Western Power, said: “Western Power Distribution (WPD) is delighted to be working in partnership with St Barnabas Hospice for a 10th year running and supporting this very popular, fun event that helps to raise vital funds for the hospice. As a major employer in the Midlands, Southwest England and South Wales, we believe we have a responsibility to play a full and active role in the communities we serve.
“Many of us know family members and friends who have been cared for at St Barnabas, and we wanted to show our continued support. We are excited to be on board for the 2022 Colour Dash and continue our support to St Barnabas during its very special 40th anniversary year.”
Lucy Compton, who is aiming to raise £1,000 for St Barnabas Hospice via her Just Giving page, said: “At the start of this year, my lovely, fit and healthy Dad was diagnosed with stage 4 lung and lymph node cancer. As a family, this has really come as a huge shock, but St Barnabas has already reached out to us to offer support, and without this, my family and many others would suffer even more.
“We will also be doing this in memory of my Nanna Marjorie and one of my best friends, Lisa, who lost her battle with cancer only five years ago.
“St Barnabas Hospice has lost around £2 million since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. Any money you can donate to support them would be greatly appreciated. You will be making a real difference to patients and families across Lincolnshire living with a life-limiting or terminal illness, ensuring St Barnabas can be there for them every day of the year.”
Join St Barnabas Hospice on Saturday 14th May 2022, from 9.30 am at the Lincolnshire Showground!
Fun runners can apply on the day or sign up now at https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/colourdash/
Celebrate 40 years of St Barnabas Hospice offering palliative care and support to the people of Lincolnshire
From very humble beginnings of three nurses, with a vision to improve end of life care in Lincolnshire in 1982 – to what has become one of the region’s biggest Charities supporting more than 10,500 people each year.
The team behind St Barnabas will make this year one to remember with a bursting list of events, appeals and activities to get involved in and celebrate the incredible achievements of the people who have made the last four decades happen. Alongside the return of the Colour Dash on 14th May, the launch of locally produced, commemorative Rum and Gin and the beginnings of the first charity led bespoke community Art installation across Lincolnshire – The Heart Trail, St Barnabas Hospice will mark its birthday day on 11th June, with a blessing at Lincoln Cathedral.
All 25 shops, including the brand new, flagship Warehouse in Lincoln will embrace the birthday too and collectively celebrate their own achievements of resilience, against the high street giants. From Lincoln to Boston, and into the Wolds, our shops are representative of our care – they are part of the community and spread far and wide across the county.
Whilst we celebrate the past 40 years, we want to share our aspirations with you too.
We will talk through our ambitions to grow the services in the community to fulfil our vision where ‘everyone is Lincolnshire deserves a good death’, we will do this through offering Hospice at Home to hundreds more people each month, collaborating with other healthcare providers and educating others in how to make care for those at the end of their lives as well as further developing our wellbeing therapy services making it more accessible for all who need it. We want to rejuvenate our work and care spaces to offer the best facilities for everyone. We want to support our staff to feel happy in their roles, offer them career progression and a great work-life balance.
Finally, we will aim to maintain our outstanding CQC rating and educate everyone on the importance and benefits of Hospice care.
If you would like to support St Barnabas visit www.StBarnabasHospice.co.uk for inspiration!
#HospiceCare #StBarnabas #StB40
Whenever we had a rough time St Barnabas supported us, not just Grandad. They never claimed to ‘understand’ either, just understood we felt how we did. Most of all, they continued to make him smile.
“Terrible Two and the parents” take on The Colour Dash as perfect family event in memory of Great Grandad, Richard. Parent’s Sophie and Luke are running the Colour Dash, with children Millie, age 6 and Olivia, age 5 leading the way! 
Mum, Sophie explains “My family were supported by St Barnabas when my Grandad died, and its always stayed with me how well they cared for him in his last weeks” Sophie has such fond memories of her Grandad, Richard before he died.
“My Grandad was amazing, kind and caring. He loved a good joke, and watched Neighbours every afternoon without fail! He was proud of his garden and it was always full of flowers. He even used to let me peg flowers to his hair, as a crown! His smile would light up any room and his hugs were the best.
“My favourite and lasting memory of him is from the day before he died. His dying wish was to be at home in his final days, and St Barnabas supported us to make that happen. The nurses arrived and were with him, and I followed in a few moments later. He was laughing and looked at me, he was holding the hand of the lady and said ‘here’s the apple of my eye’. That was the last time I saw him smile, and the day I said goodbye.
“Being so young, I don’t remember all the finer details, but there was always a warm reception of the nurses. Whenever we had a rough time they supported us, not just Grandad. They never claimed to ‘understand’ either, just understood we felt how we did. Most of all, they continued to make him smile.
“When Millie and Olivia wanted to do something for a good cause, I couldn’t think of a better event or charity to support.”
Join Millie and Olivia at the Colour Dash (Early Bird discount ending 8th April)
Take part in the Colour Dash in support of St Barnabas (stbarnabashospice.co.uk)
Support Millie and Olivia here
Terrible 2 and the Parents fundraising for St Barnabas Hospice Trust (Lincolnshire) on JustGiving