News from St Leonard's

HOSPICE MIDNIGHT WALK FOR WOMEN ANGELS AND DEMONS ONLY

31 January 2012

‘Eternal Law’ becomes reality in York on the night of Saturday 23 June when angels and demons will be around the streets of the city.
They will be taking part in the popular Midnight Walk, organised each year to raise funds for York’s St Leonard’s Hospice. This year it will be an all-women event for the first time – and the women are all being encouraged to dress with fluffy haloes or flashing horns to get them into the party mood.
The change to a women-only event comes after Hospice fundraisers compared notes with other hospices that run similar events. They discovered that the hospices that had women-only Midnight Walks were able to attract many more entries and raise larger sums. The St Leonard’s Midnight Walk was first held in 2008 and has regularly attracted around 500 people – men and women – each time, raising between £25,000 and £30,000 each year. Other hospices have attracted more than 1,000 women and raised in excess of £100,000.
Sue Miller, Fundraising Manager at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘Our Midnight Walk has been very successful – but experience elsewhere has shown us that there is an opportunity to raise even more for the vital work of the Hospice by having a women-only affair. In this uncertain economic climate we really need to raise as much as possible with the Midnight Walk, so we’ve changed to format to attempt to replicate the success of other hospices.
‘We are really grateful to the men who have supported us in the past, and we hope they’ll understand the reasons for the change. For this year only we are allowing men who’ve walked before to join us one last time – through we can’t accept entries from any other men.
‘There is a vital role for them, though – we need lots for stewards and helpers on the night! And we hope they’ll encourage the women to polish up their haloes, get their horns flashing and sign up for what promises to be a great event. ’

In another change from previous years, the event will have two routes – a ten-mile route for women who are ready for a challenge, and a gentler 5-mile route for the less-energetic.

SPA MEMBERSHIP PRIZE FOR LUCKY COUPLE AT HOSPICE WEDDING FAIR

24 January 2012

One lucky couple will enter married life fit and healthy with a year’s free membership of a new luxury spa at the Parsonage Hotel in Escrick if they are the lucky winners of special prize draw taking place at the hotel’s Wedding Fair in aid of St Leonard’s Hospice at Sunday 19 February 2012.

All couples attending the event, which runs from 11.00am to 3.00pm, will have the opportunity buy raffle tickets (price £1.00) to try to win the prize of full membership of the new Spa, which include a gym, pool and sauna.

There is free entry to the Wedding Fair, which includes everything a bride and groom might need for the great day. Exhibitors include photographers, florists, bridal wear companies, jewellers, suppliers of invitations and stationery, hair and beauty experts and wedding car suppliers. During the day there will be two fashion shows that will highlight the latest in bridal wear from Susan Forth.

All the proceeds from the Fair will go to St Leonard’s Hospice in York. Judith Wilson, Community Fundraiser at the Hospice, says, ‘Winning a whole year’s free membership of the Parsonage Hotel’s great new Spa would be a wonderful start to a marriage – and it’s just one of the many exciting ways that the Wedding Fair can help to make a wedding day perfect.

‘We still have one or two spaces for exhibitors, too, so if you offer something to make a couple’s special day even better, call us on 01904 77 77 77. And whether you’re a visitor or an exhibitor, you’ll be helping the work of the Hospice. We look forward to welcoming lots of brides and grooms – and their friends – at the Fair on 19 February.’

YORK HOSPICE’S CHRISTMAS TREE VANDALISED AGAIN

1 January 2012

The St Leonard’s Hospice ‘Light up a Life’ Christmas tree in St Helen’s Square has again been vandalised.

The tree was damaged on Friday night, 30 December – after previous damage just before Christmas. This time, most of the strands of lights had been gathered together in knotted clumps to form a rope which the vandals seem to have used to climb up the tree.

Some of the lower limbs of the tree have been damaged – the top of the tree was lost in the previous assault. This time some of the lights were also damaged.

Mark Brayshaw, of Rocking Horse Promotions, who has organised the putting up and lighting of the tree for the Hospice, spent several hours tracing back the multiple faults one strand of lights at a time and managed to get the majority of the lights back on for New Year’s Eve.

Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘Once again vandals have inflicted criminal damage on the Hospice’s ‘Light up a Light’ tree, on which all the lights shine in memory of loved ones and friends. The tree is, of course, looking very sorry for itself now, but thanks to Mark’s hard work most of the lights are shining again. The tree will remain lit, as promised, until 6 January. If anyone has any information about how the tree was damaged this time, they should contact the police.’

LETTER TO THE EDITOR, THE PRESS

22 December 2011

CHRISTMAS AND THE HOSPICE

In the busy lead-up to Christmas the people of York and the area around did not forget the work of St Leonard’s Hospice of caring for local people and their families. We are very grateful for your generosity in supporting our many fundraising activities over the last month.

They have included our Christmas Fair, which raised £4,100 and our Christmas Shop in Goodramgate, which brought in almost £8,000. Generous shoppers at Marks and Spencer’s store in Parliament Street contributed £3,100.

Our ‘Light up a Life’ Christmas Trees, in York’s St Helen’s Square, at the Hospice and in Selby Abbey, this year raised more than £30,000 from donations in memory of loved ones and friends.

We also know that others have been raising funds for the Hospice over the Christmas season – thank you!

All this money goes direct to help the Hospice meet its annual running costs of £3.4 million. After 27 years of service to the local community, we know that local people are very supportive of our work – and these magnificent totals underline that support. Everyone at the Hospice is very grateful to you all.

Yours faithfully

Janet Morley
Director of Fundraising
St Leonard’s Hospice

LIGHT UP A LIFE’ CHRISTMAS TREE LIT IN SELBY ABBEY

12 December 2011

A special Light up a Life Christmas tree in aid of St Leonard’s Hospice has been dedicated at a service in Selby Abbey.

The Hospice, which is in York and serves the Selby area, offering in-patient and Daycare and its Hospice@Home service, has had special trees in York since 1998, But this is the first time that the Hospice has also had a tree in Selby Abbey. The Light up a Life trees have been a feature of Christmas for hospices nationwide for many years.

The hundreds of lights on the tree are dedicated by families and friends to honour loved ones. The service of dedication in the Abbey was conducted by the Vicar of Selby, the Rev’d Canon John Weetman, and the address was given by the Rev’d Sharon Whittington, Chaplain at St Leonard’s Hospice. The lights were switched on by the Mayor of Selby, Councillor Wendy Nichols. As well as carols for the congregation, there were songs from Lee Noble and John Eaden.

There is still time for people to make a donation to the Hospice to dedicate a light. The names of everyone remembered with a light will be listed in a Book of Honour, which will be displayed in the Abbey and also in the chapel at the Hospice. A token to mark the dedication will be sent to everyone who makes a donation for a light on the tree. The lights will shine until Twelfth Night, 6 January 2012.

All donations from the Light up a Life trees go towards the work of the Hospice in caring for local people with life-threatening illnesses in an area that stretches from Selby to Easingwold, and from Tadcaster to Pocklington. Hospice care is free – St Leonard’s never makes a charge to patients or to their families. It costs £3.4 million each year to run the Hospice – most of which is raised through the generosity of the local community.

Martyn Callaghan, Chief Executive of St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘A light on our Light up a Life Christmas tree in Selby Abbey gives people the chance to honour the memory of loved ones and friends – not just those who have received hospice care – and that they want to help the Hospice. Having a tree in Selby for the first time this year is a real joy, and we are very grateful to Canon Weetman and the people of Selby for welcoming us to the Abbey.’

FIREFIGHTERS HELP HOSPICE WITH SELBY ABBEY CHRISTMAS TREE

6 December 2011

The strong arms of Selby’s firefighters will be helping St Leonard’s Hospice to put its special ‘Light up a Life’ Christmas Tree inside Selby Abbey on TUESDAY 6 DECEMBER.

This will be the first time that the Hospice, which is based in York and serves a wide area including Selby, has had a ‘Light up a Life’ tree in the Abbey. The tree was been donated by Boretree Nurseries of Hull Road, Dunnington.

Hospice staff have called on the Selby firefighters to help manoeuvre the tree into place in the Abbey. Once it is in place it will be decked with lights by Mark Brayshaw of Rocking Horse promotions, who has helped with the Hospice’s other ‘Light up a Life’ trees in York for some years.

Every light on the tree will represent the life of someone special. Local people are invited to sponsor a light to honour a loved one or a friend. The ‘Light up a Life’ Christmas trees raise much-needed funds for the work of St Leonard’s. The lights will shine until Twelfth Night, 6 January 2012, and the names of everyone remembered with a light will be in a Book of Honour that will be on display in the Hospice Chapel after 4 December and by the tree in Selby Abbey after the service on 11 December.

Judith Wilson, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘The Selby Firefighters readily agreed to help us put our ‘Light up a Life’ tree in the Abbey, and we are very grateful to them for their help. We hope that lots of other local people will follow their example and help the Hospice, especially by sponsoring a light on the tree this Christmas.’

LIGHT UP A LIFE TREE DEDICATION IN YORK

4 December 2011

Several hundred people gathered in York's St Helen's Square on Sunday 4 December for the Dedication Service for the Light up a Life Christmas Tree.

PICTURES FROM THE CHRISTMAS FAIR

4 December 2011

A few pictures from the St Leonard's Hospice Christmas Fair on Saturday 3 December.

HOSPICE GETS GLOWING REPORT FROM CARE QUALITY COMMISSION

1 December 2011

York's St Leonard's Hospice has been given a top-class report and clean bill of health by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following an unannounced inspection in October.

The Commission, which has a role of regulating hospitals, care homes and other care services ensuring they are meeting regulatory standards, visited on 19 October. The Inspector spoke with patients, carers, families and staff; observed how patients were cared for and checked records and documentation.

Its conclusion, in the report that has just been published, was that 'St Leonard's Hospice was meeting all the essential standards of quality and safety' and that 'We did not receive any negative comments about the care, the staff or indeed how the service was being run'.

The report continues, 'People we talked with spoke highly of the care and support they received at St Leonard's Hospice. One person commented 'I've been really well looked after,' whilst another told us 'Care is all that you need', with their relative adding 'I can't fault the care. A third person said 'The care is excellent. I'm so impressed.'

The report also says that patients complimented the Hospice on its excellent food. Other patients pointed out to inspector the well maintained gardens, rural outlook and wildlife seen from their rooms.

The CQC Report shows how the Hospice is judged against a number of set standards. For all of them St Leonard's Hospice meets the requirements, and that the Hospice staff worked well as a team to provide all the necessary care and maintained the dignity and self-respect of the patients and their families.

Martyn Callaghan, the Chief Executive of St Leonard's Hospice, says, 'The CQC report provides confirmation from the regulatory body that our care at St Leonard's is of the highest quality. I am grateful to the patients and families for speaking so openly to the inspectors and I'm very proud of the staff team in particular but also the volunteers and trustees who work so hard to ensure we maintain high standards of care. It is the local community who support us financially and I hope they also feel proud. Without their support we would not be able to provide high quality care to local people.'

CERTIFICATE FOR EXEMPLARY SERVICE AS HIGH SHERIFF VISITS HOSPICE

30 November 2011

One of the longest-serving members of staff at St Leonard's Hospice has received a special award from the High Sheriff of North Yorkshire.

The High Sheriff, Mrs Alexandra Holford, with her husband Michael, visited the Hospice to talk with patients and relatives, and meet staff and volunteers.

At the start of her visit she presented a High Sheriff's Certificate to Sue Spence, the Hospice's Director of Clinical Services. The award, which recognises exemplary service to the community, is in recognition of Sue's 38 year career in nursing in North Yorkshire.

Martyn Callaghan, the Chief Executive of St Leonard's Hospice, says, 'We are very pleased to welcome the High Sheriff to the Hospice, where she can see at first hand the work that we do and meet patients and staff. I am particularly delighted Sue is receiving this award for her dedication to nursing and patient care. It is thoroughly well deserved and a fitting tribute at the end of her career.'

LORD MAYOR OPENS NEW HOSPICE SHOP IN FULFORD

29 November 2011

The Lord Mayor of York, Cllr David Horton, has officially opened the new St Leonard’s Hospice shop on Broadway, Fulford.

The new shop, the Hospice’s eighth, is now open for trading after the Lord Mayor cut the ribbon. He was accompanied by the Sheriff of York and the Sheriff’s Lady. The Civic Party spent some time talking to staff, volunteers and customers.

The shop, at 50 Broadway, Fulford, is managed by Chris Thompson, who has been manager at some of the Hospice’s other shops. She is being helped by volunteers, who give an hour or two each week to help the Hospice. Like all the Hospice’s shops, the Fulford shop will sell items that have been donated by Hospice supporters.

The shop will always welcome good-quality goods to sell. Anyone with items to offer should call the Retail Office 01904 409152; goods should not be left outside the shop.

Helen Moreton, the Hospice’s Retail Manager, says, ‘A new Hospice shop is always a landmark, and we are delighted that the Lord Mayor is able to open it for us. We look forward to welcoming lots of customers and supporters, who we know will become friends. Our Hospice shops are always at the heart of the community, and we know that the people of Fulford will welcome us!’

• St Leonard’s Hospice already has shops in Acomb, Haxby, Pocklington, Scarcroft Road, Selby and Tang Hall, and a furniture store in Acomb.

WORDS THAT SUM UP HOSPICE CARE ON DISPLAY AT ST LEONARD’S

29 November 2011

A display of words that sum up what hospice care means to local people is on show at York’s St Leonard’s Hospice after an appeal during the first national Hospice Care Week in October.

Hospice Care Week was an important opportunity for local hospices, like St Leonard’s, to challenge the myths surrounding hospice care and inform people that it is about living, not dying.

Theresa Barrett, Community Relations Manager at St Leonard’s, says, ‘Many people think that St Leonard’s provides only end-of-life care. They are often surprised to find out we also care for many more people in their own homes, in Daycare and through family support.

‘We asked local people to send us a single word that summed up hospice care for them. The response we received was fascinating and we were delighted that many of them were posted on our Facebook page. ‘

The words have been printed out and are now forming a display in the reception area at the Hospice, on Tadcaster Road, and have proved a talking point for patients, staff and visitors.

Theresa says, ‘It’s quite hard to think of a single word to sum up hospice care, when it has so many aspects to it. The diverse collection included words such as ‘choice’, ‘life’, ‘laughter’, ‘friends’, ‘home’, ‘tranquil’ and ‘humour’. Together, they provide an insight that shows just how much the care that St Leonard’s provides is valued and appreciated. We are very grateful to everyone who took part to mark Hospice Care Week.'

NORMAN’S COUNTRY CD RAISES CHARITY FUNDS

28 November 2011

Norman Green, a former skiffle group member, has taken up his guitar again to raise funds for York’s St Leonard’s Hospice and The Prostate Cancer Charity.

Norman (71), who lives in Stockton-On-The-Forest, has recorded a CD, called ‘Quiet Country’, of country and western songs, and has already raised £1000 for the two charities. His wife Margaret was cared for by St Leonard’s Hospice, and Norman was diagnosed with prostate cancer seven years ago.

A friend who used to play with Norman in the skiffle band, called ‘The Offbeats’, encouraged Norman to get out his guitar and sing. He then went to recording studios in Walmgate to record some songs, which eventually were burned in his CD.

Annie Keogh of the St Leonard’s Hospice Fundraising team, says, ‘It’s great that Norman has ‘found his voice’ again, and that he has been able to make such a great amount for the Hospice and for The Prostate Cancer Charity with his CDs. We are very grateful – and we know that lots more people will want to hear these special songs.’

• To buy Norman’s CD for St Leonard’s Hospice and The Prostate Cancer Charity, which costs £12, call at Langlands Garden Centre in Shiptonthorpe, call Norman on 01904 400085 or e-mail quietcountry@f2s.com

ACCOUNTANTS RAISE MORE THAN £15,000 FOR HOSPICE

23 November 2011

Accountants and business advisors CGA, based in Escrick, have spent the last year raising funds for York’s St Leonard’s Hospice – and more than £15,000 has gone to the charity as a result.

CGA held two big events to which they invited their clients – a big party and a race night. Tin addition, they also held a special coffee morning, when they invited guests to bring a bag of good-quality clothes to donate to the Hospice’s newly-opened shop in Selby, and helped raise funds for the Hospice with supermarket bag-packing in return for donations at local supermarkets at Christmastime.

The final total of their fundraising efforts was £15,027.79, which they will present to the Hospice’s Director of Fundraising at the CGA offices on TUESDAY 22 NOVEMBER at 2.00pm.

CGA Partner Stacey McVeighty says, ‘The company decided to support the great work of St Leonard’s Hospice in memory of our colleague Karen who lost her battle with cancer in 2010. We have really enjoyed running our events, and we are very grateful both to our team – current and former – and our clients for supporting us so magnificently.’

Janet Morley says, ‘CGA have really pulled out all the stops to help the Hospice over the past year, and we are very grateful to them and their supporters. As well as the £15,000 donation, the clothes they collected for our Selby store and their bag-packing have brought in extra funds, too – it has been a tremendous effort to help us in our work of caring for local people and their families.’

BEER CHEERS FOR HOSPICE FAIR

21 November 2011

The Press’ Beer Expert Gavin Aitchison is ensuring that there will be plenty of cheer at the Christmas Fair being run by York’s St Leonard’s Hospice on Saturday 3 December – by checking the quality of dozens of bottles of premier beer donated for the Bottle Tombola by brewers who took part in a beer competition run by a major national retailer.

The competition aimed to discover new bottled beers, and the beers that have been given to the Hospice are unopened samples for the event. They include bottles from breweries as far apart as Edinburgh and Somerset, and all of the beers were in the 16 chosen by the supermarket’s customers to represent the regions in the final.

Gavin, who writes the weekly ‘Pints of View’ column in The Press, will give his seal of approval to the collection before they are prepared for the tombola. At the Christmas Fair, each bottle will have its own unique tombola number, and the lucky winners who draw the numbers will be able to enjoy some of the country’s best beer.

Get into the Christmas mood at the St Leonard’s Hospice Christmas Fair on Saturday 3 December from 1.00pm to 4.00pm, in the Hospice buildings at 185 Tadcaster Road – opposite Tesco. It offers the chance to stock up for the festive season on the many traditional stalls, like jewellery, home-made cakes and books. Hospice gifts will be on sale, alongside Hospice Christmas cards and the 2012 Hospice calendar.

Christmas-themed food will be available in the Hospice’s Stables Coffee Stop, and there will also be a barbeque. There are games for children and adults, Hospice mascot Lenny Bear will be there – and Father Christmas may also find time to pay a visit. Except for sleighs, there is very limited parking at the Hospice; visitors are asked to use the Park and Ride bus to Askham Bar (opposite the Hospice) if possible.

Annie Keogh, Hospice Fundraising Assistant, says, ‘We are really grateful to the breweries who entered the competition with such a great range of beers. And now that Gavin has given his nod to the quality of the ales, we know that there will even more interest than usual at our Bottle Tombola – and that everyone who comes will have a great time – even if, like me, they don’t drink!’

Anyone who has gifts for the Hospice tombolas – not just bottles! – should call Annie on 01904 77 77 77. They will be gratefully received.

HOSPICE OPENS CHRISTMAS SHOP IN GOODRAMGATE

19 November 2011

As Christmas preparations get into full swing, York has a new shopping destination that will help a local charity, with the city’s St Leonard’s Hospice opening its special Christmas Shop in the prestigious venue of Wealden Hall, Goodramgate.

The St Leonard’s Hospice Christmas shop is in the medieval timbered hall at 51 Goodramgate, a York Conservation Trust property, a few doors down from Boyes store.

On sale in the shop are the Hospice’s popular Christmas cards and the 2012 calendar. There are also plenty of small gifts and Christmas specials for shoppers to purchase.

All the proceeds from the Christmas Shop go direct to the work of St Leonard’s Hospice in caring for local people and their families.

Helen Moreton, Retail Manager at St Leonard’s, says, ‘Once again we are really grateful to property agent Barry Crux and his team for helping us to identify this very special shop in a great location, and for negotiating our use of it in the run-up to Christmas – it’s a fantastic property and we’re privileged to be able to use it. We know that lots of our supporters will be keen to visit the shop, and we look forward to welcoming new friends as well, to help support the Hospice’s work.’

HOSPICE’S SELBY SHOP CASHES IN ON NATWEST VOLUNTEERS

18 November 2011

When the Manager of the St Leonard’s Hospice shop in Selby walked into the NatWest Bank in the town she received more than cash – five of the staff volunteered to help in the shop, too.

Caren Hirst, who has been manager of the Park Street shop since it opened in September last year, mentioned in the bank that she was short of volunteers to serve customers. Bank Manager Tim Gibson came to her aid, by suggesting that his staff could help.

NatWest and its parent RBS has a policy of encouraging its staff to undertake seven hours work – paid for by the Bank – in the community. Five of Tim’s staff, including himself, volunteered to work in the Hospice Shop.

‘It was very enjoyable, and a very different experience for us,’ says Tim. ‘We are very pleased that we could help out Caren and the shop in this very practical way.’

Caren says, ‘I happened to mention that we were short of some volunteers over the next few weeks when I was in the bank – and Tim and his colleagues jumped at the chance to help. It’s great service from the NatWest, and everyone is very grateful!’

The Selby shop would welcome more volunteers to help – if you have an hour or so each week, please contact Caren Hirst on 01757 290999 or the Hospice’s Retail Office on 01904 409152 – or see the website.

HOSPICE’S SELBY SHOP CASHES IN ON NATWEST VOLUNTEERS

17 November 2011

When the Manager of the St Leonard’s Hospice shop in Selby walked into the NatWest Bank in the town she received more than cash – five of the staff volunteered to help in the shop, too.

‘It was very enjoyable, and a very different experience for us,’ says Tim. ‘We are very pleased that we could help out Caren and the shop in this very practical way.’

LEEDS HALF MARATHON TO THRIVE WITH NEW PARTNERSHIP

16 November 2011

The Leeds Half Marathon has entered a bold new era with an exciting partnership that will see the event continue to attract experienced and charity runners for years to come.
The event will now be managed by Jane Tomlinson’s For All Events, with the first race under its management to take place on 13 May 2012.

The established race will be added to the not-for-profit event organisation’s 2012 calendar, which includes the existing Run For All Leeds 10K, Leeds Junior and Mini runs and other running, walking and swimming events across Yorkshire that support local charities. The event was previously managed by Leeds City Council and has now been handed to Leeds-based For All Events in a 10-year deal. This partnership will allow the event to develop and grow to be become one of the biggest and best charity running events in the country.

Tracey Morris, supporter of the organisation and member of the local Valley Striders running club, said that the change will benefit everyone in the area, be them experienced, first time or charity runners: “The Leeds Half Marathon attracts runners from across the country who are looking for a more challenging run, and is a real bonus for the city and the running community.

“Knowing that the race will thrive for the next ten years is fantastic and For All Events has proved itself more than able to put on a great race year after year.”

Councillor Adam Ogilvie said: “We are delighted to be entering into this agreement with Jane Tomlinson’s For All Events to organise the Leeds Half-Marathon.

“Working with the For All Events team, who have already put forward some really exciting ideas for the future, will enable the event to flourish and develop in the coming years into one of the leading mass-participation activities in the region. We are very confident this agreement will be a great success and we are really looking forward to a fantastic event in 2012 and beyond.”

Felicity Cross, spokesperson for For All Events, said: “Next year sees the 10th anniversary of Jane Tomlinson’s first London Marathon and the beginning of the Jane Tomlinson Appeal. Being able to mark this with our first Half Marathon, back on home turf here in Leeds, is something For All Events is very proud of.

“Experienced, amateur, first-time and charity runners are all welcome. In the spirit of Run For All, we would encourage everyone to take on the challenge of the Leeds Half Marathon and sign up today.”
Entries are open now at www.forallevents.co.uk.

The Leeds Half Marathon will encourage entrants to run for their local hospice. Partner charities of the Leeds Half Marathon will be: St Gemma’s, Sue Ryder Wheatfields, Sue Ryder Manorlands, Overgate Hospice, Martin House, St Leonard’s, St Michael’s and Forget Me Not.

The Leeds Half Marathon will be supported by: Leeds City Council, 105 Capital FM, Yorkshire Evening Post, Asda Foundation and Physioworld.

For more information or to register for next year’s For All Events visit www.forallevents.co.uk
About the Jane Tomlinson Appeal

All profits from Run For All, Swim For All and Walk For All go directly to the Jane Tomlinson Appeal and other partner charities, which vary between events and where they are located. To date the charity has raised over £3.5milliion and is now working its way towards its next target of £5 million.

Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All was set up by Jane Tomlinson and her family in 2007 to stand as her fundraising legacy. Jane Tomlinson CBE (1964 -2007) from Leeds was diagnosed with incurable cancer in 2000. Despite her pain and illness, Jane participated in a number of high profile endurance challenges to raise money for charity, including a number of marathons, and Ironman Triathlon and a 4,800 mile bike ride across America. Before her death in September 2007 she had raised £1.85million for charity.

CLUBBING TOGETHER ON THE GOLF COURSE TO HELP THE HOSPICE

14 November 2011

York's Pike Hills Golf Club welcomed more than 250 golfers from all around Yorkshire and beyond to its annual Hospice Golf Day in August, and raised more than £10,100 for St Leonard's Hospice.

The club has been holding the event annually for many years, and this year's total means that the club has raised well over £100,000 for St Leonard's. The tournament is traditionally organised by the Vice Captain of the Club and this year's Vice Captain, Maurice Caley, was in charge of the event, with the assistance of his wife Lynn.

Sixty-six teams took part, and the golfers competed in teams of four – men’s, ladies’ and mixed. There were prizes for the winning teams and for those ‘nearest the pin’.

As well as the teams’ entry fees, the total for the Hospice was boosted by several raffles – prizes included first class rail tickets and a hamper. An evening auction of donated prizes boosted the total.

Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard's Hospice and Sue Miller, Fundraising Manager, received the money raised by the event. Janet says, 'Pike Hills Golf Club’s Hospice Day has been running for almost 25 years, and the club is one of our most loyal supporters. We know that many of the players take part year after year to raise money for our work of caring for local people. We are very grateful to everyone who took part and especially to Maurice and Lynn for organising the event.'

CHOCOLATE SANTAS COMPETITION WILL HELP HOSPICE

11 November 2011

Christmas and chocolate come together in the shape of 120 large chocolate Santas, which are being dispatched to pubs, clubs, shops, offices, organisations and individuals to help York’s St Leonard’s Hospice raise funds over the festive season.

This is the second time the Hospice has teamed up with Santa in this way after a successful launch last year that raised thousands of pounds for the work of the Hospice.

The Santas will be on display at each venue, and to enter the competition players choose one of the 100 numbered squares on the game board. Each square costs £1, and the name and phone number of the player are entered on the square they choose. When all the squares are full, the winning number, which has been chosen at random and placed in a sealed envelope, is revealed. The winner receives the chocolate Santa.

Annie Keogh of St Leonard’s Hospice Fundraising team, says, ‘Chocolate and Christmas go together like Rudolph and the sleigh, so we know our big chocolate Santas competition will again prove very popular – and will help St Leonard’s raise funds to help local people, too. We are delighted that so many people have been willing to take our Santas this year, and we know that there’ll be lots of people ready to take part – be sure you don’t miss the chance!’

CHRISTMAS FAIR AT GREEN HAMMERTON HELPS HOSPICE

8 November 2011
Local foods and unusual Christmas gifts will help to raise funds for York’s St Leonard’s Hospice at a Christmas Fair that takes place amid the furniture at The Main Furniture Company’s showroom in Green Hammerton near York on Sunday 20 November.

The Fair, organised by The Main Furniture Company’s owner Karan Main and her staff, will be held in the 20,000-square-foot showroom near The Green in Green Hammerton. The space will be packed with stalls that feature the best of food and drink for the festive season, as well as crafts, jewellery, accessories, books, pictures, pottery and gifts.

Visitors will be able to sample the food, and there will also be a barbecue, with rare-breed meats served in freshly-baked bread available throughout the day. The whole store will be decorated for Christmas.

Among the exhibitors will be The Harris Bag Company of Helperby, which produces a wide range of colourful and attractive bags, from wash bags to weekend bags, for men, women and children, in a range of attractive colours and styles.

The Christmas Fair opens at 10.00 am and runs until 4.00 pm. Entry is by £1 donation towards the work of St Leonard’s.

Judith Wilson of the Fundraising Team at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘Once again Karan and her team have worked very hard to bring together this fantastic Christmas Fair to help the Hospice. We are very grateful to them, and to all the exhibitors, for coming together in this very special way – please support them and St Leonard’s on 20 November.’

HOSPICE TO OPEN NEW SHOP IN FULFORD

7 November 2011

York’s St Leonard’s Hospice will open a new shop – its eighth - in Fulford at 10.00am on Tuesday 29 November – and is hoping that local people will supply goods for sale, come and buy and volunteer to help run it.

The Shop, at 50 Broadway, Fulford, will be managed by Chris Thompson, who has been manager at some of the Hospice’s other shops. She has have already signed up some volunteers for the shop, and would welcome more offers of help. Anyone who would like to be a volunteer should contact the Hospice’s Retail Office on 01904 409152.

Like all the Hospice’s shops, the Fulford shop will sell good-quality items that have been donated by Hospice supporters. The shop is already collecting goods to sell – and would welcome more. Anyone with items to offer should call the Retail Office; goods should not be left outside the shop.

Sunny Allison, the Hospice’s Deputy Retail Manager, says, ‘We are really looking forward to opening in Fulford; we know that there is plenty of local support for St Leonard’s, and we are already making new friends! Please look out for us, and support us by volunteering, donating and buying!’

BUSINESS HELPS HOSPICE SELL ITS CHRISTMAS CARDS

3 November 201

A York business services company is helping the city’s St Leonard’s Hospice by promoting its Christmas cards in its store, through its representatives and during special later-night openings.

Wallis Business Services of Kettlestring Lane, Clifton Moor, is selling the Hospice’s selection of Christmas cards during its regular opening hours, and is asking its representatives to take them with them when out and about.

On three successive Thursday evenings – 1, 8 and 15 December – the store will open at its normal time of 8.30am and remain open until 8.00pm, with a special evening sale of furniture, prior to opening a new office across the road from its store. At these late-night openings Wallis’s staff will also encourage customers to buy the Hospice cards and a selection of Hospice gifts.

Helen Moreton, Retail Manager at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘Our Christmas cards are an important source of income for the Hospice, and it’s great that Wallis Business Services is helping us to get them out and about in the business community. All the proceeds from the cards go straight to help the Hospice’s work of caring for local people, and we know that there will be lots of support for this initiative from Wallis’s.’

CONCERT FOR THE HOSPICE

30 October 2011

St Albans Choral Society from Hertfordshire gave a concert in aid of the Hospice at St Chad’s Church, by the Knavesmire, on Saturday 29 October.

More than 40 choir members stayed in York for three days and gave a concert in Ripon Cathedral as well as at St Chad's.

Under their music director George Vass they performed works by Bruckner, Haydn, Mendelssohn and Mozart and by the contemporary composer Cecilia McDowall. The soprano soloist was Aine Cook. Organist Richard Harvey, the choir’s regular accompanist, played for the concert, and perfomed a solo item by Mendelssohn.

The audience was welcomed to the church by the Vicar, Canon Simon Stanley, a former Trustee of St Leonard's Hospice.

HOSPICE’S ‘LIGHT UP A LIFE’ TREES TO BE CHOSEN

28 October 2011

Boretree Nurseries of Hull Road in Dunnington have generously donated two special trees to St Leonard’s Hospice in support of the Hospices’ Light up a Life campaign – and a third tree for use in the Hospice itself.

Mark Brayshaw of Rocking Horse Promotions is again helping the Hospice with Light up a Life trees and joins nurseryman Cyril Boretree and Hospice Community Fundraiser Judith Wilson at the nursery to choose the trees.

The Light up a Life trees will be on display in St Helen’s Square, York and, for the first time, in Selby Abbey. Every light on the trees represents someone special and will be dedicated at services in St Helen’s Square on Sunday 4 December at 6.00pm and in Selby Abbey on Sunday 11 December at 4.30pm.

The lights will shine until Twelfth Night; a Book of Honour will be on display in the Hospice Chapel after 4 December.

Judith Wilson says, ‘We are really grateful to Cyril for supporting Light up a Life in this way and we now invite everyone to remember a loved one. To sponsor a light on the Light up a Life tree, download the leaflet, pick one up from one of the Hospice shops or call Judith Wilson on 01904 77 77 78.

ST ALBANS CHORAL SOCIETY VISITS YORK TO HELP HOSPICE

20 October 2011

York’s St Leonard’s Hospice is to benefit from a concert given at St Chad’s Church on Campleshon Road, by the Knavesmire, on Saturday 29 October by members of St Albans Choral Society from Hertfordshire.

More than 40 choir members will be visiting Yorkshire at the end of October to give charity concerts of sacred music under their music director George Vass. They will sing works by Bruckner, Haydn, Mendelssohn and Mozart and by the contemporary composer Cecilia McDowall. Organist Richard Harvey, the choir’s regular accompanist, will play for the concert. The soprano soloist will be Aine Cook. They will perform in Ripon Cathedral on the previous evening.

George Vass says, ‘We’re very much looking forward to bringing these beautiful works to Yorkshire and we’re hoping for big audiences so that we can raise substantial funds for this important cause. It’s also a welcome opportunity for all of us to explore York, Ripon and Harrogate.’

Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘We are delighted that St Albans Choral Society has so generously agreed to give a concert in aid of the Hospice. We know that lots of people will want come along to the concert to hear the choir and to support the work of St Leonard’s.’

Tickets for the event cost £7.50 and are available at the door.

CITY COUNCILLORS VISIT THE HOSPICE

18 October 2011

City of York Councillors Councillors Anna Semlyen and Gerard Hodgson visited St Leonard's Hospice on 18 October. They looked round the Hospice and spoke to Martyn Callaghan, Chief Executive. Cllr Semlyen writes: 'We discussed the key role of end of life care in making a good death in York, Health Service reform, the new Health and Wellbeing Board and business rates. The visit gave us a better understanding of the hospice, their community focussed ethos and value for money – only 30% of the running costs are paid from taxation, and most is raised by volunteers'.

MANSION HOUSE HEIGHTS LAUNCH FOR HOSPICE CHRISTMAS CARDS

11 October 2011

The Lord Mayor, Cllr David Horton, and Hopsice Retail Manager Helen Moreton launch the cards on the Mansion House roof York’s St Leonard’s Hospice has launched its 2011 selection of Christmas cards on with help from the Lord Mayor of York and the view of St Helen’s Square from the Mansion House.

One of the cards shows the Hospice’s ‘Light up a Life’ Christmas tree in the square, in a picture taken from high up in the Mansion House. The photographer was Trevor Richardson from York Camera Club.

Helen Moreton, Retail Manager at St Leonard’s Hospice, joined the Lord Mayor, Cllr David Horton, on the spot from which the picture was taken.

Helen says, ‘Each year we try to include a traditional York scene among our Christmas cards, and this year we’re very pleased to have Trevor’s beautiful picture of our ‘Light up a Life Tree’, with the Minster in the background. We are very grateful to him and to the Lord Mayor for helping us launch the cards this year.’

There are ten different cards to choose from, ranging from traditional to modern. They come in packs of 10 and cost £3.00 per pack. They can be bought from the Hospice’s shops in Acomb, Haxby, Pocklington, Scarcroft Road, Selby and Tang Hall, from Hospice reception in Tadcaster Road (office hours only), Dunnington and Monkton Road Pharmacies, Badger Hill and Bishopthorpe Road Chemists, and Barnitt’s store in Colliergate. A 2012 calendar is also available, with pictures by York Camera Club, price £3.50.

HELP ST LEONARD’S CELEBRATE THE FIRST HOSPICE CARE WEEK

6 October 2011

York’s St Leonard’s Hospice is joining forces with hospices across the UK to launch the first Hospice Care Week.

From 8 to 14 October 2011 St Leonard’s hopes to raise awareness of hospice care and address the misconceptions that people may have about the care provided.

Theresa Barrett, Community Relations Manager at St Leonard’s, says, ‘Hospice Care Week is an important opportunity to challenge the myths surrounding hospice care and show people that it is about living, not dying.

‘Many people think that St Leonard’s provides only end-of-life care, and are often surprised to find out we also care for many more people in their own homes, in Daycare and through family support.

‘From being there through the hard times to helping to celebrate the good times, St Leonard’s helps people in York and the surrounding area who have life-limiting and terminal illnesses to live well until they die, and supports their families, too’.

How to get involved
To mark Hospice Care Week, hospices across the UK, including St Leonard’s, are asking their local communities what hospice care means to them – in one word.

Theresa says, ‘Hospice care has different associations for different people – positive, challenging and sometimes very surprising. By asking thousands of people to choose just one word to represent what hospice care means to them, we are aiming to create a picture of what our work really means to our local community, and across the UK.’

‘Choice’, ‘life’, ‘laughter’, ‘friends’ and ‘home’ are among the thought-provoking words that people have already sent in. A collage of the words and photos will be displayed in the Hospice reception.

‘We would love you to send in photos holding up the word that sums up hospice care to you,’ says Theresa. ‘Please email them to enquiries@stleonardshospice.org.uk or post them to the Hospice at 185 Tadcaster Road, York YO24 1GL.’

About Hospice Care Week
Help the Hospices, the charity for hospice care, is joining forces with local hospices across the UK to launch the sector’s first ever annual awareness week from 8 to 14 October 2011. The week coincides with World Hospice and Palliative Care Day on 8 October.

The theme for this year’s Hospice Care Week is ‘hospice care, be surprised’. During the week local hospices will be campaigning to dispel myths about hospice care and get people talking about what hospice care means to them.

Up to 100 hospices all over the UK are holding open days, information sessions and fundraising events during the week, with the aim to challenge people’s misconceptions about hospice care.

For more information about Hospice Care Week, visit www.besurprised.org.uk

About hospices
Most hospices are small, local charities. But together they change the lives of more than 360,000 people every year, including adults and children with terminal and life-limiting illnesses, as well as their families. Collectively, hospices are the biggest fundraising cause in the country, having to raise £1.5 million every single day.

About Help the Hospices
Help the Hospices is the national charity for hospice care, representing and supporting more than 200 member hospices in the UK.

PYRAMID GALLERY'S EVENING OF SONG AND DANCE HERALDS EXHIBITION OPENING

27 September 2011

Under Cover The owner of the Pyramid Gallery in Stonegate, Terry Brett, along with Gillian Byrom-Smith and the help of local musicians and artists, is holding An Evening of Song and Dance on Friday 14 October to mark the opening the next day of the Smile exhibition – all proceeds will be in aid of St Leonard’s Hospice.

The Friday event, which takes place at Holgate Working men’s club and Institute in New Lane, York, from 7.00pm to midnight, will feature comedy with Rory Motion and Peter Byrom-Smith, as well as dancing to UNDER COVER.

Tickets, which cost £15.00 including refreshments, are available from The Pyramid Gallery.

HOSPICE 1940s DANCE GETS EVERYONE ‘IN THE MOOD’

22 September 2011

St Leonard’s Hospice fundraisers turned the clock back to wartime at a 1940s Dance at the Riley Smith Hall in Tadcaster on Saturday 17 September.

Dancing to period sounds from the band ‘Generation Groove’, almost 100 guests revived the fun side of the 1940s with jitterbugs and foxtrots. They also enjoyed an authentic two-course Forties supper made from recipes of the time.

Judith Wilson from the Hospice’s Fundraising Team, says, ‘It was a fabulous evening, and everyone had a great time. Nearly everyone made the effort to come in 1940s costume – most of it authentic – and really entered into the spirit of the evening. The musicians were great – they were asked for an encore! – and the food was top-quality.

‘All the proceeds from the evening will go towards the work of the Hospice, and we’d like to thank everyone who helped to make the evening go so well. We’ve had numerous requests to repeat it; all we can say is “We’ll meet again . . .”!’

HOSPICE LADIES WIN AT PIKE HILLS HOSPICE GOLF DAY

22 September 2011

Hospice golfers Cynthia White, Sue Edwards, Trudy Dixon and Sandra Nettleton A team of lady golfers - including 2 staff members at St Leonard's Hospice a fundraiser and a finance officer - were in the money after winning the ladies' prize at the Pike Hill's Golf day in aid of St Leonard's Hospice.

The Hospice team included Sue Edwards, Community Fundraiser, and Trudy Dixon, Finance Officer. With them were two friends Cynthia White and Sandra Nettleton. They beat around a dozen other ladies' teams to take the prize.

Sue, who took up golf only 18 months ago, and plays off a handicap of 36, says, 'No one was more shocked than me when we came first! It was very much a team effort and I was really pleased when I contributed to our score. We had a wonderful day and it was great to play on the course where I'm a member, and to be helping to raise funds for the Hospice, too.'

Pike Hills Golf Club has been holding the event for St Leonard's Hospice annually for many years, and, with this year's total yet to come, has raised around £100,000 for the charity.

CHARITY ZUMBATHON OFFERS FUN, FITNESS AND FUNDRAISING

UPDATE! PICTURES FROM THE ZUMBATHON!

16 September 2011

Debbie Beat (front) and collesgues and friens prepare for the Zumbathon Everyone is invited to dance, exercise, have fun and raise funds for St Leonard’s Hospice and Breast Cancer Care in a Zumbathon at Energise, Cornlands Road, York, on Saturday 8 October.

Zumba, an increasingly popular form of exercise, brings together dance and aerobics, with elements of hip-hop, samba, salsa, merengue and mambo as well as martial arts, Bollywood and belly dance moves.

The Zumbathon evening at Energise has been organised by Zumba teacher and enthusiast Debbie Beat of Millfield Fitness along with Black Diamond Health UK. Joining Debbie to host the evening are Ann-Marie Jeffery, Angela Robertson, Jo Archer and Tanya Adamson.

The two-hour fun workout takes place from 4.00pm to 6.00pm, and the proceeds will be shared by the two charities. Tickets are £10.00 and should be purchased in advance from www.blackdiamondhealthuk.com/?wpsc-product=zumbathon-charity-event. Further information is available at www.millfieldfitness.co.uk.

Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘Fun, fitness and fundraising – what better combination can there be? We are very grateful to Debbie and her colleagues for organising this special charity Zumbathon, which is sure to be very popular!’

EMMERDALE STARS HELP THE HOSPICE

7 September 2011

Phil Allen (left) from Emmerdale and supprteres see Jamie Ingham of Heworth CFricket Club hand over the cheque to the Hospice's Sue Bonarius When stars from the television soap opera ‘Emmerdale’ took on Heworth Cricket Club in a charity fundraising match in the city, they raised funds for York’s St Leonard’s Hospice.

The match was organised by Phil Allan, a Huntington resident who works as a generator operator on the Emmerdale set.

He says: ‘It was an absolutely fantastic day – everybody really enjoyed themselves. We had about 300 to 400 people turn up to support the teams and everybody who came were very generous in helping raise money for St Leonard’s Hospice.

‘Despite its being a bit rainy it was a great day for cricket. It took a lot of organising, but it was well worth it for such a great cause.’

Stars who attended the match, at Heworth Cricket Club’s ground in Elm Park Way included Matthew Wolfenden (who plays David Metcalfe, son of Eric Pollard), Natalie Anderson (Alicia Gallagher), Chris Bisson (Jai Sharma), Chris Chittell (Eric Pollard) and Rokhsaneh Ghawam-Shahidi (Leyla Harding).

The Emmerdale team lost by 52 runs, after posting a score of 155-9. Heworth got 207-3.

A signed Emmerdale script, autographed by all the stars, fetched £70 at an auction. Funds for the Hospice were also raised by the Cricket Club with a Royal Wedding Party in April.

The total, £1750, was presented by Phil Allan to Hospice representative Sue Bonarius at the ground. Phil also handed over a shirt signed by Emmerdale cast members for the Hospice to raffle.

JEWELLERS STAFF GIVE ‘GOLDEN’ DONATION TO HOSPICE

2 September 2011

Beaverbrooks staff (l to r) Anna Gray, Krysta White, Lisa Robson (Manager), Zoe Maloney Staff at Beaverbrooks the Jewellers in Spurriergate in York have added a golden touch to the city’s St Leonard’s Hospice by donating £440 to the charity.

Each year the head office of the national chain gives a sum of money to the staff in its more than 60 shops around the country to donate to a charity of their choice – and this year, for the third time, all the staff at the York store decided that their donations would go to the Hospice.

Store Manager Lisa Robson says, ‘The grandmother of one of our staff members, and friends of others, have been cared for by St Leonard’s so we all agreed that because it is such an important local charity it was the right place to receive our money.’

Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘We are very pleased that once again the Beaverbrooks staff have made a generous donation to the Hospice. It is excellent to have such great and continued support – they set the gold standard!’

ZUMBATHON TO HELP THE HOSPICE

1 September 2011

A Zumbathon - an evening of Zumba dancing and exercise - takes place at Energise in York's Cornlands Road on Saturday 8 October from 4.00pm to 6.00pm. All proceeds go to the work of St Leonard's Hospice.

Find out more at www.millfieldfitness.co.uk

‘ALL CLEAR’ SOUNDS FOR HOSPICE 1940s DANCE

30 August 2011

Haley Walsh (l) and Sarah Metcalfe Staff at St Leonard’s Hospice are sounding the ‘All Clear’ for anyone who has yet to get their tickets for the Hospice’s 1940s Dance at the Riley Smith Hall in Tadcaster on Saturday 17 September.

‘Although we have had a raid on the tickets from eager participants this week,’ says the Hospice’s Director of Fundraising Janet Morley, ‘there’s still chance to purchase them before they all go!’

Guests at the event will revive the fun side of the 1940s and dance to live music of the time from the band ‘Generation Groove’. They will also be served an authentic two-course Forties supper – and all without ration books and coupons.

All the proceeds from the evening will go towards the work of St Leonard’s Hospice, which is based in York and covers Tadcaster and the surrounding area.

Janet Morley says, ‘Dressing in 1940s chic – or in your old uniform! – is not compulsory, but we hope lots of our guests will do so! We shall all dance our way to victory in a night of fun and nostalgia. And everything we raise goes to help the work of the Hospice.’

• Tickets for the 1940s Dance, which runs from 7.30pm to 1.00am, are now on sale either individually or in tables of ten. They cost £19.95 each and are available by calling the Hospice’s Fundraising Office on 01904 77 77 77. A form can also be downloaded from the Hospice website – www.stleonardshospice.org.uk

BEST WESTERN STAFF HAVE A GREAT DAY AT WORK OF ST LEONARD’S HOSPICE

26 August 2011

Best Western staff Drew Jardine, Kirsty Beckett and Gail Heafield take part in the auction (picture, The Press, York) Beauty treatments at your desk, music while you work, special deli lunches and the chance to bid at an auction – all just part of a special ‘Grand Day at Work’ organised at Best Western Hotels Central Office at York’s Clifton Moor in aid of the city’s St Leonard’s Hospice.

On FRIDAY 26 AUGUST staff at the offices in Amy Johnson Way are being invited to take part in the fundraising event by making donations to dress down, and to participate in events throughout the day. Beauticians will offer makeovers and there will be massage available. Food will include special deli lunches prepared by staff volunteers, and there will be a homemade cake stall to tempt the workers.

There will be a raffle and a live auction, with lots including an X-box and an i-pod Shuffle, a Formula I driving day, tickets for York Races and cruise on the Ouse, necklaces and family passes to The Deep in Hull, Castle Howard and York Maze, all donated by local companies. As part of the fundraising, the company is trading in its mobile phones and giving the proceeds to the charity.

The charity day, which will be the largest of this kind of event held by Best Western, is the inspiration of Gail Heafield who is the Contact Centre Manager and also volunteers as a Ward Helper at the Hospice in her spare time. Gail says, ‘St Leonard’s is a charity that is very close to my heart, and I’m really pleased that my colleagues at Best Western have been so willing to help with this Grand Day at Work’.

Judith Wilson, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘Pampering at your desk, music to listen to, and cakes, too – it’s certainly a Grand Day at Work! We are very grateful to Gail and her team for organising and supporting this great event in aid of St Leonard’s – it’s always good to know that people have fun as they fundraise for us!'

UPDATE! - pictures from the event

ARTISTS GET READY FOR GALLERY’S SHOW THAT WILL HELP HOSPICE

17 August 2011

At the Pyramid Gallery - (l to r) Terry Brett, (holding two 'Hob' cartoon paintings by Ian Jackson) Rory Motion (his artwork is hanging on the wall behind him) Linda Combi holding an unfinished 'Dancer' mixed media collage, and Peter Byrom-Smith, musician, who will be performing at the exhibition opening Well-known artists from around York are busy preparing work for a new exhibition being held at the Pyramid Gallery in Stonegate that will raise funds for the city’s St Leonard’s Hospice.

Gallery owner Terry Brett has a tradition of raising funds for charity in the gallery’s busy period leading up to Christmas each year. Last year half the usual commission on the sale of paintings and prints sold by the artists taking part in the exhibition was donated to St Leonard’s, along with the proceeds of a raffle of donated works. The total raised for the Hospice was more than £860.

This year’s exhibition in aid of St Leonard’s will include work by several artists – among them Ian Jackson, Linda Combi and Rory Motion. The exhibition will open on 15 October and will run until 7 November. Guitarist Peter Byrom-Smith will be playing at the opening.

Judith Wilson, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘Although we like to think Christmas is a long time ahead, it’s never too early to start preparing – and when the Pyramid Gallery’s special exhibition opens visitors will be able to find original works that not only make excellent presents but help the Hospice at the same time. We are very grateful to Terry for helping us again this year, and to all the artists who are supporting him.’

TEAM ST LEONARD’S HAS A GREAT DAY AT RUN FOR ALL

8 August 2011

Among more than 5,500 runners in the 3rd Jane Tomlinson York ‘Run for All’ were 93 members of Team St Leonard's. Among our runners were Hospice mascot Lenny Bear and 4 year old Sam.

The Hospice was also nobly supported by a team from law firm Denison Till, who looked lovely in their sunflower head wear, and by a team of 10 from Improve Ltd, the Food and Drink Skills Council.

Below are some of the pictures from a very exciting day!

LINDYHOPS AND JITTERBUGS AT HOSPICE 1940s DANCE

2 August 2100

Sue and Judy prepare the Riley Smith Hall for the Dance Ready to lindyhop or jitterbug? How’s your foxtrot? There’s a chance to have a go at them and revive the fun side of the 1940s on Saturday 17 September when York’s St Leonard’s Hospice holds a 1940s Dance at the Riley Smith Hall in Tadcaster.

Guests will dance to live music of the time from the band ‘Generation Groove’, and an authentic two-course Forties supper will be served. Ration books and coupons will not be required, and gas masks can safely be left at home for the evening.

All the proceeds from the evening will go towards the work of St Leonard’s Hospice, which is based in York and covers Tadcaster and the surrounding area.

Judith Wilson, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s, says, ‘Here’s a chance to dig out those 1940s clothes – or your old uniform! – and dance your way to victory in our 1940s Dance! You don’t have to dress in 40s style, but it will be much more fun – for everyone – if you do. We can promise you a night of fun and nostalgia, and you will know that you’re helping the Hospice, too.’

More information about the Riley Smith Hall in Tadcaster

RACING BEDS, RAISING FUNDS

29 July 2011

Bed and 'nurses' make theirn way to the start of the Bed Race Students from King James's School in Knaresborough took part this year in the Great Knaresborough Bed Race, and raised funds for St Leonard’s Hospice.

The Race, held in June each year, is a community event organised by the Knaresborough Lions, and is famous for its riot of colour and pageantry, the Lenny joins the nurses courage and endurance of its teams, and the glorious eccentricity of its entrants.

The theme this year was ‘British History’ and the all-female team from the school dressed and World War 1 nurses. They had to push the bed, complete with ‘soldier’ patient, along the gruelling course, partly in the river. The event was a=watched by 25,000 people, and 90 teams took part.

Big feet in bed! The King James’s team came first in the Junior Female Team category, and they automatically qualify for next year’s race. The money that they raised will be presented to the Hospice in the next few weeks. It is estimated that between them the 90 teams raised more than £100,000 for local charities.

OSBALDWICK FUN DAY WILL HELP HOSPICE

27 July 2011

Getting ready for the Fun Day are Josh Vella, 10, Lenny Bear, Peter Thompson and Sophie Vella, 6 A day of fun is in the bag for everyone at the Summer Family Fun Day at Osbaldwick Sports Club on Sunday 7 August – and it will raise funds for York’s St Leonard’s Hospice, too.

Traditional children’s events, like a sack race and three-legged race, will take place at the Cub’s ground at the Leyes in Osbaldwick, and there will be stalls, games, a bouncy castle and even events for dogs to entertain the crowds. There will be three live bands, and refreshments will be available.

The Fun Day, which runs from 12.00 noon to 5.00pm, is being organised by Peter Thompson, who runs the Club’s open-age football team and is Chairman of the Social Club. With the help of his colleagues he has put together a programme that is guaranteed to cheer up the summer.

The Club will make a donation to St Leonard’s Hospice from the proceeds, in memory of a number of friends and relations of club members who have been cared for by the Hospice.

Sarah Atkinson, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘This is the second year that Osbaldwick Sports Club have run this event to help the Hospice. We are very grateful to Peter and his team, and we know that lots of people will go along to support the event.’

YORMED’S BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKS WILL HELP THE HOSPICE

18 July 2011

YORMED Crew test Lenny's blood presure Blood pressure checks are being offered by YORMED ambulance and medical service in York’s Parliament Street on Monday 25 July, in return for a donation to the city’s St Leonard’s Hospice.

YORMED is based in York and covers the UK, providing a range of first aid and medical services including event first aid and ambulance cover, patient transport and first aid training and supplies. It has offered its free blood pressure testing service for charity in previous years, and this year hopes to test at least 200 people, as well as to beat last year’s donations of more than £300.

They tested out the service on a visit to the Hospice when Hospice Mascot Lenny Bear had his blood pressure taken.

Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘It’s always good to have a check to make sure you are keeping healthy, and YORMED’s service in Parliament Street on 25 July gives everyone the opportunity to have their blood pressure tested, and to help the Hospice, too. We are very grateful to them for helping us in this very appropriate way.’

YORK CITY HANDS OVER FUNDS TO THE HOSPICE AS CHARITY OF THE YEAR

Paula Stainton of York City (left) and Sue Edwards from the Hopsice Fundraising Team Paula Stainton (left). In the Community Coordinator at York City Football Club, presents Hospice Fundraising Team member Sue Edwards with a cheque for £1750.00 which the club has raised for St Leonard’s as its Charity of the Year. The sum in in addition to almost £100 from an Easter Egg promotion and almost £200 from a bucket collection held at a game earlier this year. The presentation took place at York City’s match against Sunderland. The Hospice is very grateful for the support of York City and its fans.

ST LEONARD’S AND COUNTRYWIDE COME TOGETHER ON A BUS

13 July 2011

the bus with the Countrywide lettings sign and the Hospice logo, and Hospice Mascot Lenny Bear with (l to r) Deborah Baxter, Tracey Hegarty and Matt Murphy from Countrywide Lettings. Lettings agency Countrywide is showing its support for York’s St Leonard’s Hospice in a very public way – on the back of a First York bus winding its way through the streets of the city.

Countrywide Lettings is supporting St Leonard’s for a year by making a donation for each property let to the work of the Hospice, and by raising funds in other ways among staff and customers. As well as putting the name and logo of the Hospice on the First York bus, which will be seen on a variety of the bus company’s routes, the Hospice logo is also appearing on the company’s ‘To Let’ Boards.

Tracey Hegarty, Manager of Countrywide’s York branch in Micklegate, says, ‘St Leonard’s is very much a local charity, and we are very pleased to be associated with its work. We look forward to lots of lettings over the coming months, and to raising lots of money for this very worthwhile cause.’

Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ’With our logo on a First York bus lots of people will know that Countrywide is helping us this year. We are very grateful to them for their commitment to our work.’

LENNY'S LOVELIES PADDLE THEIR WAY TO LAST PLACE - AND WIN AN OAR!

11 July 2011

The Lenny’s Lovelies Dragon Boat Team came home with a prize from the York Rotary Dragon Boat Challenge on 10 July - the prestigious Oar that was presented to them for coming in last place! The team, is made up of brave Hospice staff, who are very proud of their achievement under drummer Lenny Bear. Thank you to all of those who have sponsored the Lovelies, supported the team on the day in the sunshine and the torrential rain and to all the team members. A fun day was had by all.

COAST TO COAST CYCLISTS CALL AT HOSPICE EN ROUTE

9 July 2011

Coast to Coast cyclists visit the Hospice Fifteen cyclists have crossed the country on the ‘Way of the Roses’ cycle route to raise funds for York’s St Leonard’s Hospice and St Gemma’s Hospice in Leeds.

They were led by Ian Harris and John Readman, who both work for search engine marketing specialists Search Laboratory, based in Leeds and who have both had relatives cared for in the hospices.

John Readman’s father was cared for at St Leonard’s. He says, ‘I lost my dad to a brain tumour; the majority of the last year of his life was spent under excellent care from the staff at St Leonard’s. I cannot thank them enough for the support and care they gave both my father and my family during this time.’ Ian’s sister was cared for at St Gemma’s, where she received similarly high-quality care.

They started the tough 180-mile ‘Way of the Roses’ bike ride on 8 July in Morecambe on the west coast and ride to Bridlington. They detoured from the official route to call at St Gemma’s and then at St Leonard’s.

All the money they raise in sponsorship will be shared by the two hospices. Anyone who would like to support the team, can donate on the Virgin Money Giving website: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/YorkshireHospiceC2C

Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘Crossing the country from west to east on a bike is a great thing to do, and we are very grateful to John and Ian, and all their colleagues, for undertaking it on behalf of St Leonard’s and St Gemma’s.’

WEDDING WINNERS

8 July 2011

In the exciting final of Minster FM’s WIN A WEDDING, David Gracias and Louise Parnell pipped the other contestants at the post and won a Wedding Reception for up to 40 guests worth £3,000 at the Hotel Du Vin and Bistro, York. Their prize includes a dedicated wedding co-ordinator, reception drink, a three-course wedding breakfast with wine and wine for the toast, cake stand and silver cake knife and table plan and place cards.

The other contestants were Tracy Barraclought and Alun Strangeways, Laura Elliot and Tom Hartley, Melissa Wilkes and Dan Potter and Vicky Gill and Dan Gilpin.

All the contestants raised money for St Leonard’s Hospice. The total currently stands at £1,396.39 – and some of the couple have events yet to come. St Leonard’s congratulates Davis and Loiuse, commiserates with the other couples and thanks them all for helping the Hospice in this way. A big thank you, also, to Minster FM for running the competition.

DANCE BACK TO THE 1940s FOR HOSPICE

6 July 2011
Preparing for the 1940s Dance The fun side of the 1940s comes to the Riley Smith Hall in Tadcaster on Saturday 17 September, when St Leonard’s Hospice holds a 1940s Dance – complete with authentic food of the era.

The evening aims to recreate the feel of the Forties, with live music of the time from the band ‘Generation Groove’. Special research is going on into appetising but authentic food of the time, too, and visitors will be served with a two-course meal cooked from 1940s recipes.

All the proceeds from the evening will go towards the work of St Leonard’s Hospice, which is based in York and whose area covers Tadcaster and the surrounding area.

Judith Wilson, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s, says, ‘The evening promises to be a fascinating evocation of wartime verve and fun, so polish up your medals, pencil on those stockings and pin up your Victory Curls for a night of dance, music and glamour to raise money for a great cause!’

Everyone attending the Dance is invited and encouraged to dress in 1940s style – whether military or civvy.

ROTARY’S DRAGON BOATS DRUM UP £23,000 FOR HOSPICE

5 July 2011

Rotary members hand over the cheque from the Dragon Boat Races York’s St Leonard’s Hospice has been presented with a cheque for £23,000, the proceeds of the York Rotary Great Dragon Boat Challenge held on the River Ouse in July last year.

To mark the Hospice’s Silver Jubilee in 2010, the Rotary Club of York chose St Leonard’s as the charity to benefit from the event. The Club’s President, Graham Wilford, visited the Hospice with a group of the club’s Dragon Boat Committee members to hand over the cheque to the Hospice’s Chief executive Martyn Callaghan.

The Rotarians and their wives were then shown around the Hospice by two members of the fundraising team. They heard what their contribution meant to the Hospice’s latest service, Hospice@Home.

Martyn Callaghan explained to them that the £23,000 means that 11 patients were able to receive care in their own homes supported by the Hospice@Home service. Hospice@Home allows people to have the level of nursing care that the Hospice provides in their own homes at the end of their lives.

‘This very generous donation, raised through the efforts of all the Dragon Boat teams and of the Rotary Club of York’s great organisation of the Race, means that the Hospice is being helped to maintain its services to the people of York who have life-threatening illnesses, and to their families. We are very grateful for their support.’

This year’s York Rotary Great Dragon Boat Challenge will take place on Sunday 10th July; a great day is promised to all who come along to support the teams taking part.

AKASH TANDOORI’S HALF-PRICE NIGHT WILL HELP HOSPICE

4 July 2011

Hospice Fundraiser Helen Moreton (r) with staff at Akash Tandoori A night out for half price at one of York’s oldest and most popular Indian restaurants is a bargain – especially when it raises money for St Leonard’s Hospice as well.

Barik Miah and his colleagues at the Akash Tandoori in North Street are holding a special fundraising evening for the Hospice on THURSDAY 7 JULY, when diners will be able to eat for just half the normal prices. All the proceeds from the evening will be donated to the work of the Hospice.

Helen Moreton, a member of the St Leonard’s Hospice Fundraising Team, says, ‘Akash Tandoori is a regular supporter of our work, and we are delighted that they are again running a special fund-raising evening for us. Everyone who dines there on Thursday will get a great meal, and they will know that they are helping St Leonard’s at the same time – so everyone wins!’

BROWNS VIP EVENING RAISES FUNDS FOR HOSPICE

30 June 2011

Vicky Hutchinson from Browns of York (left) and Judith Wilson, Hopsice Community Fundraiser A VIP evening at Browns of York’s store in Davygate has raised funds for city’s St Leonard’s Hospice.

Run by Browns in partnership with make-up experts Clarins, the department store hosted the event in the Rhodes Restaurant on the stores’ first floor.

Using the theme for the evening of ‘Going to the Races’, the store welcomed the 50 ladies who attended with champagne and canapés. Experts offered make-up tips to ensure they looked their best for their day watching the horses from the Knavesmire stands, and there was also a fashion show, with outfits from a number of top suppliers.

The event raised more than £600 for the work of St Leonard’s Hospice.

Judith Wilson, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘It was a great evening, which all the ladies thoroughly enjoyed. We are very grateful to the team at Browns and Clarins for organising and hosting the event.’

HOSPICE CHAIRMAN BECOMES MASTER OF THE COMPANY OF MERCHANT TAYLORS

Graham Millar (left) with the Lord Mayor of York at Graham's installation as Master of the Company of Merchant Taylors 28 June 2011

The Chairman of St Leonard's Hospice, Graham Millar, has been elected as the Master of the Merchant Taylors Company, one of the city of York's seven Guilds.

The Master is the nominal head of the Company. He is appointed by invitation of the Court of Assistants, and serves in office for one year, commencing and terminating on the Company's Charter Day in June.

The Master's duties include the Chairmanship of the Full Court and Court of Assistants, presiding at all Company functions and representing the Company at the various functions of other guilds throughout the country.

The Company of the Merchant Taylors in the City of York is one of seven York guilds. Its origin dates back to the 13th century and it is one of only three that have existed without a break since medieval times. The Company's Ordinances and its members' register are in the City archives of 1387.

The aims of the Company are to preserve the historic institution of The Company of Merchant Taylors in the City of York, and in so doing, to maintain its ancient hall, artefacts and records; wherever possible, to provide financial support to deserving and needy young people for their advancement, encouragement and skill development in the fields of art, craftsmanship and music; and to maintain the Company's traditions and ceremonies.

Graham Millar was elected to the post of Master by the Company's Full Court, consisting of some 90 members, both men and women.

HOSPICE SUMMER FAIR MAKES ALMOST £6,000 IN HOT SUNSHINE

27 June 2011

Tony Ayres ran a soft toy tombola The annual Summer Fair at St Leonard’s Hospice, held on 26 June, one of the hottest days of the year so far, raised nearly than £6,000 for the work of the charity in caring for local people.

Hundreds of people flocked to the grounds of the Hospice on Tadcaster Road in York as the sun shone and they enjoyed an afternoon of fun and games. There were stalls selling everything from books to jewellery, games including traditional hoopla as well as golf and football activities.

Children enjoyed the Fun Bus and face painting, the Tassel and Tush Line Dancers encouraged lots of audience participation. Food included a hog roast, a traditional barbecue and refreshments in the Hospices’ own Stables Coffee Stop. Musical entertainment was again provided by Steel Expression, in which four of their 11-year-old Pan Jammers made their debut with the group, and by the University of York Ukulele Group.

Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘Our Summer Fair is always a special occasion and attracts lots of loyal supporters, as well as new friends who come for the first time. This year the weather really played its true part, and everyone basked in wonderful sunshine and spent their money generously. We are very grateful to them, and to all our volunteers, stallholders, food providers and musicians, who really helped to make it a great day!’

See pictures from the Summer Fair

MIDNIGHT WALK 2011

Midnight Walkers

21 June 2011

More than 550 people took part in this year's Midnight Walk. Fid out more, and see some of the pictures from the event.

LIZ AND PENNY PREPARE THE PIMMS FOR HOSPICE SUMMER FAIR

14 June 2011

Liz (l) and Penny get ready for the Summer Fair Staff at York’s St Leonard’s Hospice are set to rival some of the summer’s top venues when they break open the Pimms at the Hospice’s annual Summer Fair on Sunday 26 June.

Liz Thistleton, the Hospice’s Head of Housekeeping, and Penny Deakin from the Catering Team will run the Pimms tent at the Fair, and have been getting into practice by experimenting with different fruit combinations – and sampling the results.

The Pimms Tent is just one of the attractions at the Summer Fair, which again promises to be a great day out for all the family. Open from 1.00 pm to 4.00 pm, the Fair takes place in the grounds of the Hospice on Tadcaster Road.

There will be a wide variety of games and stalls to entertain visitors of all ages, a Party Fun Bus for children and music throughout the day. There is a hog roast, and other light refreshments are available in the Hospice’s Stables Coffee Stop for anyone who is peckish. There will also be a chance to meet the Hospice’s mascot Lenny Bear, who will be out and about at the Fair,

There will be no parking at the Hospice on the day of the Fair. Visitors are encouraged to use the Park & Ride car park at Askham Bar, across the road from the Hospice.

Judith Wilson, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘Sunshine and Pimms are the two essentials to a summer afternoon. And while we can’t guarantee the first, Liz and Penny will be ready on 26 June with the Pimms and other refreshing drinks! Why not come along to meet them and enjoy the fun of the Fair? Visitors are invited to make a £1 donation on entry – everything we raise goes to our work of caring for local people and their families.’

LENNY BEAR OUT AND ABOUT FOR GO YELLOW

13 June 2011

Hospice Mascot Lenny Bear was out and about visiting schools and nurseries who were supporting Go Yellow. Here are some pictures from his visits.

Bright Beginnings Nursery, Clifton Moor, York

Bright Beginnings had their Yellow Day on 7th June. Lenny and the children enjoyed playing on the outdoor equipment.

York College Nursery, Sim Balk Lane, York

On 10th June the children enjoyed yellow activities in the form of yellow play dough and yellow water play. They enjoyed playing with Lenny and sang him some lovely songs and played the outdoor instruments.

Cliffe VC Primary School, Selby

Lenny met the children during lunch time. They all sang Lenny a lovely version of Adele's song ‘ Someone like you’.

GIANT SUNFLOWER BLOOMS FOR HOSPICE IN YORK MINSTER

8 June 2011

The Sunflower in York Minster A giant sunflower is blooming in York Minster from 8 to 12 June as more than 2500 individual blossoms coloured by local children are set out on the floor of the building’s north transept to mark Hospice Month for the city’s St Leonard’s Hospice.

Children from 13 primary schools and nurseries have been hard at work colouring cut-out flower shapes for the giant sunflower, and the names of each organisation will be displayed on discs in the centre of the sunflower.

The giant sunflower is the latest in a series of sunflower displays that have been held each year by St Leonard’s, to raise awareness of the work of the Hospice in caring for local people – the first was held on the Eye of York in 1996. There have been sunflower displays in locations around the city, including at the National Railway Museum, the Library, the Theatre Royal, the Art Gallery and in St Helen’s Square.

This is the fifth time the display has been held in York Minster, by kind permission of the Dean and Chapter. There were previous displays in 1997, 1999, 2001 and 2005.

The sunflower is the symbol of the Hospice Movement and of St Leonard’s Hospice. The Hospice, which opened in 1985, has traditionally designated June as the month in which it makes a particular effort to raise its profile around the area it serves. As well as the Giant Sunflower in the Minster, events this June include the chance to Tie a Yellow Ribbon an a tree in the Hospice grounds to honour a loved one or a friend; A special ‘Go Yellow’ day on 10 June when local schools are being encouraged to have their children dress in yellow; the popular Midnight Walk on 18 June, and the Hospice’s Summer Fair on 26 June.

Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘York Minster is the perfect venue for our display of sunflowers, and we are delighted that the Dean and Chapter have welcomed us once again. We are very grateful to all the children who have coloured the sunflowers for us, and we hope that everyone who sees the display will enjoy them and think about the value of hospice care.’

The schools that have contributed to the display in the Minster are:

• Westfield Primary School
• Archbishop of York CE Junior School
• Abbey Fields Day Nursery, Selby
• Happy Jays Nursery
• York College Nursery
• Windmill Nursery, Riccall
• St Wilfrid’s RC Primary School
• Naburn Primary School
• Escrick Pre-School Playgroup
• St Paul’s Nursery
• The Minster
• Carr Infants School
• Lakeside Primary School

TIE A YELLOW RIBBON AT THE HOSPICE IN JUNE

7 June 2011

Tying Yellow Ribbons A yellow ribbon is a sign of remembering and honouring loved ones and friends - and st Leonard's Hospice in York is inviting everyone to 'Tie a Yellow Ribbon' to a special tree in the grounds of the Hospice this month.

In return for a donation to the work of St Leonard's, the ribbons can be used to remember someone, to celebrate birthdays or an anniversary or to show support for the Hospice. Each has the name of the person honoure, and a personal message, attached to it, and will be tied in place on the tree in the-Hospice grounds on Tadcaster Road throughout June, which is Hospice Month. Yellow is the colour of hope and memory, and is especially associated with the Hospice Movement.

To have a yellow ribbon tied to the tree ask for a leaflet from one of the Hospice shops in Acomb, Haxby, Pocklington, Scarcroft Road, Selby and Tang Hall, call in to Hospice reception in Tadcaster Road (office hours) or call St Leonard's Hospice Fundraising Centre on 1904 77 77 77. Forms are also available on the Hospice website - www.stleonardshospice.org.uk

Mandy Metcalfe, Fundraising Manager at St Leonard's Hospice, says, 'A yellow ribbon is a very visible reminder of a loved one or a friend, and by making a donation and dedicating a yellow ribbon on our special tree, you will be making a positive contribution to our work of caring for local people.'

LENNY AT HAPPY JAYS TO COLLECT SUNFLOWERS

7 June 2011

Lenny Bear went to meet the children at Happy Jays Nursery at Clifton Moor. They children really enjoying playing with Lenny, and they presented him with the sunflowers they had coloured for the Giant Sunflower Display in York Minster. On their Yellow Day they also raised £33.71 for the Hospice. We are very grateful to them all! Here you can see Lenny with some of the children.

‘WOMEN AT THE WHEEL’ AT JCT600 EVENING HELPS THE HOSPICE

6 July 2011

Mandy Metcalfe from St Leonard's (l) and Charlotte Murray of JCT600 get to grips with the engine It’s women in the driving seat – and under the bonnet – when car dealer JCT600 Volkswagen York holds a special ‘Women at the Wheel’ evening of car maintenance and shopping in aid of the city’s St Leonard’s Hospice.

The event, which begins at 7.00 for 7.30pm on Wednesday 15 June at JCT600’s Clifton Moor showroom, will help ladies brush up on essential car maintenance tasks, from experts, in a relaxed atmosphere.

They will also be able to pick up tips about safety from the police, as well as enjoying themselves with shopping for hats, fashion clothes, lingerie, bags and chocolates as well as experiencing a hand massage and learning some life-coaching skills. There will be music from DJ Mike Brown and a raffle, with prizes including a sat-nav, life-coaching sessions, massage, jewellery, fashion and even a dozen cupcakes made to order.

Charlotte Murray, who is Digital Media Manager for JCT600 at the group’s Leeds headquarters, says, ‘We want ladies to have a great evening in the showroom, without any pressure to buy. We know they will find our maintenance tips useful, and there’s a chance to win some great prizes in our raffle, thanks to our suppliers and supporters. And we hope to raise a good sum for the Hospice, too.’

Mandy Metcalfe, Fundraising Manager at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘We’re very pleased that Charlotte, who helped us set up the Hospice’s Facebook page, has organized this great evening at the Clifton Moor Showroom. We hope to welcome lots of ladies, and to prove that we’re a ‘driving force’ when it comes to fundraising and fun.’

• Tickets for the event are free, and must be obtained in advance by calling Charlotte or Michelle on 0844 856 0187, e-mailing vw.york@jct600.co.uk.

SUTTON-ON-THE-FOREST GARDENS OPEN FOR CHARITY AT BANK HOLIDAY

1 June 2011

Simon in the rain at Sutton's Open Gardens

Gardens in Sutton-on-the-Forest opened their gates to visitors on Sunday 29 and Monday 30 May in aid of York’s St Leonard’s Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support - and despite heavy rain, the show went on!

Among those braving the weather was Simon Wilson (above), whose wife Judith is a Community Fundrasier at the Hospice, who continued to man the Hospice's stall as the rain fell - an act beyond the call of duty!

This was the fourth time that the members of Sutton and Huby Gardening Club had opened their gardens, and the second time they have chosen St Leonard’s to benefit. This year nine gardens were open, most of them in Sutton’s Main Street.

Teas were served by the Yorkshire Countrywomen’s Association in the Village Hall, and around the village there were stalls selling plants, books, CDs, DVDs and videos. There was also a flower display in the church. An added attraction on the afternoon on Monday 30 May was stained glass artist Ian Tomlinson, who talked about his work.

All the proceeds will go to the two charities.

TAXIS GEAR UP FOR HOSPICE FUNDRAISING ON 18 JUNE

26 May 2011

Castle Taxis divers Fundraising will have wheels for York's St Leonard's Hospice on Saturday 18 June, when Castle Taxis will be donating for every journey made that day.

The special day has been organised to say 'thank you' to the Hospice for its care of Carol Bakal, whose husband Gordon is a Castle Taxis driver. On 18 June the drivers will donate' half their to St Leonard's. There will be a collecting box in each of the firm's taxis on 18 June, and the drivers will put half the fares in as soon as customers have paid.

In addition, the operators will give their salaries of the day, and the firm's owner, Derek Thornton, will donate £1 for every journey made on the day.

Gordon Bakal says, ‘St Leonard's was like a second lifeline to Carol. She thought it was a great place, and we can't speak highly enough about the care she was given. The care of all the patients is fantastic.'

Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard's Hospice, says, 'We are really grateful to Gordon and his colleagues for their generosity in organising this special day. It's a lovely way to remember Carol and to raise funds for the work of St Leonard's. And for anyone who can't join our Midnight Walk on 18 June, here's another way you can help, by taking a trip with Castle Taxis!'

PATRICK’S NON-STOP 100 MILES TO RAISE HOSPICE CASH

26 May 2011

Patrick sets off Long-distance walker Patrick McGovern is about to tackle a non-stop trek of 100 miles in the Welsh Marches – and will raise funds for York’s St Leonard’s Hospice in the process.

A regular long-distance walker, Patrick is a member of the Long Distance Walkers Association, and on 26 May sets out with more than 500 fellow walkers in the group’s annual event. Starting in Ludlow in Shropshire, the ‘Houseman Hundred’ walk follows a circular route that takes in the ‘blue remembered hills’ celebrated in A E Housman’s poem sequence ‘A Shropshire Lad.’

This will be the 25th time that 62-year-old Patrick has undertaken a long-distance walk of this kind – last year he also raised funds for the Hospice on the ‘Heart of Scotland’ walk, starting from Dunkeld and walking via Blair Atholl to Kinlochrannoch and back.

Mandy Metcalfe, Fundraising Manager at ST Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘A non-stop walk of more than 100 miles is beyond most of us, and we really admire both Patrick’s stamina and also his generosity in helping to raise funds for the work of St Leonard’s. We hope that other people who have heard of his determination will come forward and add their support to his fundraising this year – and we wish him better weather than the appalling conditions he battled through for us on last year’s walk.’

PLANT FAIR AND STRAWBERRIES RAISE MORE THAN £1500 FOR HOSPICE

23 May 2011

At the Plant Sale 1 Green-fingered gardeners and connoisseurs of Strawberry teas helped St Leonard’s Hospice to raise more than £1500 at its annual Plant Fair on Sunday 22 May.

Hundreds of plants were on sale at the event, supplied by individual supporters and with generous donations from Vertigrow, Askham Bryan College, Dean’s Garden Centre, Brown’s Nurseries and Middlethorpe Hall.

The Hospice’s volunteer gardeners manned the stalls, helped by The Press’s gardening writer Gina Parkinson, who offered lots of practical advice.

Strawberry cream teas were in great demand, and visitors at the event were entertained by brass group ‘Something Else’, who valiantly continued to play during two short but heavy downpours.

Judith Wilson, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘We had a really good afternoon, with a lovely atmosphere and lots of great plant bargains. We are very grateful to everyone who supported us by donating plants, to our musicians and to everyone who came along and spent so generously. We look forward to welcoming them back for our next event, the annual Summer Fair on 26 June, where there will be lots to entertain the whole family!’

• The St Leonard’s Hospice Summer Fair takes place at the Hospice, 185 Tadcaster Road, York on Sunday 26 June from 1.00pm to 4.00pm. All are welcome.

More pictures from the Plant Fair:

EMMERDALE STARS COME OUT FOR CRICKET MATCH

22 May 2011

Heworth Cricket Club played a match against an eleven from the TV soap Emmerdale, to rasie funds for St Leonard's Hospice. The result was a win for Heworth, who scored 207 for 3 against Emmerdale's 155 for 9.

The Emmerdale stars at the match included:

Chris Chittell, who plays Eric Pollard
Matthew Wolfenden, who plays David Metcalfe
Natalie Anderson, who plays Alicia Gallagher
Chris Bisson, who plays Jai Sharma
Rokhsaneh Ghawam-Shahidi, who plays Leyla Harding

The Hospice is grateful to them, and top the Cricket club for aranging the match.

COLLEGE GETS DOWN TO THE BUSINESS OF WALKING AT MIDNIGHT

21 May 2011

Two Business Tutors at York College are again making it their business to tackle the popular Midnight Walk in aid of St Leonard’s Hospice.

The Walk, which takes place this year on Saturday 18 June – starts and finishes at the College on Sim Balk Lane and Tutors Stella Franks and Christine Hogarth will be joining hundreds of other Hospice supporters on the six-and–a-half mile circular walk on pavements and cycle paths around the centre of York, starting at 12.00 midnight.

Both women have done the Walk since its inception in 2008. Stella says, ‘We like to do one big charitable event each year, and as the Hospice is very much our local charity we are very pleased to support it.’

York College is also helping the Hospice again by offering its facilities at the beginning and end, and other staff and students will either walk or help at the event. Walkers check in at the College between 10.30 pm and 11.30 pm. Entries are not allowed on the night; the closing date is 5 June.

Everyone is welcome to join Stella and Christine, and the hundreds of other walkers, but anyone who is 16 or under must be supervised by an adult at all times. There is a charge of £12.50 for each walker – 16 or under, £7.00. The Hospice is encouraging everyone to be sponsored and to raise as much money as they can. All the proceeds will go towards the £3.4 million annual cost of running St Leonard’s, which makes no charges to its patients or their families.

Mandy Metcalfe, Fundraising Manager at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘Since we began our Midnight Walks, which each year raise thousands of pounds for our work, everyone at York College has been really generous with their help and enthusiasm. We are very grateful to them, and we look forward to welcoming lots of walkers on 18 June.’

CAR DEALERS TAKE TO BIKES TO HELP HOSPICE IN COAST TO COAST RIDE

19 May 2011

Three members of staff at BMW dealers Cooper York, based at Clifton Moor, will be swapping horsepower for pedal power at the end of May to cycle 107 miles Coast to Coast in aid of York’s St Leonard’s Hospice.

The three - Dave Stanley, Peter Darrell and Neil Dade, will set off from Morecambe on Friday 29 May and cycle across the country to reach the east coast at Bridlington on the Sunday. On Saturday 28 May they’ll be in York, where they’ll return to Cooper York’s showrooms for a Fun Day, where they will wash cars and collect funds for the Hospice.

Dave Stanley says, ‘We’ve wanted to cycle coast to coast for quite a while, and the company encourages us to help local charities. So we thought we‘d combine the two, and help St Leonard’s Hospice as we cycle.’

Sarah Atkinson, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘Dave, Pater and Neil have set themselves a real challenge – and they’re doing it all to raise funds for our work of caring for local people. We hope lots of people will sponsor them and cheer them into York on Saturday 28 May – as well as bringing their cars to be washed! We are really grateful for their help and enthusiasm.’

CERI LEADS THE WAY IN SIGNING UP FOR HOSPICE MIDNIGHT WALK

14 May 2011

Apprentice hairdresser and beautician Ceri Richards will be leading a group of work colleagues, friends and relatives on the Midnight Walk in aid of St Leonard’s Hospice, which takes place on the night of Saturday 18 June.

17-year-old Ceri, a former student at Joseph Rowntree School, has taken part in the Hospice’s Midnight Walks since they started in 2008. She has helped to raise funds for the Hospice because her grandparents were cared for by St Leonard’s, and she has had friends there, too.

In the past she has done the walk with her mother Linda and friends, and now she has persuaded at least nine of her colleagues at Niche Hair and Beauty in Fossgate in the centre of York to join them.

The Midnight Walk starts and finishes at York College on Sim Balk Lane not far from the Hospice. Walkers check in between 10.30 pm and 11.30 pm and the six-and-a-half-mile circular walk begins at 12.00 midnight, following pavements and cycle paths around the centre of York. There is a charge of £12.50 for each walker (£6.50 16 or under; they must be accompanied by an adult). Dogs (on a lead) are free.

Everyone taking part in the Walk, like Ceri and her friends, is being encouraged to get sponsorship. Last year’s walk raised more than £30,000, and all the proceeds this year will again go towards the £3.3 million annual cost of running St Leonard’s, which makes no charges to its patients or their families.

Mandy Metcalfe, Fundraising Manager at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘It’s great that Ceri, who’ll reach 18 not long before the Midnight Walk, has inspired so many other people to take part in this year’s event. We’re really grateful to her and to everyone who has already signed up for the Walk. There’s still time to take part – call the Hospice’s Fundraising Office on 01904 77 77 77 and we’ll get you signed up!’

CHOIR RANGES FROM ABBA TO FAURE IN CONCERT FOR HOSPICE

9 May 2011

CHOIR RANGES FROM ABBA TO FAURE IN CONCERT FOR HOSPICE
Music from Abba to Fauré, via Frank Sinatra and Hair, will be on the programme when York Priory Chair performs at Holy Trinity Church in Micklegate, York on Friday 20 May, in aid of St Leonard’s Hospice.

The long-established choir will perform under the direction of their conductor, Keith Gray, in a concert that also includes favourites like ‘Alexander’s Ragtime Band’, ‘All that Jazz’ and ‘New York, New York’, as well as John Rutter’s ‘A Gaelic Blessing’ and the ‘Agnus Dei’ from Fauré’s Requiem.

The 32-member-strong all-ladies choir was founded in 1897 as a mixed choir, and among its claims to fame is the first try-out of the famous choral piece ‘All in the April Evening’, by Hugh Robertson, conductor of the Glasgow Orpheus Choir, which gave its official first performance. Robertson was a friend of the York Priory Choir’s then conductor.

Among the choir’s current members is Kathy Pickard, a former receptionist at the Hospice and now one of the volunteer gardeners, whose grandfather was a former President of the choir.

Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘We are really grateful to Kathy and her choir friends for putting on this special concert for the Hospice. It promises a diverse mixture of styles, with something for everyone! Please go along and give your support.’

Tickets for the concert, which starts at Holy Trinity Church at 7.30pm, are £6 (including coffee and biscuits) and can be purchased at the door.

BROWNS VIP EVENING WILL HELP HOSPICE

9 May 2011

A VIP evening that will offer a races-themed fashion show and makeup demonstration at Browns of York department store will raise funds for the city’s St Leonard’s Hospice.

Everyone attending will be welcomed with a glass of champagne and canapés before the ‘Going to the Races’ fashion show, with outfits from a number of designers, which will take place in the Rhodes Restaurant on the store’s first floor.After the show make-up artists from Clarins will demonstrate ideas and technique for the perfect look.

Numbers for the VIP evening, which runs from 6.00pm to 9.00pm on Wednesday 8 June, are limited to 50, and tickets cost £10 each. They can be obtained by calling St Leonard’s Hospice Fundraising Office on 01904 77 77 77.

Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s, says, ‘We are delighted that Browns are continuing their tradition of supporting the Hospice with this special event.It’s a chance to enjoy a luxurious evening – and perhaps to find that ideal outfit for the Dante Festival at York Racecourse, which begins two days later!’

PUB RAISES 'HANSOM' AMOUNT FOR HOSPICE

3 May 2011

A York pub has raised more than £500 for the city’s St Leonard’s Hospice in a Lucky Squares promotion with prizes donated by customers and friends.

The Hansom Cab, in Market Street, was one of the pubs, clubs and organisations who took the Hospice’s Lucky Squares games, which saw customers paying £1 and choosing from one of a hundred numbered squares on a board.When all the square were full, an envelope containing a pre-selected number was opened, and the winner was chosen.

The Hansom Cab added prizes for other squares as well, including vouchers and bottles, and raised £518 for the work of St Leonard’s.Landlady Bridget Laverick says, ‘Everyone knows someone who is touched by cancer or other illnesses, and we were very pleased to be able to help such an important local charity that cares for them.’

Sarah Atkinson, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s, says, ‘It’s great that Bridget and her customers really took this game and ran with it, adding their own prizes and raising such a fantastic sum.We are really grateful to them all.’

HOSPICE SUPPORTERS HANG UP THEIR TROWELS AFTER YEARS OF SUPPORT

4 May 2011

Two green-fingered supporters of York’s St Leonard’s Hospice have hung up their trowels after many years of opening their garden and holding plant sales that have raised thousands of pounds for the charity.

Sheila and Arthur Markwick, from Albion Avenue in Acomb, opened their garden each year to raise funds for the Hospice until 2006, when they changed to offering plants for sale instead. ‘We’ve been pleased to support the Hospice for all these years,’ says Sheila, ‘but we thought it was time to stop, as we’re not getting any younger!’

Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘Sheila and Arthur have been stalwart supporters of St Leonard’s and they have had a loyal following for the garden openings and for their high-quality plants. We are very grateful for all their hard work over the years, and we wish them a happy ‘retirement’ – if their garden lets them retire!’

HOSPICE FURNITURE SHOP IS REOPENED – AT THE DOUBLE

3 May 2011

The furniture shop in Acomb that raises funds for York’s St Leonard’s Hospice has been refurbished – and the official reopening is being carried out by representatives of two groups that have helped make the work possible.

John Nicklausof York and Ainsty Rotary Club and Matt Freer of builders merchants Jewsons, based at North York Trading Estate in Kettlestring Lane, Clifton, will cut the ribbon to declare the shop open. Volunteers from the club cleared the garden of weeds, levelled it then laid down paving slabs. Jewsons donated hardcore, a membrane to suppress weeds and allow drainage, and a whacking plate that levelled the paving slabs.

Jewson’s manger also persuaded one of his suppliers to give the paving slabs to St Leonard’s free of charge. There were enough to pave an area 20 feet by 16 feet at the back of the Hospice’s sorting warehouse, to the rear of the furniture store. The only cost to St Leonard’s was the cost of delivery for the slabs.

Helen Moreton, Retail Manager for St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘The help that York and Ainsty Rotarians and Jewsons gave us throughout the project has been outstanding, and we could not have done it without them. We are delighted that John and Matt have agreed to perform the official re-opening ceremony – it’s our way of showing our gratitude to them.’

The St Leonard’s Hospice Furniture Shop is at 12, York Road, Acomb, and sells good-quality furniture that has been donated by Hospice supporters. The shop is open Monday to Friday 10.00 am to 4.00 pm, Sat 9.00 am to 12.00 noon. Anyone wanting to offer furniture to the shop should call the shop on 01904 409152.

HOSPICE BEAR CALLS FOR HELPERS IN CITY CENTRE COLLECTION

28 April 2011

Can you help Lenny Bear, the mascot of York’s St Leonard’s Hospice, with a collection in the centre of York on Thursday 9 June?

Every June the Hospice celebrates Hospice Month, with a series of events across the city and the surrounding area. As part of this year’s events, Lenny and his helpers will be in York asking local people and visitors to give generously to the work of the Hospice.

If you can spare an hour or two on Thursday 9 June, between 10.00am and 4.00pm, the Hospice would like to hear from you. Please call the Fundraising Office on 01904 77 77 77 .

Sarah Atkinson, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s, says, ‘Collecting money in the centre of York is one of the ways we both create awareness of our work and raise money, too. Anyone who can assist us will be most welcome – do give us a call to discuss how you can help on 9 June.’

CO-OPERATIVE GIFTS FOR EASTER

The tulips are delivered to the Hospice

23 April 2011

The Co-operative Funeral Services donated 20 bunches of lovely tulips for each of our patients as an Easter gift. The mother of a member of their staff was cared for in the Hospice. The tulips were very much appreciated.

BAG PACKING RAISES ALMOST £1600 - CAN YOU HELP NEXT TIME?

18 April 2011

Bag Packing at Tesco’s store on Friday 15th April raised a staggering £1585.55, all of which will go directly towards the care of our patients and their families. A big thank you to all those who spared an hour to help us and all of Tesco's very generous customers for their very kind donations. We really enjoyed meeting everyone in the local community and sharing information about our forth coming events. Our next bag packing day, is13th May at Sainsbury's in Selby. If you can spare an hour to help please contact us on 01904 77 77 77.

NEWS ABOUT THE HOSPICE'S MARATHON RUNNERS . . .

19 April 2011

Angela Wilson completed in 4 hours and 31 minutes. She had a fantastic time and amazingly free of aches and pains.

Adele Shipley completed in 3 hours 41 minutes. She was really pleased with her time as it is only a minute slower that last year and it was very hot! ‘A fantastic day, the crowds were awesome and they do help when you’re tired,’ she says. Afterwards she suffered going up and downstairs and was feeling very tired.

Julie Redpath completed in 5 hours 56 mins, she had a lovely day but it was very hard due to the lovely weather.

Tom Burns completed the Marathon in 4 hours and 28 mins

Jon Bonarius completed in 3 hours 59 minutes and is pleased that Royal Mail, his employer is also supporting him.

London Marathon 2012 ballot

The 2012 marathon ballot opened on 26 April 2011 so if you’re a keen runner or would like a challenge please consider supporting St Leonard's Hospice in 2012 and apply for a place. The ballot results will be announced at the beginning of October.

LENNY COMES 13th IN MASCOT RACE - AND BEATS YORKIE AGAIN!

17 April 2011

Hospice mascot Lenny Bear trained hard (mostly on bananas) in the run-up to the Wetherby Mascot Gold Cup on 17th April. All those bananas helped Lenny achieve a very lucky 13th position out of 58 mascots – a massive improvement on previous years. He has even started practising for next year as he is determined to finish in the top 10!

Lenny had a lovely day with all the other Mascots and meeting members of the public. There was lovely sunshine, but this didn't help his running ability – he finished the race very tired and hot.

He negotiated all hurdles safely and gracefully and even managed to beat his special friend Yorkie the York City Lion; this was his second victory over Yorkie , having beaten him on his own turf at Bootham Crescent in a penalty shoot-out and now in a race!

Now it’s time for Lenny to put his feet up for a couple of weeks as he has a very busy month coming up in June.

BAGS OF WAYS TO MAKE FRIDAY THE 13TH A GOOD DAY BY HELPING THE HOSPICE

16 April 2011

St Leonard’s Hospice is looking for volunteers to turn Friday 13th into a lucky day.

The Hospice would welcome offers of help to pack customers’ bags at the checkouts in the Sainsbury’s store in Selby on Friday 13 May.

Hospice Community Fundraiser Sarah Atkinson says, ‘Raising funds for the work of the Hospice is always a positive thing to do – and what better day to do it than on a day that’s normally thought to be bad luck?

‘We’d love lots of people to join us for an hour or two on 13 May, packing bags in return for a donation to the Hospice. It’s a great way to meet people, and you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that the funds you help us to raise will really help St Leonard’s in its work.

Anyone who would like to help should contact the St Leonard’s Hospice Fundraising Centre on 01904 77 77 77 or email fundraising@stleonardshospice.org.uk for further details.

BURGHER HALL’ PLAY WILL RAISE HOSPICE FUNDS

14 April 2011

A new play that chronicles the dark and comic goings-on in a debt-ridden country house is to be performed by Piggyback Theatre Company at the Monkgate Theatre in York from 11 to 14 May – and all the proceeds will go to help the city’s St Leonard’s Hospice.

‘Burgher Hall’ is the first full-length play by local writer Ged Cooper. Ged co-ordinates the York branch of Script Yorkshire, an organisation that campaigns for new writing for radio, television, film and theatre by writers from and in Yorkshire and Humberside.

The play will be performed at the Studio Theatre, 41 Monkgate, by the not-for-profit Piggyback Theatre Company and will be directed by Peter Gordon, whose play ‘Par for the Course’ was a hit last year and also raised funds for the Hospice.

'Burgher Hall' tells the story of what happens when Sir Henry Burgher dies, leaving his family with huge debts. His adult children, two sons Jocelyn and Evelyn and daughter Hilary make plans to preserve the family home - Burgher Hall. They’ve never agreed on anything - but now their future is at stake. Their ancient Nanny, their young cleaner Alice and the vicar, a reformed armed robber, get caught up in the plot when Hilary organises the shooting of a movie at Burgher Hall. The charismatic Californian film director falls in love with the house and its inhabitants, but family tensions and sibling rivalry simmer below the surface. Will the movie ever be made? And can it ensure the survival of Burgher Hall?

Tickets for Burger Hall are now on sale at the box office of the Theatre Royal in York – tel 01904 623568. They cost £9 (£8 concessions). The performances begin at 7.30pm, and there is also a matinee on Saturday 14 May at 2.30pm.

Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘We are delighted that Peter Gordon and his Piggyback Theatre Company are again presenting a world premier in aid of the Hospice! ‘Par for the Course’ provided lots of laughs for a very appreciative audience – and Ged’s ‘Burgher Hall’ is sure to do the same. Please go along to support the company – and help the Hospice, too.’

HURRY ALONG FOR HOSPICE’S CHALLENGE WALK

12 April 2011

Challenge Walkers York’s St Leonard’s Hospice holds its 21st annual St Leonard’s Way Challenge Walk on Saturday, 30 April 2011 – and organisers are keen to remind everyone to get their registration forms in as soon as possible.

The Walk, which raises funds for the Hospice, is a circular 20-mile route set in the Bronte Country of the South Pennines. It mostly follows bridleways around the Haworth area and includes sections of the Pennine Way. The countryside varies from woods to open moorland and the Walk passes some fine examples of industrial architecture. The walk is supervised throughout, with checkpoints along the route.

Over the years the Walk has raised more than £200,000, with all the proceeds going towards the care of patients at the Hospice and support for their families.

Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at the Hospice, says, ’The St Leonard’s Way Challenge Walk is one of our major fundraising events of the year – and it’s always great fun, too. Why not come along and join us on 30 April – you can download an entry form from our website at www.stleonardshospice.org.uk or call us on 01904 77 77 77. Forms need to be with us in advance of the Walk day, as we can’t accept entries on the day itself – so hurry along!’

It costs £10.00 per person to take part in the Walk, and the fee includes a meal at the end. Walkers are encouraged to help raise money by taking a sponsor form.

MATTHEW’S LONDON MARATHON WILL RAISE HOSPICE CASH – WITH BEER TO FOLLOW

12 April 2011

Mattew Anderson and Hospice Fundraising Manager Mandy Metcalfe, with beer Matthew Anderson, Vice-Chairman of the York Ebor and County Round Table 65, will be pounding the streets of London on 17 April as he takes part in the London Marathon to raise funds for York’s St Leonard’s Hospice.

This will be his second London Marathon – his first was in 2009, at a time when his mother became ill. She was cared for in St Leonard’s, so this year he was determined to run for the Hospice. Although he failed to get a place in the public ballot, he was offered a ‘bequest place’.

A heating engineer, Matthew began running eight years ago after suffering from stress at work and high blood pressure. ‘When I got the place in the London Marathon this year I thought, “Right, let’s get into this and raise some money for St Leonards; it is my time to give something back for what we as a family received”.’ Despite illness over the winter, he has continued to train, and, he says, ‘There is no way that I will not complete the 26.2 miles in a reasonable time so watch this space!’

Although beer hasn’t played much of a part in Matthew’s training, his Round Table has decided to run this year’s York Charity Beer Festival, on 13 and 14 May, in aid of St Leonard’s Hospice, too. Matthew says, I didn’t influence the members of Round Table in their choice, but it’s great that they have suggested the same cause for the Beer Festival.’

• Anyone who would like to sponsor Matthew in his London Marathon can do so at www.justgiving.com/Matthew-Anderson0

JASON'S DEDICATED FUNDRAISING CONTINUES

11 April 2011

(L to r) Richard Eldridge, Jason Eldridge, Judy and Tony Doyle and Hospice Fundrasisng Manager Mandy Metcalfe, For the last seven years Jason Eldridge has organised a Golf Day at High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire to raise money for St Leonard’s Hospice, where his mother Jen was cared for, and for his local South Bucks Hospice. He recently visited St Leonard’s to present his latest cheque, for £2000, to the Hospice’s Fundraising Manager Mandy Metcalfe – the cheque brings the donations to a total of £14,000. With him were his father Richard and his uncle and aunt, Tony and Judy Doyle. The money was raised through the golf tournament, with a dinner and with a prize draw.

Mandy Metcalfe says, ‘We are really grateful to Jason for his continued dedication to running these fundraising events for our work and for the work of his local hospice.’

YORK LIONS HAND OVER HOSPICE DONATION

10 April 2011

Jack Ord of York Lions with Hopsice Fundraising Manager Mandy Metcalfe Patients at York’s St Leonard’s Hospice will benefit from a donation of £1000 to the charity from York Lions Club.

The donation, from the Club’s annual appeal, will be presented by the President, Jack Ord, at the Hospice on FRIDAY 8 APRIL to Mandy Metcalfe, the Hospice’s Fundraising Manager. Mr Ord says, ‘St Leonard’s Hospice has been our main charity over the last year, and I’m very pleased to be able to hand over this money, generously given to our annual appeal.’

Mandy Metcalfe says, ‘We are really grateful to Jack and his colleagues, and everyone who supported the appeal, for this donation. It costs us around £3.3 million each year to fund the Hospice, and this money will go direct to helping our patients and supporting their families.’

BROWNS NURSERY HELPS HOSPICE PLANT SALE

8 April 2011

Bowns Nursery staff with plants Green-fingered supporters of York’s St Leonard’s Hospice will have an extra reason to smile at the Hospice’s Plant Sale and Afternoon Tea on Sunday 22 May, thanks to the support from Browns Nursery in Wigginton.

Owners Chris and John Brown, who regularly support local charities, are helping St Leonard’s as part of the Hospice’s annual sale of plants, which regularly attracts keen gardeners from the area. As%

Sue trained in York and worked in a number of local hospitals before joining the district nursing team prior to embarking on a 27-year career at St Leonard's in senior nursing positions.

Martyn Callaghan, the Chief Executive of