LIZ’S MARATHON EFFORT RAISES FUNDS FOR ST LEONARD’S
29 August 2008
Liz Davis’s run in the London Marathon had a golden outcome for York’s St Leonard’s Hospice – almost £2,500 in sponsorship.
Liz visited St Leonard’s to meet Hospice Director of Fundraising Janet Morley, and to show her medal. Liz, a recent convert to marathon running, has now undertaken several of the 26-mile events, and has also branched out in triathlons.
She chose to run the London Marathon for St Leonard’s because the mother of a friend was cared for in the Hospice. Liz says, ‘My friend said that everyone at St Leonard’s was fantastic, and when I realised that it costs £2.8 million every year to run the Hospice, I realised how important it is to raise money for them. Running a marathon is nothing compared to what the staff at St Leonard’s do every day – and if you do a marathon or some daft event like that, it’s better to do it for somebody else because it keeps you going!’
Liz was backed in her run by Barratt York, as the friend whose mother was cared for by the Hospice works for the company. St Leonard’s was Barratt’s Charity of the Year 2007-2008.
Janet Morley says, ‘Liz tells me that anyone can run a marathon, but she hasn’t convinced me yet! So we are particularly grateful that she was so generous in running for us, and raising such a wonderful amount – and thank you, too, to Barratt York for their support. It is really good to know that there are people like Liz who are motivated to go to such lengths to help St Leonard’s.’
EASTER PICTURE MAKES £1000 IN CHRISTMAS CARDS FOR HOSPICE
13 August 2008
Christmas cards showing a snow scene at Warthill, east of York, that was taken on Easter Day have raised more than £1,000 for St Leonard’s Hospice.
Warthill resident Jack Hunter woke early on Easter Sunday 2007 – and seeing it had snowed he rushed out of his house with his camera to take pictures of the village before traffic and footsteps had spoiled the scene.
Later in the year he made some Christmas cards for the use of himself and his wife Audrey. They were seen by neighbours who asked for some too – and soon the whole village was ordering. Jack produced a book of sample pictures for people to choose the scene they wanted, and made the cards to order.
‘There were 22 different pictures,’ says Jack, ‘and we had more than 1000 orders. The most popular scenes were of the village pond and the church. We decided to give the proceeds to St Leonard’s as we’ve been supporters for a long time; the Hospice cared for our niece, so we know how well the patients are looked after.’
Sue Edwards, Fundraising Assistant at St Leonard‘s Hospice, says, ‘This was a wonderful idea of Jack’s , and has raised an amazing amount for our work. We are really grateful to him, and to everyone in Warthill who bought the cards at Christmas.’
VISIT YORK RAISES £800 FOR LOCAL CHARITY
13 August 2008
York’s tourism businesses dug deep into their pockets and raised £800 for St. Leonards Hospice at the 2008 Tourism Awards for Excellence, held at York Racecourse earlier this year.
Many of the city’s tourist attractions, guest houses, hotels, shops and restaurants took a gamble on the blackjack and spun the roulette wheel at the fundraising casino, which was part of this year’s tourism ‘Oscars’. The annual awards acknowledge and reward the successful endeavours of tourism businesses in the city.
Sister Agatha from the Bar Convent, who received the highly-prized 'Tourism Ambassador of the Year' award at the event presented the money to Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St. Leonards Hospice, at the Bar Convent.
The first-ever meeting to discuss having a hospice in York, which eventually resulted in St. Leonards Hospice, actually took place at the Bar Convent, so it was felt fitting to ask Sister Agatha to present this cheque. Sister Agatha, official Visit York Tourism Ambassador said, ‘What could be a greater privilege that to support St Leonard’s Hospice with this handsome cheque?’.
The Bar Convent has a long-standing relationship with the hospice movement. In 1815 the then Bishop of Dublin sent two girls to be trained as nuns at York’s Bar Covent. On returning to Ireland one, Mary Aikenhead,founded the Irish Sisters Charity, which in turn founded St Joseph’s Hospice in Hackney London – thought to be the first hospice in England.
St. Leonard’s Hospice, which was founded in 1985, cares for local people with life threatening illness and for their families. In addition to the 21 beds for in-patients, it also has a Daycare unit. St. Leonard’s services are free of charge and the Hospice’s £2.8 million costs are met entirely by the generosity of the local community.
Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard's Hospice said ’St Leonard's is very grateful for this donation. The money raised will go directly to our work of helping local people and their families.' Gillian Cruddas, Chief Executive of Visit York, said, ‘We’re delighted to be presenting this cheque to St Leonard’s Hospice on behalf of York’s tourism industry; their work is invaluable to the city of York.’
WATES’ CYCLISTS DELIVER £11,000 TO HOSPICE
12 August 2008
A group of intrepid cyclists from Wates Construction has cycled across country from Bridlington to Blackpool to raise money for three charities, including York’s St Leonard’s Hospice.
The bikers visited the Hospice to hand over £11,000 to St Leonard’s Hospice Mascot Lenny Bear and Hospice Community Fundraiser Roy Cole. They also presented the same amount to Marie Curie Cancer Care – and earlier they will had been at Martin House Children’s Hospice in Boston Spa with a cheque for them, too.
Organised by York man David Price, who is Commercial Manger for Wates Construction, working from its Leeds Office, the team of 27 cyclists included 19 Wates staff as well as riders from Wates’ suppliers. It also included the Head and Deputy Head of York’s Manor school – Wates are constructing the school’s new premises on Boroughbridge Road.
David Price says, ‘We chose our three charities because members of the team have personal connections with them – St Leonard’s cared for my mother and father, and I know how good their work is.’
Roy Cole says, ‘Everyone at St Leonard’s is really grateful to the Wates cyclists for their great effort in crossing the country from sea to sea, and for raising such a fantastic sum for our work and that of the other charities.’
ROCK AND POP STARS OF THE FUTURE IN CONCERT FOR THE HOSPICE
10 July 2008
Three young bands who are being coached at the School of Rock And Pop held weekly at Archbishop Holgate’s School in York are practising hard for a concert on 14 July that will raise finds for the city’s St Leonard’s Hospice.
The bands, all with members aged between 11 and 18, will play the best of contemporary rock and pop at the concert, which is being held at Archbishop Holgate’s, on Hull Road, starting at 7.30 pm.
The School of Rock and Pop, which is based in Darlington, aims to get young musicians out of their bedrooms and playing in a band. The weekly lessons help the musicians to make new friends and build confidence as they learn to play the songs they enjoy. The School offers tuition in a wide range of styles, from Reggae and Latin American to Ska and Heavy Metal. Over the academic year the students are exposed to and participate in classes in a wide variety of rock and pop styles.
Andrew Meadowcroft from the School of Rock and Pop says, ‘We have five other centres throughout the north, and each one has always raised money for their local hospice. We wanted to carry on that tradition in York as we know that St Leonard’s Hospice provides a fantastic service to the local community.’
Victoria Perry, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s, says, ‘We are delighted that the School’s first concert in York will be dedicated to the Hospice – we’re looking forward to a great evening, and we wish all the best to the young musicians.’
• Tickets for the concert on 14 July cost £3 and £2 and are available from students of the School of Rock and Pop – more information from 0845 234 0195 or www.schoolofrockandpop.com
AKASH’S TANDOORI NIGHT HELPS HOSPICE
4 July 2008
Akash Tandoori restaurant is offering diners a choice from anywhere on its menu – and charging just £8.95 for three courses – and it is extra-special because it raises funds for York’s St Leonard’s Hospice.
Barik Miah and his colleagues at the Akash Tandoori in North Street are holding a special fundraising evening for the Hospice on THURSDAY 10 JULY, charging just £8.95 for three courses. All the money paid by customers on the evening will be donated to the work of the Hospice.
Victoria Perry, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘Akash Tandoori is one of the Hospice’s Corporate Patrons, and a regular supporter of our work. We are delighted that they are again running a special fund-raising evening for us. We know that diners will enjoy the restaurant’s dishes, and they will know that they are helping St Leonard’s at the same time.’
SCHOOL’S EFFORTS RAISE £2,000 FOR ST LEONARD’S HOSPICE
26 June 2008
Pupils, parents and staff at St Olave’s School in York - the Junior School of St Peter’s School – have helped to raise £2,000 for St Leonard’s Hospice with a series of events that included a fundraising ball at the National Railway Museum and a Shopping Extravaganza evening.
Co-ordinated by St Olave’s Parent/Teachers Association, the fundraising efforts throughout the year have also included school fetes and fairs.
The Head of St Olave’s, Andy Falconer, says, ‘Helping our 350 pupils to realise that they have a moral obligation to help others when they can, is very important. We are very pleased with the amounts that have been raised this year and we hope they make a real difference to St Leonard’s Hospice and to the charities which we support.’ Iona Illingworth, Chair of the PTA, added, ‘Everyone has worked very hard to generate as much as possible – thank you to all involved.’
Sue Edwards of St Leonard’s Hospice Fundraising Team says, ‘St Olave’s School is one of our regular supporters, and we are very grateful that they have raised such a magnificent sum for us. Thank you to everyone!’
At the beginning of the summer holiday, a group of St. Olave’s teachers will be attempting to climb the highest peak of each of mainland Britain’s three countries as part of the Twenty-Four Hour National Three Peaks Challenge. They aim to raise money for Martin House Children’s Hospice in Boston Spa. Other beneficiaries of the school’s charity giving this year have been Svrljig - a charity for children in Serbia; the Yorkshire Air Ambulance; the RSPCA; Guide Dogs for the Blind and Barnardos.
HOTEL WEDDING FAIR HELPS ST LEONARD’S HOSPICE
24 June 2008
A beautiful dress and a handsome groom are the two requisites for any bride – and the Wedding Fair at the Marriott Hotel on Tadcaster Road in York on Sunday 20 July in aid of York’s St Leonard’s Hospice will help with at least one of those.
The Fair, which will be open to the public from 11.00 am to 4.00 pm, will include lots of ideas for helping that special day to be perfect, including wedding dresses from Susan Forth Wedding Gowns of Selby.
Other exhibitors include wedding cake designers, photographers, florists, suit hire for the groom, best man and ushers, wedding cars, makers of wedding favours and suppliers of wedding accessories and stationery.
All money raised from the Wedding Fair will go to help St Leonard’s Hospice to provide care for patients and their families. Admission to the Fair is free.
Judith Wilson, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says ‘Although we can’t perhaps, help with a handsome man, we can make sure that brides-to be have everything else they need for their special day. Our Wedding Fair at the Marriott is a brilliant opportunity to get inspiration for a wedding, and we are grateful to the staff of the Marriott and to all our exhibitors for their hard work and generous help.’
ALL SAINTS STUDENTS’ SWIMMING AND SILENCE FOR THE HOSPICE
23 June 2008
Students from Year 7 at All Saints School in York have taken to the water or stopped talking as they help to raise funds for the city’s St Leonard’s Hospice.
One hundred and seventy-five students took part in a Sponsored Swim, at the swimming pool of The Mount School in Dalton Terrace, or held an hour’s sponsored silence at All Saints.
The events were organised by Dave Guest, Head of Year 7 at the school, as part of the citizenship learning that the year-group undertakes each year. This year the two events raised a total of more than £1,700 for the Hospice, as part of the school’s continued charitable fundraising. Mr Guest sys, 'Thank you to all the parents, relatives and friends without whom the money would not have been donated.'
The school first started to collect funds for St Leonard’s in this way in 1994, and have raised more than £20,000 for the work of the Hospice.
Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘Fourteen years of swimming and keeping silent for St Leonard’s is really amazing. We are very grateful to the school for their support over the years, and to all this year’s students who swam or were silent for us.’
SUNFLOWER TREE BLOOMS FOR HOSPICE IN ST HELEN’S SQUARE
17 June 2008
A ‘Sunflower Tree’ has sprung up in York’s St Helen’s Square to celebrate the work of St Leonard’s Hospice and to mark Hospice Awareness Month.
The 12-foot tree, supplied by Vertigrow Plant Nursery in Malton Road, York, is in the centre of the square, outside the Mansion House, for a week. From its branches hang sunflower shapes coloured by visitors to the Hospice’s Summer Fair at the beginning of June, by local children and by patients in the Hospice’s Daycare.
Since 1996, when the Hospice and local children created a giant sunflower on the Eye of York, St Leonard’s has celebrated the month of June with a sunflower display in the city centre. There have been sunflowers in York Minster, the Theatre Royal, the City Library and in the Art Gallery, as well as at the National Railway Museum. This is the first time since the original display that the sunflowers will be in the open air, and the ‘Sunflower Tree’ is attracting a great deal of attention.
Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘The eye-catching Sunflower Tree will help to let local people and visitors know about the work of St Leonard’s in a colourful, fun way. We are very grateful to Vertigrow for supplying the tree for us, to City of York Council for allowing us to “plant” it in St Helen’s Square, and to everyone who has coloured in the special sunflowers for us. We hope everyone enjoys it!’
'SUNBEAM’ COCKTAILS AT HOTEL DU VIN HELP HOSPICE ‘GO YELLOW’
12 June 2008
Bright yellow ‘Sunbeams’ are shining at York’s Hotel du Vin as guests order a new cocktail specially created to raise finds for the city’s St Leonard’s Hospice.
Barman Adrien Leuillier has created his ‘Sunbeam’ cocktail to mark Go Yellow month, which raises awareness of St Leonard’s by encouraging all things yellow – the colours of sunflowers, the Hospice’s symbol. It consists of rum, pineapple juice, banana, ginger liqueur and vanilla syrup and lives up to its sunny name.
Each ‘Sunbeam’ sold at £5.00 will see a donation of £3.00 going to the work of St Leonard’s Hospice in caring for local people with life-threatening illnesses. The new cocktail will be on sale throughout June.
Sophie Lemm, Regional Business Manager, Yorkshire, for Malmasion and Hotel du Vin, says, ‘The Hotel du Vin wanted to think of a way we could support this fantastic local charity during their ‘Go Yellow’ month, and a cocktail seemed the perfect idea. We always like to be involved in the events that St Leonard’s organises because of the amazing work the Hospice does.’
Hospice Community Fundraiser Victoria Perry says, ‘A sunny, fantastic-tasting cocktail is a perfect way to celebrate our Go Yellow month. We are very grateful to Hotel du Vin for its support and to Adrien for coming up with such a great drink. Try one as soon as possible – they’re brilliant!’
NESTLE BARS WILL HELP HOSPICE MIDNIGHT WALKERS
11 June 2008
Everyone who takes part in the first St Leonard’s Hospice Midnight Walk on 21 June will be able to keep their calorie levels topped up, thanks to a donation of cereal bars from Nestlé.
The company’s Customer Contact Centre Team Manager Vicky Whitelock, and Customer Relations Officer Gillian Liddell will visit the Hospice on THURSDAY 11 JUNE to hand over more than 500 cereal bars in flavours including Shreddies, Honey Nut and Nesquik to Hospice mascot Lenny Bear.
Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice says, ‘It’s important that our Midnight Walkers have plenty to keep them going on the 21 June, so we are very grateful to Vicky and Gillian, and all their colleagues at Nestlé, for donating these nutritious cereal bars. Now all we have to do is to stop Lenny from eating too many before the day!’
COLTON GARDENS AND ART HELP HOSPICE AND CHURCH
4 June 2008
The gardeners of Colton are hard at work preparing for one of the major events of the village’s year – the Open Gardens and Art Exhibition on 21 and 22 June in aid of Colton Church and St Leonard’s Hospice.
Five village gardens are opening to the public on both days from 10.00 to 4.30 pm. Among them is the garden of Martin Etherton at the Old Post Office. Since he moved to the village he has created a new alpine garden with a miniature railway running through it, which is expected to prove particularly popular with children. Admission is £3.00 for all five gardens, and there will be refreshments, books, plants and St Leonard’s Hospice gifts on sale.
The Art Exhibition, which takes place in St Paul’s Church, Colton, will be open throughout the weekend, from 10.00 am to 4.30 pm on both days. Admission is included with the fee for the gardens.
Evelyn Pennington, one of the organisers of the annual Colton Open Gardens, says, ‘My late husband Clifford died at St Leonard’s, and since I’ve remarried, my new husband Alan and I have raised thousands of pounds to help the Hospice.’
Judith Wilson, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘We are really pleased that Evelyn, Alan and their friends in Colton are once again opening their gardens and organising local artistic talent for this special weekend. June is Hospice Awareness Month, and we are delighted that the people of Colton are giving so generously to St Leonard’s.'
HOSPICE VOLUNTEERS HAVE TEA – WITH CAKES MADE BY VOLUNTEERS
4 June 2008
Volunteers from York’s St Leonard’s Hospice are being treated to afternoon tea at York’s Marriott Hotel to say thank you for all their hard work over the last year – and the cakes are being provided by the Marriott’s own volunteers.
This year, to mark National Volunteers Week, St Leonard’s has invited all of its volunteers to tea. There are currently more than 400 volunteers who support the Hospice, helping with everything from working in the wards or in Daycare to cooking, hairdressing , gardening, in our shops or with regular fundraising events. Last yaer they worked more than 20,000 hours for St Leonard’s.
This year the Marriott Hotel in Tadcaster Road is hosting the tea. It has its own team of volunteers who help in the community, and they offered to make the cakes to feed the 120 Hospice volunteers expected at the hotel.
Heather Marvin, Volunteers Services Manager at the Hospice, says ‘Volunteers have always been at the very heart of the Hospice Movement, and since St Leonard's opened in 1985 we have always had a regular and very loyal band who work in every aspect of the Hospice's life. This tea party is a chance to say a very big “Thank You” to them for all their hard work – and it is really good that the Marriott’s volunteers are helping us to celebrate!’
HOSPICE LUNCHEON CLUB INVITES PAST MEMBERS TO CELEBRATE 21 YEARS
4 June 2008
The Luncheon Club at St Leonard’s Hospice is celebrating its 21st birthday this year – and is marking the occasion with a ‘cuppa and a chat’ at the Hospice on Monday 9 June.
The Club, which started in 1987, not long after the Hospice was opened, meets at the Hospice each month to bring together people who have recently been bereaved. Members usually attend the monthly meetings for a short time after they are bereaved.
The organisers have issued an invitation to everyone who has been a member in the past to return for the reunion, which takes place in ‘The Stables Coffee Stop’ at the Hospice (the original Day Hospice building) from 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm on 9 June.
June is Hospice Awareness month, and everyone is invited to wear something yellow – the colour of sunflowers, symbol of the Hospice Movement – to mark the occasion.
Rosemary Thompson, Bereavement Care Coordinator at St Leonard’s, says, ‘The Hospice Luncheon Club has “come of age” this year, so we’d like to welcome back as many of our former members as possible for the reunion this year. They may meet old friends and there will be the chance to talk and reminisce. And we hope they will wear something yellow to support the work of St Leonard’s.’
Booking is not needed for the reunion – just turn up. There is no parking at the Hospice except for people with mobility problems. Visitors are encouraged to use the Park and Ride bus to Askham Bar, opposite the Hospice on Tadcaster Road.
‘TIE A YELLOW RIBBON’ TO HELP ST LEONARD’S HOSPICE
30 May 2008
Supporters of St Leonard’s Hospice are being invited to ‘Tie a Yellow Ribbon’ to a special tree in the grounds of the Hospice to honour their loved ones and friends.
Remembering loved ones with a yellow ribbon has become an important part of many people’s lives. Throughout the month of June St Leonard’s offers everyone the chance to ‘Tie a Yellow Ribbon’ on the tree on its Tadcaster Road site, in return for a donation to help its work of caring for local people. Yellow is the colour of hope and memory, and is a colour especially associated with the hospice movement.
Each yellow ribbon carries the name of the person honoured, and will be tied in place by one of the Hospice staff. The ribbons will remain on the tree throughout June, which is Hospice Awareness Month. Hospices throughout the country will be taking part in a campaign to increase awareness of their work.
To remember someone with a yellow ribbon ask for a leaflet from one of the Hospice shops in Acomb, Haxby, Pocklington, Scarcroft Road and Tang Hall, from Hospice reception in Tadcaster Road or from St Leonard’s Hospice Fundraising Centre by calling 01904 77 77 77.
Helen Moreton, Community Fundraiser for 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 to our work and having a yellow ribbon tied to our special tree, you will be making a positive contribution to our work of caring for local people.’
This year there is a special event for Hospice Awareness Month at St Leonard’s. On Saturday 21 June the Hospice is holding its first Midnight Walk on pavements and cycle paths around the centre of York, starting and finishing at York College on Sim Balk Lane. Walkers check in at York College between 10.30 pm and 11.30 pm and set off at 12.00 midnight after a short warm-up. The Walk is led throughout. Everyone, of any age, is welcome to join in, but anyone who is 16 or under must be supervised by an adult at all times. There is a charge of £10.00 for each walker – 16 or under, £5.00 – and everyone is being encouraged to get sponsorship. For more information call 01904 77 77 77
POCKLINGTON’S ‘BAYWATCH BIKERS’ TO RAISE FUNDS FOR HOSPICE
20 May 2008
Staff and members of the Francis Scaife Sports Centre in Pocklington are to pedal their bikes all the way to Filey and back to raise money for St Leonard’s Hospice in York.
Around 20 riders – calling themselves ‘The Baywatch Bikers’ – will set off on Saturday 19 July for the coast. Among them will be gym member Adele Shipley, whose mother was cared for by St Leonard’s.
Darren Jackson, Manager of the Francis Scaife Sports Centre and one of the riders, says, ‘We’ve done quite a few charity events through the gym before, and this time we wanted to raise money for a local charity. Adele’s mum died in the Hospice so we all wanted to do something for St Leonard’s to say thank you for all the care and support she received. St Leonard’s wasn’t just there for her mum, but for the whole family, too.’
Victoria Perry, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘Biking more than 60 miles to raise funds for St Leonard’s will be no mean feat, and we hope that lots of people will sponsor ‘The Baywatch Bikers’ well as cheering them along on their journey! We are very grateful to them for coming up with this excellent idea, and we wish them the best possible weather for the ride.’
• Donations can be made on-line at www.justgiving,com/adeleshipley – or contact the Francis Scaife Sports Centre on 01759 305052.
SELBY INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION BALL HELPS THE HOSPICE
9 May 2008
Dancing the night away has helped Selby Industrial Association raise £1,350 for the work of St Leonard’s Hospice.
Selby Industrial Association, which brings together companies in the Selby area to promote their mutual interests, held a Ball at The York Pavilion Hotel in November last year. Organised by John Readshaw, Ian Bithell and Bryan Cass, officers of the Association, the evening raised a total of £2,700. The Association has divided the proceeds between St Leonard’s Hospice and Martin House Hospice for Children
This is the second year in succession that the event has raised more than £1,000 for St Leonard’s, and John Readshaw, Ian Bithell and Bryan Cass went to the Hospice to hand over the cheque to Hospice cooks Taffeline Tough and Penny Deighton, who attended the Ball.
Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, says, ‘A great deal of the support for St Leonard’s comes from the Selby area, and we are really grateful that the members of Selby Industrial Association have once again helped us in our work of caring for local people and their families. ’
SEVERUS SOCIAL CLUB’S HOSPICE EVENING NETS £1000
28 April 2008
Generous members and friends of Severus Social Club in York’s Milner Street raised more than £1,000 at a special evening of entertainment and fundraising in aid of St Leonard’s Hospice.
The club lined up entertainers, including duo Flaming Pie, to perform at the club on Wednesday 16 April. An auction, which included a view of Captain Cook’s ship Endeavour in harbour painted by a Daycare patient at the Hospice, a snooker cue and dancing lessons, were among the fundraising events during the evening.
There was also a Grand Raffle with prizes donated by the club’s suppliers and by local businesses, including a Nestle hamper as well as a bingo session and other fundraising activities.
The evening raised £1,080 for the work of St Leonard’s Hospice, and Hospice Volunteer Arthur Hattee will be at the Club to receive the donation, which will be used to help care for local people with life-threatening illnesses, and their families.
Judith Wilson, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘It was really generous of the Severus Social Club to arrange this special fundraising evening for us, and we are delighted that they have raised such a great sum of money. We know that everyone had a brilliant night and we thank them for giving so generously to our work.’
10,000 BEDDING PLANTS ON SALE AT HOSPICE
28 April 2008
Anyone looking for summer bedding plants should hurry along to St Leonard’s Hospice on Tadcaster Road in York on Saturday 3 May when 10,000 of them will be on sale to help Hospice funds.
The plants have been donated by HM Prison Wealstun at Thorpe Arch near Wetherby. As the prison is currently being upgraded they are not needed for displays this year, so David Jones, Learning and Skills Manager at the Prison, agreed with his colleagues to donate them to charity. As well as the 10,000 to St Leonard’s Hospice, a similar number is going to help Martin House Children’s Hospice.
The plant sale at St Leonard’s on Saturday is being run by the Hospice’s volunteer gardeners with the help of members of the York Ainsty Rotary Club. It opens at 10.00 am and finishes at 2.30 pm. Among the plants on sale will be marigolds, begonias, lobelia and antirrhinums.
Janet Morley. Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘With the weather about to really warm up – we hope! – now’s a good time to buy bedding plants to bring colour to your garden. And these plants from HMP Wealstun are beautifully grown and are bound to make a splash. We are really grateful to David and his colleagues for so generously donating all these plants to us – and to our volunteer gardeners and our friends from York Ainsty Rotary Club who are helping to sell them. All the money we raise will go directly to our work of helping local people who have life-threatening illnesses.’
BUTCHERS MEET TO HELP THE HOSPICE
23 April 2008
Three local butchers are donating bacon and sausages to help feed the many people who are supporting the Midnight Walk in aid of St Leonard’s Hospice in June.
After an appeal in The Press, Ged Bell Butchers of Middlethorpe Grove, J H Piercey Butchers of Gracious Street and M & K Butchers of Bishopthorpe Road have all offered meat for the barbecue that will feed the walkers after their six-and–a-half mile circular walk on 21 June. The walkers will also be able to warm up with tea and coffee supplied by Betty’s and Taylor’s of York,
The Midnight Walk, which follows pavements and cycle paths around the centre of York, starts and finishes at York College on Sim Balk Lane, not far from the Hospice. Walkers check in at York College between 10.30 pm and 11.30 pm and set off at 12.00 midnight after a short warm-up. The Walk is led throughout. Everyone, of any age, is welcome to join in, but anyone who is 16 or under must be supervised by an adult at all times.
There is a charge of £10.00 for each walker – 16 or under, £5.00 – and everyone is being encouraged to get sponsorship. All the proceeds will go towards the £2.75 million annual cost of running St Leonard’s, which makes no charges to its patients or their families.
Donna Woodman, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘There’s nothing better after a good walk than hot food, so we’re delighted that these three excellent local butchers have offered us supplies for our barbecue. It will really give us something to look forward to as we stride out on the Midnight Walk on 21 June!’
SOCIAL CLUB PUTS ON SPECIAL HOSPICE NIGHT
10 April 2008
A special evening of entertainment and fundraising is being planned by Severus Social Club in York’s Milner Street in aid of St Leonard’s Hospice.
The club has lined up entertainers, including duo Flaming Pie, to perform at the club on Wednesday 16 April. In addition, there will be an auction, which includes among its lots a painting of Captain Cook’s ship Endeavour in harbour, painted by a Daycare patient at the Hospice. Other lots include a snooker cue and dancing lessons.
A Grand Raffle offers the chance to win prizes donated by the club’s suppliers and by local businesses, including a Nestle hamper. There will also be a bingo session and other fundraising activities on the evening.
Non-members are welcome to the evening, from 7.30pm; members will be on hand to sign them in. Admission is free. There is on-street parking nearby.
Judith Wilson, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s, says, ‘We are very grateful to the members of Severus Social Club for arranging this special evening in aid of the Hospice, to our long-term volunteer Arthur Hattee for helping with the arrangements and to everyone who has supplied lots for the auction and prizes – especially our Daycare patient who donated the wonderful picture of the Endeavour.’
ROB NEEDS FOOD TO COOK FOR MIDNIGHT WALK
4 April 2008
Rob Marshall is ready with his barbecue to feed the volunteers taking part in the first Midnight Walk in aid of St Leonard’s Hospice on 21 June – but so far he has nothing to cook.
So Rob is appealing to a local companies to see if anyone can offer bacon, sausages and bread to feed the expected 500 walkers as they complete their six-and–a-half mile circular walk following pavements and cycle paths around the centre of York.
The Midnight Walk starts and finishes at York College on Sim Balk Lane not far from the Hospice. Everyone, of any age, is welcome to join in, but anyone who is 16 or under must be supervised by an adult at all times. Rob’s wife Pat, who is the physiotherapist at St Leonard’s Hospice, will be taking part in the Walk, along with their dog Missey.
‘I’m looking forward to cooking for the hungry walkers as they return from the walk,’ says Rob, but there’ll be nothing for them to tuck into unless a generous local company offers help – we’d all be really grateful to them.’
The Hospice’s Midnight Walk starts with walkers checking in at York College between 10.30 pm and 11.30 pm. After a after a short warm-up they set off at 12.00 midnight. The Walk is led throughout. There is a charge of £10.00 for each walker – 16 or under, £5.00 – and everyone is being encouraged to get sponsorship. All the proceeds will go towards the £2.6 million annual cost of running St Leonard’s, which makes no charges to its patients or their families.
Donna Woodman, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘Rob is really keen to make sure that the walkers are fed properly after their Midnight adventure. We know that there are lots of supportive companies out there who could offer food for him to cook – please give us a ring if you can help!’
• If you can offer food for the Midnight Walk Barbecue, contact Donna on 01904 77 77 77.
• Entry forms for the St Leonard’s Hospice Midnight Walk are available on the Hospice’s website – www.stleonardshospice.org.uk – by calling the Hospice Fundraising Centre on 01904 77 77 77, from reception at the Hospice on Tadcaster Road and at The Press in Walmgate.
BREAST UNIT FACES PEAKS CHALLENGE TO RAISE HOSPICE FUNDS
3 April 2008
Six friends from the Breast Unit Team at York District Hospital are challenging themselves and raising funds for St Leonard’s Hospice by attempting the Yorkshire Three Peaks.
The team, organised by Jackie Frazer and with the support of colleagues, will set out on 28 June and hope to tackle Ingleborough, Whernside and Pen-y-Ghent within 12 hours to win a coveted Three Peaks certificate. They are encouraging friends, relatives, colleagues and the public to sponsor them, with the funds going to the work of St Leonard’s.
Helen Moreton from the Hospice’s Fundraising team says, ‘Jackie and her colleagues are already in training for this great challenge, and I know they are looking forward to it. We are very grateful to them for offering to do the Three Peaks for St Leonard’s, and we wish them good luck and good weather on 28 June.’
Anyone who would like to sponsor Jackie and her team from the Breast Unit can contact the Hospice’s Fundraising Centre on 01904 77 77 77.
AGE GAP NO PROBLEM FOR FAMILY TACKLING MIDNIGHT WALK
1 April 2008
Three generations of the same family are taking part in the Midnight Walk for St Leonard’s Hospice – with 50 years separating their ages.
Seven-year-old Holly Hankin will join her mother Sam (37) and her grandmother, 57-year-old Maureen Cox on the Walk, which takes place on the longest Day – Saturday 21 June. Maureen and Sam run Fringes Hair Salon in Middlethorpe Grove in York.
‘We thought a Midnight Walk was a bit different, and we want to help raise lots of money for St Leonard’s’, says Sam. ‘We hope to get as many people as we can to sponsor us.’
The Midnight Walk starts and finishes at York College on Sim Balk Lane not far from the Hospice. The organisers hope that around 500 walkers will take part – though there will be room for more! Everyone, of any age, is welcome to join in, but anyone who is 16 or under must be supervised by an adult at all times.
Walkers will check in at York College between 10.30 pm and 11.30 pm. After a short warm-up the six-and–a-half mile circular walk begins at 12.00 midnight, following pavements and cycle paths around the centre of York. It will be led throughout. There is a charge of £10.00 for each walker – 16 or under, £5.00 – and everyone is being encouraged to get sponsorship. All the proceeds will go towards the £2.6 million annual cost of running St Leonard’s, which makes no charges to its patients or their families.
Donna Woodman, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘It’s great that Holly, Sam and Maureen are all keen to do the Midnight Walk together. We know that it will be a great adventure, and we are sure that lots of people are already looking forward to it very keenly.’
GUY’S EIGHTIETH BIRTHDAY BASH HELPS THE HOSPICE
18 March 2008
When Guy Jefferson celebrated his 80th birthday recently he received no gifts – but all his friends and relations made generous donations to York’s St Leonard’s Hospice instead.
Guy and his wife June will visit the Hospice on TUESDAY 18 MARCH to hand over almost £1,100 to Community Fundraiser Donna Woodman. This is the second time Guy and June have helped St Leonard’s in this way – they also asked for donations instead of gifts for their Golden Wedding anniversary.
Almost 80 people attended Guy’s birthday party at York’s Ramada Fairfield Manor Hotel, where they were entertained by organist and singer Martin Hewitt, a friend of the Jeffersons. June also arranged a surprise for Guy – a ‘This is your Life’ presentation, telling the story of his 80 years.
‘It was a lovely event,’ says June, ‘and it was good to see so many friends. We are very pleased to have been able to raise so much for the Hospice – we have both had friends who have benefited from its care.’
Donna Woodman says, ‘It’s really thoughtful of Guy and June to remember the work of St Leonard’s in this very special way. Their friends and family have been very generous – a tribute to Guy and a lovely way of marking his birthday.’
CHARITY DONATIONS HELPS ST LEONARD’S
13 March 2008
Bereaved people attending services at York Crematorium have been generous in giving to charities – and York’s St Leonard’s Hospice is benefiting.
The crematorium’s Bereavement Service Manager, Neil Milsted, will visit the Hospice to hand over a cheque for £600 to Hospice Community Fundraiser Victoria Perry. The donation is one of the national and local charities that are benefiting from collections at the crematorium over the last 18 months.
Neil Milsted says, ‘St Leonard’s Hospice has been a beneficiary of these collections for the last few years as it is a charity that’s local to the citizens of York.’
Thanking Neil for the donation, Victoria says, ‘It is really good to know that when people are saying farewell to their loved ones, they are moved to make a donation to charity at the same time. We are very grateful to them and to Neil and his colleagues for their continued support for the work of St Leonard’s.’
HOSPICE RECEPTIONIST WENDY FIRST ON LIST FOR MIDNIGHT WALK
11 March 2008
Walkers are already signing up for the first-ever Midnight Walk in aid of St Leonard’s Hospice – and Hospice receptionist Wendy Kirkham and her friend Barbara Bright were the first two to add their names to the list.
The Walk, which takes place on the longest Day – Saturday 21 June – starts and finishes at York College on Sim Balk Lane. Wendy, who has worked on reception at St Leonard’s for seven years, says, ‘I love working at the Hospice – I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else. I feel privileged to work there, so I’m looking forward to the challenge of the Midnight Walk and to helping to give something back by raising funds to help our work.’
Following the lead of Wendy and Barbara, lots of people have already returned registration forms. The organisers hope that around 500 walkers will take part – though there will be room for more! Everyone is welcome to join in, but anyone who is 16 or under must be supervised by an adult at all times.
Walkers will check in at York College on Sim Balk Lane, not far from the Hospice, between 10.30 pm and 11.30 pm. There will be a short warm-up before the six-and–a-half mile circular walk begins at 12.00 midnight. The walk follows pavements and cycle paths around the centre of York and will be led throughout.
There is a charge of £10.00 for each walker – 16 or under, £5.00. The Hospice is encouraging everyone to be sponsored and to raise as much money as they can. All the proceeds will go towards the £2.6 million annual cost of running St Leonard’s, which makes no charges to its patients or their families.
Donna Woodman, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘It’s great that so many people have already sent in their forms to take part in the Walk – and that Wendy and Barbara led the way! We are really grateful to everyone, and we look forward to a really exciting event on 21 June.’
FIRST-TIME FASHION SHOW HELPS HOSPICE – AND THE ENVIRONMENT
11 March 2008
For the first time, all six of St Leonard’s Hospice’s shops are coming together to present a special fashion show at the Hospice in Tadcaster Road – and everything, including bridal gowns and outfits for proud mothers, is for sale.
The show, on Monday 21 April, will feature a wide selection of top-quality clothes, handbags and shoes from the stock of the shops at Acomb, Burton Stone Lane, Haxby, Pocklington, Scarcroft Road and Tang Hall. They will be modelled by shop customers and volunteers.
The Daycare area of the Hospice is being made available for the show, which features clothes for all occasions. Tickets, which are available at all the Hospice shops or from St Leonard’s Hospice Fundraising Centre on 01904 77 77 77 cost £3.50 and include light refreshments. The doors open at 7.00 pm, and the show begins at 7.30 pm. All proceeds go towards the work of St Leonard’s.
Helen Moreton, Retail Manager for St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘Some of our shops have had their own fashion shows before, but this is the first time they have all worked together on one event. There are some wonderful clothes available, many of them practically new, and we know there will be a lot of interest in buying them after the show. Purchasers, both at the show and in our shops, know that they are helping St Leonard’s Hospice – and they are also helping the environment, so everyone benefits!’
JULIE TO RUN LONDON MARATHON FOR ST LEONARD’S
29 February 2008
Julie McDonald, whose partner Jamie Sharp works at J Rymer Funeral Services, is running the London Marathon to help the company’s year-long fundraising for York’s St Leonard’s Hospice – and Hospice mascot Lenny Bear has been helping her to train.
J Rymer, which is based at Penleys Grove Street in York, has chosen St Leonard’s Hospice as its Charity of the Year. Julie, who has run the London Marathon a couple of times before, agreed to help with their fundraising efforts by running for the Hospice this year. In return J Rymer are going to kit out Julie with new running gear. ‘A friend of mine was cared for in St Leonard’s recently,’ Julie says, ‘and it brought home to me what a good job the Hospice does, so I should like to raise as much as possible for its work.’
Jamie and their six-month-old daughter Poppy are encouraging Julie in her training, and will be in London on Sunday 13 April to cheer her on.
Victoria Perry, Corporate Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘J Rymer has supported the Hospice for a long time now, and we are delighted that they have chosen St Leonard’s as their Charity of the Year this year. We are thrilled that Julie is tackling the London Marathon on our behalf, and we hope that lots of people will support her with sponsorship.’
• To sponsor Julie in the London Marathon go to www.justgiving.com/juliemcdonald, or call into J Rymer in Penleys Grove Street
FLOWER EVENING RAISES HOSPICE FUNDS
25 February 2008
A sell-out evening with expert flower artist George Smith MBE for Acomb Flower Guild raised £555 towards the work of St Leonard’s Hospice, and the same amount for the Anthony Nolan Trust, last November.
The Guild’s Chairman, Margaret Best, presented the money to Hospice Volunteer Cyril Reynolds at its recent meeting in Acomb Church Hall. Each year the Chairman chooses which charities the Guild will support.
‘It was a really good evening, with every seat sold – in fact George Smith joked that the tickets must have been changing hands on the black market! Some of our members have been cared for by St Leonard’s, so it was very appropriate that we should support the Hospice this year,’ says Mrs Best’
Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘George Smith has supported St Leonard’s for a long time, and he was one of our Millennium Appeal Patrons. We are very pleased that the members of Acomb Flower Guild had such a good time watching him create some of his wonderful flower arrangements – and we are really grateful to them for supporting our work so generously.’
COLLEGE GETS GEARED UP FOR HOSPICE’S MIDNIGHT WALK
22 February 2008
Staff and students of York College are gearing up to help hundreds of walkers tackle the first-ever Midnight Walk in aid of St Leonard’s Hospice.
The Walk, which takes place on the longest Day – Saturday 21 June – starts and finishes at York College on Sim Balk Lane and the College is supporting the Hospice by offering its facilities at the beginning and end, and providing volunteers to help staff the route and run the event.
Walkers will check in at the College between 10.30 pm and 11.30 pm. There will be a short warm-up before the six-and–a-half mile circular walk begins at 12.00 midnight. The walk follows pavements and cycle paths around the centre of York and will be led throughout.
The organisers hope that around 500 walkers will take part – though there will be room for more! Everyone is welcome to join in, but anyone who is 16 or under must be supervised by an adult at all times.
There is a charge of £10.00 for each walker – 16 or under, £5.00. The Hospice is encouraging everyone to be sponsored and to raise as much money as they can. All the proceeds will go towards the £2.6 million annual cost of running St Leonard’s, which makes no charges to its patients or their families.
Sophie Burr, Post-16 Progression Coordinator at York College, says, ‘The College is very pleased to be able to offer support to our neighbours at St Leonard’s Hospice on this very special walk. For the past two years the Hospice has been the chosen charity for many student volunteers. The College runs a valuable enrichment programme alongside the curriculum and seeing students working in the local community in this way is part of our long-term commitment. Our students want to give something back to the wider community.’
Donna Woodman, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘Everyone at York College has been brilliant as we’ve been setting up our first Midnight Walk. We are really grateful to them, and we look forward to welcoming lots of walkers on 21 June.’
TV PRESENTER HELPS HOSPICE PILOT NATIONAL CLEAN HANDS CAMPAIGN
20 February 2008
BBC Look North’s Harry Gration is helping St Leonard’s Hospice highlight its pioneering work in encouraging hand hygiene for healthcare workers to help prevent the spread of infections.
St Leonard’s is one of two hospices in England where ‘cleanyourhands’, a voluntary national campaign, is being piloted. Launched in 2004, ‘cleanyourhands’ has already been adopted by all NHS acute trusts in England and Wales. It is now being extended to primary care, mental health care and ambulance trusts as well as care homes and hospices.
There is a display in the Hospice about the campaign, as well as posters and information for patients that explain the campaign, which is designed to educate and inform healthcare workers about why, when and how to clean their hands. It also provides information for patients about how they can encourage good hand hygiene by the people looking after them.
Sue Spence, Director of Clinical Care at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘We are proud of our strict regime of hand hygiene and infection control at St Leonard’s. We are pleased to be able to use our expertise in helping other hospices and healthcare organisations to implement the ‘cleanyourhands’ campaign and procedures, and we are delighted that Harry has been able to give his support to our work.’
‘THE STABLES’ CALLS FOR HELP TO OPEN EXTRA DAYS
15 February 2008
The call has gone out from ‘The Stables’, St Leonard’s Hospice’s popular ‘coffee stop’, for extra volunteers to join its friendly team and help increase the opening hours.
Based in the former stables of the house that once stood on the Hospice site in Tadcaster Road, opposite the Askham Bar Park & Ride, ‘The Stables’ building has been refurbished with sofas as well as café-style tables and chairs. It has a display of old photographs showing the conversion of the building when the Hospice took it over the 1980s.
‘The Stables’, which is open to everyone, serves light refreshments, including delicious home-made scones, cakes, sandwiches and toasted teacakes. Soup is also available, along with freshly-made tea and coffee. All the proceeds from the ‘Coffee Stop’ go towards the work of St Leonard’s Hospice in caring for local people who have life-threatening illnesses.
It is currently open from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and is staffed by volunteers. The Hospice would like to extend the opening hours soon and is looking for more willing helpers. Anyone who can offer a couple of hours during the week will be made very welcome. Please call Hospice Community Fundraiser Judith Wilson on 01904 77 77 77 for more details.
Judith says, ‘The Stables has been a very popular place to meet and eat ever since we opened. Now we want to increase our openings so that the Hospice’s visitors, patients and staff – and anyone who wants to call in – can call more often. We should welcome all offers of help; our volunteers are a friendly crew, and everyone is keen to raise as much as possible for the vital work of the Hospice.’
HOSPICE’S LENNY BEAR SENDS OUT HIS GIANT EASTER EGGS
14 February 2008
St Leonard’s Hospice mascot Lenny Bear is busy dispatching 120 large Easter eggs to pubs, clubs, shops offices and organisations to help the Hospice raise funds.
Now in its seventh year, the Hospice’s Easter Egg competition has already proved a success around the area. This year there are two sizes of chocolate eggs to be won – very large and large, to suit different places, and all 120 have already been ordered.
The eggs will be on display at each venue, and to enter the competition players choose one of the numbered squares on the game board – there are either 100 squares or 50, depending on the egg’s size. 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.
Jean Cross of St Leonard’s Hospice Fundraising team, says, ‘Lenny Bear and I are delighted that so many people have agreed to take one of our special Easter Eggs and are helping the Hospice in this fun way. The eggs are beautifully decorated – and they have enough chocolate to keep anyone happy over Easter! Look out for them around the area – and you may win one. ’
PARSONAGE WEDDING FAIR GOES TO GREAT LENGTHS TO HELP HOSPICE
5 February 2008
Every bride needs to make a bold statement on her wedding day – and nothing is bolder than a stretch limousine.
There is the chance to try one at the Wedding Fair at the Parsonage Hotel, Escrick, on Sunday 17 February when Marie and Mike Duffy from White Stretch Limousines in Selby will be on hand to explain all the features of their very special vehicle to brides and grooms.
The Wedding Fair, which is being held in aid of St Leonard’s Hospice, also includes everything else a bride and groom might need for the great day, including bridal wear, balloons, flowers, photographers and stationer.
Everyone is welcome to the Fair, which is open from 11.00 am to 4.00 pm. During the day there will be special fashion shows of bridal gowns by Susan Forth Wedding Gowns of Selby and ‘I do’ Bridal House of Tadcaster.
Judith Wilson, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘Arriving at your wedding in a fabulous stretch limo is something many brides dream of – and the Wedding Fair at The Parsonage Hotel gives you the chance to try one out for size! The Parsonage is a lovely venue and we are grateful to the hotel staff and to all the exhibitors for taking part. We know it will be a great day, and it will help brides-to-be and their fiancés to decide just what they need for their wedding.’
UNIVERSITY JAZZ QUARTET TO PLAY AT SELL-OUT HOSPICE SUNFLOWER BALL
4 February 2008
Revellers at the Hospice Sunflower Ball, being held at York Racecourse on 26 April, will have the sounds of jazz to encourage them to dance, thanks to the York University Jazz Quartet, which is playing during the evening at the reception and in the casino.
Quartet leader Zezo Olimpio and his musicians will be just one of the highlights at the Sunflower Ball, which is held every two years and is one of the major fundraising events for York’s St Leonard’s Hospice. In 2006 the event raised more than £50,000. It is organised for the Hospice by a dynamic committee of volunteers – and this year they have already sold all the tickets – more than 500 of them – four months before the event.
To ensure that the Ball raises as much as possible for the Hospice, the Committee is still looking for extra sponsorship and for top-quality prizes for the auction and Tree of Life. Anyone who can help should contact St Leonard’s Hospice Fundraising Centre on 01904 77 77 77.
Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘The energy and enthusiasm of the Ball Committee are unbounded– and to have sold all the Ball tickets already is nothing short of amazing. We are really grateful to them for all their hard work, and to Zezo and his colleagues for agreeing to play at the event. It is sure to be a fabulous evening.’
HOSPICE SHOPS OFFER FREE BAGS AND DISCOUNT WITH CHOOSE2REUSE
11 January 2008
St Leonard's Hospice has joined forces with the City of York Council and North Yorkshire County Council as they launch their Choose2Reuse campaign in Parliament Street, York on Monday 14th January.
The aims of the Choose2Reuse Campaign are to improve the quality of goods that are given to charity shops, to encourage more people to buy pre-owned goods and to increase the number of volunteers in charity shops. The campaign also hopes to get people to re-think the way they dispose of their unwanted items.
The York launch of the campaign, on Monday 14 January, will see ‘Green Santa’ in Parliament Street encouraging people to bring him unwanted Christmas gifts, which will then be distributed to participating organisations.
Choose2Reuse pledge cards will be given to customers at the shops and at the launch of the campaign. Each time they buy something or make a donation of goods to sell, they will have the card initialled in one of three circles. When all three circles have been initialled, the customer will be entitled to a free re-usable bag (whilst stocks last) and 10% off their purchase at the St. Leonard's Hospice shop. Anyone who volunteers to work in one of the shops will also receive a bag.
The scheme is being offered at the St. Leonard's Hospice shops, in Acomb, Burton Stone Lane, Haxby, Tang Hall and Scarcroft Road. It has also been extended to the Hospice's Pocklington shop.
Helen Moreton, Retail Manager for St. Leonard's, says, 'We're really pleased that North Yorkshire County Council and City of York Council have got together to help promote the concept of recycling and of donating good-quality goods to charity. We have been working hard to encourage people to give us goods to sell and raise funds for our work of caring for local people - through this campaign we look forward to welcoming lots of new customers, donors and volunteers!'
HOTEL WEDDING FAIR HELPS ST LEONARD’S HOSPICE
9 January 2008
A sparkling Bentley is just one of the ways in which a special Wedding Fair at the Marriott Hotel on Tadcaster Road in York on Sunday 20 January will help brides-to-be and their grooms – and York’s St Leonard’s Hospice as well.
The Fair, which will be open to the public from 11.00 am to 4.00 pm, will include lots of ideas for helping that special day to be perfect, including wedding cars from Executive Bentley of Howden. Other exhibitors include wedding cake designers, photographers, florists, makers of wedding favours and suppliers of wedding accessories and stationery. There is also the chance to hear the musicians of the Key Largo Trio and of Gourmet Opera.
Special bridal fashion shows by Elizabeth of York and York Hire Wear will take place at 12.30 pm and 2.30 pm.
All money raised from the Wedding Fair will go to help St Leonard’s Hospice to provide care for patients and their families. Admission to the Fair is free.
Judith Wilson, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says ‘Getting to the church on time is vital for a wedding, so Ian and his Bentley will be high on the list for brides-to-be and their fiancés when they visit our Wedding Fair at the Marriott. It’s a brilliant opportunity to get inspiration for a wedding, and we are grateful to the staff of the Marriott and to all our exhibitors for their hard work and generous help.’
BAGS OF HIGH-FLYING SUPPORT FOR HOSPICE FROM ASDA
7 January 2008
York’s ASDA store has been giving St Leonard’s Hospice bags of help over the last few months, with four staff members undertaking a parachute jump for the charity and the Monks Cross store inviting the Hospice to hold a ‘Bag-Packing Bonanza’ with York College students and staff from the Defence Vetting Agency, Coutney’s Gym, The Helmsley Group and from the Hospice itself, packing people’s shopping for them in the busy run up to Christmas.
The parachuting staff – Sharon Maw, Claire Wood, Liam Busby and Mick Frain – jumped at the Joint Services Parachute Centre at Netheravon in Wiltshire. They were driven there by Jacky Allen, the Events Coordinator at ASDA Monks Cross, and were terribly lost on the way!
They jumped in tandem with serving and former members of the Parachute Regiment – Claire’s partner was one of the Red Devils. Two of the ASDA staff loved their jump – especially Mick Frain, who enjoyed it so much he's taken up parachuting and hopes to become an instructor! The two others – who were the bravest beforehand – were the most nervous when their names were called!
Final figures have yet to be totted up, but the team hopes to make a good sum in sponsorship to add to almost £1,250 that the bag-packing volunteers raised from shoppers’ generous donations during their day and a half of bag-packing.
Jacky Allen says, ‘Cancer is something which can touch anybody. There is no-one who doesn't know someone who has got it, has had it or is recovering from it, whether it's work colleagues, family or friends – so we couldn't think of a more worthwhile charity to benefit from this event than St Leonard's Hospice.’
Hospice Fundraiser Victoria Perry, who received the money, says, ‘We are really grateful to the intrepid ‘ASDA Four’ who willingly threw themselves out of an aeroplane for us, and to the store at Monks Cross for so generously allowing us to collect on two of the busiest days before Christmas.’
HOSPICE CAROL SERVICE IN GUILDHALL
21 December 2007
The Carol Service for St Leonard's Hospice took place in York's Guildhall on Thursday 20 December, with 200 people present. There were contributions from New Generation Singing Group, West Thorpe Methodist Choir and Soprano Amanda Crawley, who was accompanied by Jo Peach. The piano was played by Sheila Winpenny and the readers were the Hospice's Medical Director Dr Sarah Anderson and the Retail Manager Helen Moreton. The service was led by Hospice Chaplain the Rev'd Andrew Pearse.
ST LEONARD’S SHARES BEREAVEMENT EXPERTISE WITH COUNTY’S ADVISERS
13 December 2007
St Leonard’s Hospice has been training Parent Support Advisers and Home School Support Workers throughout North Yorkshire to support children, parents and carers with family bereavement.
The 50 Advisers throughout the county support young people, parents and carers to promote the development of positive family and school relationships. Advisers work in partnership with schools, teachers, other school staff and outside agencies, to ensure children and young people gain the most from their educational opportunities, by overcoming barriers to learning, improving attendance and reducing exclusions. This is achieved through the delivery of parenting support and individual work with young people. A recent survey among the Advisers identified the need for them to be trained to help children and families who are bereaved. North Yorkshire County Council’s Education and Social Work Team, which oversees the work of the Parent Support Advisers, approached St Leonard’s to set up the training days.
St Leonard’s, which has cared for patients and families from York and the surrounding area for more than 20 years, has wide experience in helping children and families to come to terms with the loss of a close family member. The course was run by the Hospice’s Bereavement Care Coordinator, Rosemary Thompson, Sue Spence, Director of Clinical Services and Viv Blacker, Hospice Social Worker.
Stuart Davidson, Home/School Support Work Manager for North Yorkshire County Council, says, ‘The training days run by St Leonard’s were extremely valuable to the Parent Support Advisers and Home School Support Workers. The knowledge and experience they have gained will enable the team to support young people and their families at an early stage, identiify and help prevent bereavement issues becoming a barrier in their lives. Parent Support Advisers and Home School Support Workers are an important resource within North Yorkshire’s Early Intervention and Parenting Strategy. It was tremendous to work in partnership with St Leonard’s, and we hope to be able to run future courses with the Hospice for other Education Social Workers and school based staff.’
Martyn Callaghan, Chief Executive of St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘We are delighted to be able to use our expertise to provide the training in bereavement matters with children and families. It is part of the long-standing commitment to training and education that has been part of our ethos since the Hospice opened in 1986, and we look forward to working closely with the County Council in the future.’
CONCERT BAND HELPS THE HOSPICE
7 December 2007
York Concert Band is performing Christmas music and novelty items in Poppleton Community Centre at 7.30 on SUNDAY 9 DECEMBER, with proceeds going to York’s St Leonard’s Hospice.
They will be joined by children from Poppleton Ousebank Primary School. There will be seasonal readings interspersed with the music.
Tickets cost £6.00 (children £3.00) and can be bought at Poppleton Community Centre, Upper Poppleton Post Office, by telephoning 01904 794784 or on the door.
GIVE VIRTUALLY THIS CHRISTMAS AND HELP THE HOSPICE
4 December 2007
St Leonard’s Hospice has come up with the perfect gift for those awkward-to-buy-for people who seem to have everything – virtual gifts that help other local people.
The Hospice is offering Virtual Gift Vouchers that come with their own festive cards, in £5, £10, £20, £50 or £100 denominations. Each voucher sold is a donation for that amount towards the work of St Leonard’s in caring for local people with life-threatening illnesses and their families.
Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at the Hospice, says, ‘More and more people like to make a donation to their favourite charity at Christmas instead of buying gifts – so we’ve decided to offer them the chance to help St Leonard’s with our ‘virtual gifts’. The recipient will get a voucher in an attractive card, and will know that the funds are going directly to help patients here. Of course, we still offer small gifts like jewellery, candles and small toys as well, so there’s something for everyone. Christmas is a time for giving, and there’s no better gift than to help people who need our specialist care.’
• The ‘virtual gift’ vouchers are available from the Hospice Fundraising Centre on 01904 77 77 77 and for personal callers from Hospice reception.
'LIGHT UP A LIFE' TREE IS DEDICATED
3 December 2007
The 2007 'Light up a Life' Christmas tree of lights was dedicated at a short service in St Helen's Square on Sunday
2 December. Despite heavy rain a large crowd gathered to hear the choir of St Wilfrid's RC Primary School sing two carols, and everyone joined in to sing 'Once in Royal David's City' and 'Hark the Herald Angels Sing' to the accompaniment of members of the University of York Concert Band. St Leonard's 
Hospice is very grateful to them, and to everyone for turning up on such a wet evening!
The tree remains in place until Twelfth Nifht, 6 January 2008. There is till time to sponsor a light on the tree to shine in honour of a loved one or a friend.
MARRIOTT STAFF HAND OVER CHALLENGE FUNDS
29 November 2007
Intrepid staff at York’s Marriott Hotel have raised more than £450 for the work of St Leonard’s Hospice by scaring themselves and conquering their fears in a series of team-building challenges.
The Hospice teamed up with Camp Hill in Bedale, the UK’s leading single-site provider of team-building and corporate event programmes, in a unique one-day Business Challenge in September, under the title ‘Say you Dare!’ The Marriott Hotel team, along with teams from other companies across York, took part in a series of activities including mud buggies, blindfold driving and the Skywalk.
Although the Marriott team conspicuously did not come in first in the Challenge, the organisers at Camp Hill said that they were ‘the most fun team’ they had ever worked with! The team raised sponsorship from colleagues and friends.
Receiving the money from the Marriott team, Victoria Perry, Hospice Corporate Fundraiser, who organised the ‘Say you Dare’ event, says, ‘The Marriott team was absolutely brilliant, and really entered into the spirit of the day. We are very grateful to them, and to all the teams that took part, for their hard work and enthusiasm, and for raising funds for our work.’
• Another ‘Say You Dare’ Challenge is planned for 2008. Any businesses that are interested can contact Victoria Perry on 01904 77 77 77.
BECCI'S WEDDING HELPS HOSPICE
28 November
When Becci Griffiths married Paul Redmond on Saturday 29 September, she asked for donations to charity instead of gifts, in memory of her grandmother, who was cared for in the Hopsice. She rasied £1,200.24 - an amount that was matched by Drax Power Station where Paul works.
At the wedding Becci said, 'Sadly, the one member of my family who would have loved to see us standing here today would be my Nan. My Nan lived a simple life, to a simple code. The code was this. When things were good in our lives she felt our happiness, pride, laughter and warmth. When things were difficult for us she felt our sadness, carried our pain, and walked the path with us. My Nan never knew jealousy, competition, gloating or self obsession. She only knew fairness, gentleness, loyalty and gratefulness. A simple code yet a priceless one. Please let this be our marriage code.'
HOSPICE CHRISTMAS TREE ARRIVES IN YORK’S CITY CENTRE
20 November 2007
York’s city centre Christmas Tree, which this year will be raising funds for the city’s St Leonard’s Hospice, has been put in place in St Helen’s Square.
For the first time the Hospice’s ‘Light up a Life’ Christmas Tree, which each year raises much-needed funds for the work of St Leonard’s, will be outside in the city centre. Each light on the tree is sponsored to honour loved ones and friends.
The Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Irene Waudby, was in St Helen’s Square with Hospice representatives to see the tree lowered into place outside the Mansion House. The 30-foot tree, from the Castle Howard Estate, will be lit from 22 November until Twelfth Night, 6 January 2008. There will be a short Service of Dedication around the Tree at 5.00 pm on Sunday 2 December, with carols and readings, at which everyone is welcome.
The Lord Mayor says 'I am delighted to be able to offer my support to St Leonard's Hospice and the Christmas Tree in St Helen's Square. This is a special time to remember friends and family, and I know I shall take great pleasure from looking out onto the decorations in the square this year,’
Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘Christmas is a time when we remember our family and friends, and our Light up a Life Christmas Tree is a very special way of honouring them. We are delighted that the City of York Council and York City Centre Partnership have so readily agreed to let the tree that traditionally stands in St Helen’s Square be dedicated to our use this Christmas.’
HOSPICE PASSES CHARITY WINNING POST WITH TOTE DONATION
7 November 2007
St Leonard’s Hospice came in the winner as Tote staff from around the country contributed to the charity at York Racecourse’s Ebor Meeting, raising £1500.
York Racecourse regularly offers free tickets for Tote’s North East Area staff. This year, Area Manager Sue Gordon decided to use the gift to raise funds for a local charity. Staff were asked to pay £5 per ticket. Staff decided among themselves which charity to support, with St Leonard’s Hospice ahead by a length.
Sue Gordon says, ‘Everyone at Tote in York is aware of the work of St Leonard’s, so we are very pleased to be able to support such an important local charity that benefits the community.’
Victoria Perry, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘It’s a sure bet that our patients will benefit directly from the generosity of Tote staff, and we are very grateful indeed for this wonderful support.
The Tote is one of the main betting organisations in Britain. It has more than 4,000 employees, 160 of whom work in York. It has more than 540 shops and a presence on all 59 racecourses in Britain, as well as offering internet and telephone betting facilities.
CRABTREE AND EVELYN’S FUN DAY HELPS THE HOSPICE
6 November 2007
There’s a chance to choose lots of Christmas gifts and help a local charity on Friday 9 November when the Crabtree and Evelyn store in York’s St Helen’s Square hosts a Charity Fun Day in aid of St Leonard’s Hospice.
During the day the store is offering the chance to win a range of top prizes in a special raffle. There will be demonstrations, including special hand therapies and nibbles will be available for customers. Staff from St Leonard’s will be in the store, with a range of Hospice Christmas cards and calendars for purchase too.
All Crabtree and Evelyn purchases can be gift wrapped free of charge on the day. The company is giving 10 per cent of the day’s takings to St Leonard’s Hospice.
Victoria Perry, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘Everyone is always pleased to receive gifts from Crabtree and Evelyn’s range, so when there’s the chance to buy your Christmas Presents and help St Leonard’s Hospice at the same time, everyone’s a winner! We are very grateful to store manager Nicola Kew and her staff for organising this special day for us.’
KIT KAT CRESCENT CASH HELPS HOSPICE
2 November 2007
York City played host to St Leonard’s Hospice for a special Hospice Awareness Evening in October, to which children from two local primary schools were invited – and now the club has played the return leg with a visit to the Hospice to hand over funds collected at the event.
Pupils from Tang Hall Primary School and Westfield Primary School joined Hospice mascot Lenny Bear at Kit Kat Crescent to watch the match against Stafford Rangers. Helping during the evening were staff from the Coppergate branch of Body Shop and from Barratt York. They collected donations from fans as they entered the ground.
The children were briefed by York City Community Coaches and met some of the players. With the help of Lenny Bear they paraded around the ground and formed a Guard of Honour as the players ran onto the pitch. At half time they played games on the pitch with the Coaches, and enjoyed an encounter between Lenny and York City’s mascot Yorky the Lion. They all agreed though that the best bit of the night was watching York City win!
York City Manager Billy McEwan and Club Secretary Nick Bassett will visit the Hospice on FRIDAY 2 NOVEMBER to hand over the more than £400 collected on the night and to meet staff and patients in the Hospice’s Daycare.
Victoria Perry, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘We had a brilliant night at Kit Kat Crescent with York City FC and we know that the children really enjoyed themselves. We are grateful to everyone at the Club, and Body Shop and Barratt York for their great support, and to all the fans for their generous donations.
ARCHBISHOP OF YORK VISITS ST. LEONARD’S HOSPICE
1 November 2007
The Archbishop of York, Dr. John Sentamu, has visited St. Leonard’s Hospice to meet patients and staff and see the care that the Hospice offers to people with life-threatening illnesses.
This was the first official visit to the Hospice by Dr. Sentamu, who is President of St. Leonard’s. He met the Chairman of the Hospice’s Trustees, Dr. Peter Kennedy, and spent time with the day-care patients, who come to the Hospice each week for both practical help and social relaxation. He was then shown round the in-patient unit by Sue Spence, Director of Clinical Care. He spent time with patients, families and staff.
Dr. Sentamu said: ‘Hospice care is about provi
ding a good listening friend for the journey. It is help for our fears and feelings of uncertainty. It’s also about addressing our wholeness; we need spiritual, social and medical care. For the army of volunteers, the doctors, the nurses and for all those who share the benefit of their expertise to help alleviate pain and suffering of patients and their families – I give thanks today.’
Martyn Callaghan, Chief Executive of St. Leonard’s 
Hospice, said: ‘We were delighted to welcome Dr. Sentamu to St Leonard’s. Although this was Dr. Sentamu’s first official visit, we are pleased that he extends a long and close association of three previous predecessors of the Archbishop of York as our President.’
REMEMBRANCE CONCERT TO AID HOSPICE
1 November 2007
A special ‘Remembrance Concert’ is taking place on Saturday 10 November at St Andrew’s Church in Bishopthorpe to raise funds for York’s St Leonard’s Hospice.
With music and words for the season of Remembrance, the evening has been organised by international soprano Yvonne Robert. She will direct the Occasion Choir, accompanied by Nicholas Page in a number of pieces.
The evening will be introduced by BBC Radio York’s Jules Bellerby, and the Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Irene Waudby, and the Sheriff of York will be attending the event. During the evening there will be ‘victorious refreshments’ and mulled wine.
Tickets, which cost £6.50, are available by calling 01904 701652. All proceeds will go to St Leonard’s Hospice.
Judith Wilson, Community Fundraiser for St Leonard’s says, ‘We are very grateful to Yvonne and all her colleagues for organising this very special event, which is so appropriate to the season.’
QUIZZES OFFER A BIG CHANCE TO HELP THE HOSPICE
24 October 2007
Big Ian of the group Huge is asking people to pit their wits against his questions in a series of pub quizzes in York, in aid of the city’s St Leonard’s Hospice.
For five Mondays, beginning on 29 October, Big Ian will be running his quiz at the Old White Swan in Goodramgate. Entry is just £1.00 per person, and there will be prizes for the best scores. All proceeds go help the Hospice in its work of caring for local people.
Donna Woodman, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s, says, ‘It’s a great chance to test your knowledge, enjoy a fun evening in the pub and help the Hospice, all at the same time – what could be better? We are ‘huge-ly’ grateful to Big Ian for arranging this series of quizzes for us – part of his continued support for our work.’
OLD YORKSHIRE ON FILM WILL HELP HOSPICE
23 October 2007
A glimpse of what life in Yorkshire was like over the last century through old films will help raise funds for St Leonard’s Hospice.
The Hospice’s Escrick and Deighton Support Group is hosting an evening of films from the Yorkshire Film Archive at Queen Margaret’s School in Escrick on Thursdays25 October, at 7.30 pm.
The selection of films, some dating back more than a century, will be shown under the title ‘A Century of Yorkshire Life’. The Support Group hopes that as many people as possible will come along to support the event, and continue its fundraising tradition which began in 1984, a year before the Hospice opened its doors for the first time.
Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘Our Escrick and Deighton Support Group comprises some of our longest-serving fundraisers, and they continue to give their time and organisational skills to raise money for our work. Their film evenings are very popular, and we know that many people will be keen to join them on 25 October.’
Tickets for the event cost £6.00 and include a glass of wine. They are available on the door. There will be a raffle, and Hospice Christmas cards, calendars and diaries will be on sale.
GETTING READY FOR HOSPICE AUTUMN FAIR
22 October 2007
Autumn is in the air as staff at St Leonard’s Hospice prepare for the Hospice’s Autumn Fair on Saturday 3 November.
Hospice Community Fundraiser Donna Woodman has been out collecting fallen leaves to help give a real autumn atmosphere to the Fair, which runs from 11.00 am to 2.00 pm. Visitors will be able to enjoy traditional favourites such as the home-made cake stall, bric-a-brac stall and tombolas.
They will also be able to buy Hospice Christmas cards and calendars, and choose from a new range of Hospice gifts. Refreshments will be on sale at the Hospice’s Coffee Stop, ‘The Stables’.
Entry to the event, which is held at the Hospice on Tadcaster Road, is free, and all the proceeds go towards the work of helping St Leonard’s to care for local people with life-threatening illnesses.
Donna says, ‘The Autumn Fair offers everyone the chance to buy their Christmas gifts early, or try their luck on the tombola. It’s always a happy event, and we hope that lots of people will join us on 3 November.’
Visitors to the Autumn Fair are asked not to use the very limited parking at the Hospice, but to use the ‘Park and Ride’ bus service to Askham Bar, just opposite the Hospice premises.
BARRATT REACHES ITS PEAK
Staff from Barratt York put their best feet forward and completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge and raised £2,500 for St Leonard’s Hospice.
The challenge involved an 11-hour adventurous climb of Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-Ghent, the three peaks that dominate the skyline of the western part of the Yorkshire Dales national park.
Paul Hogan, sales director at Barratt York, which is based at Monks Cross North business park in York, said: “This was a very difficult challenge, particularly as some of us had not spent very much time training for the event. But it was very enjoyable despite poor weather, and we are really pleased to be able to support such a worthwhile cause. St Leonard’s Hospice provides an invaluable service and we have further events planned in the next 12 months to continue our fundraising efforts on their behalf.”
Barratt has chosen St Leonard’s as its charity of the year and future events include a football competition, pig racing, a charity ball and a monthly jeans day.
THREE PEAKS IN WIND AND RAIN RAISE £2,000 FOR HOSPICE
11 October 2007
Ninety-mile-an-hour winds and torrential rain were not supposed to be forecast for a group of walkers tackling the Three Peaks Challenge – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in 24 hours.
Among the walkers was Nik Coultas who was raising funds for York’s St Leonard’s Hospice, in memory of his friend Ian Nelson.
He and his friends, who were raising funds for other charities, managed to climb up and down Ben Nevis in a respectable time of just six hours, despite the weather conditions. Then they headed, still in their wet gear, for Scafell Pike in the Lake District. Setting off up the mountain at 2.00 am, with the aid of head torches, they battled against an ever-stronger wind. After two-and-a-half hours’ climbing they decided that, with 200-foot drops on either side of the path and the constant drenching rain, they should turn back and head for Wales.
After an hour and a half of climbing Snowdon they were advised to turn back – but they continued for another hour, by which time the wind was gusting up to 90 miles an hour. They had got more than three-quarters of the way up, but had finally to turn back again.
Fortunately, Nik’s sponsors were impressed by his efforts, and he has raised more than £2,000 for the work of St Leonard’s Hospice.
Hospice Community Fundraiser Donna Woodman, who received Nik’s donation, says, ‘What an adventure! Nik is definitely a brave and determined man to tackle Britain’s three highest mountains in such conditions. We are really grateful to him and to his sponsors for his very generous donation.’
VOICES RAISED FOR HOSPICE IN AIR MUSEUM HANGAR
8 October 2007
More than 200 singers raised their voices in a ‘Come and Sing’ performance of Handel’s oratorio ‘Messiah’ in the Canadian Hangar of the Yorkshire Air Museum on Saturday 6 October, in aid of York’s St Leonard’s Hospice.
Surrounded by historic aircraft, the singers and orchestra were conducted by David Bowman, former Director of Music at Ampleforth College, in an afternoon rehearsal and an evening performance. They were joined by soloists Lynne Dawson (soprano), Jane Sturmheit (alto), Edward Sturmheit (tenor) and Mattheson Dowdy (bass).
The orchestra, the soloists and the conductor generously gave their services free for the occasion, which was part of ‘Voices for Hospices’, an event that takes place every two years and is billed as ‘The World's Largest Simultaneous Musical Event’. More than 500 different musical performances were held on Saturday in nearly 30 countries around the world. All of them will raise funds for their local hospices and palliative care services.
Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice, says,’ It was a wonderful evening of music-making in a stunning setting. We are very grateful indeed to everyone who took part – our choir, who made such a wonderful sound, to our soloists Lynne, Jane, Ed and Matt for their great kindness in joining us to raise the evening to an even higher level of excellence, to the instrumentalists and to Jill Bowman who organised the orchestra for us, and to our conductor David Bowman for presiding over the whole event with great good humour and perfect musicianship. The money we raised will go to help our work with patients in the Hospice and to the work of the Air Museum, whose staff were excellent hosts and partners in the event.'
LENNY BEAR HELPS SORT HOSPICE CHRISTMAS CARDS
3 October 2007
St Leonard’s Hospice mascot Lenny Bear has a big task ahead – helping to sell more than 100,000 Christmas cards that raise funds for the Hospice.
This year there are ten different designs available, ranging from the traditional to the modern. The York scene card, always one of the Hospice’s best sellers, is a view of York Minster in the snow, taken by Press photographer Nigel Holland. The Press has generously allowed the Hospice to use the image for the card.
The new cards are now on sale at the six Hospice shops, in Acomb, Burton Stone Lane, Haxby, Pocklington, Scarcroft Road and Tang Hall; at Hospice reception and ‘The Stables Coffee Stop’ at the Hospice in Tadcaster Road. They are also available at Barnitts store in Colliergate, York and at DG & LE Gill, Chemists, in Bishopthorpe. The York Minster scene cards are £3.00 for a pack of ten; the other nine designs are £2.75.
Also on sale is the 2008 St Leonard’s Hospice ‘York Past and Present’ calendar, once again featuring old photographs of the city contrasted with the same scene today.
Judith Wilson, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, says, ‘This year’s cards have something for everyone, and we hope that lots of people will snap them up. Lenny Bear will certainly be busy keeping everyone supplied! All the proceeds from the sale of our cards and calendars go directly to our work of helping local people.’
MEDICS BALL WILL HELP HOSPICE
1 October 2007
Medical students from the Hull York Medical School are taking to the dance floor in a Medics Ball on Friday 2 November that will raise funds for York’s St Leonard’s Hospice.
The Hospice often plays hosts to medical students as part of their training in palliative care, and now two of them, Lizzie Farrar and Jessica Hardie, have decided that they will put their organisational skills to work to raise money for St Leonard’s.
The Ball, at the Monkgate Hotel on 2 November, will include a drinks reception, three-course dinner and dancing to a DJ. There will also be a special raffle, and the organisers have already collected some good prizes from local supporters.
They welcome offers of sponsorship and prizes. There are also some tickets still available for the Ball. Lizzie and Jessica can be contacted by e-mail at hy4jfh@hyms.ac.uk, or hy4esf@hyms.ac.uk or by phone (message service) on 01904 424481. All the proceeds from the Ball will go to help St Leonard’s Hospice care for local people.
Donna Woodman, Community Fundraiser at St Leonard’s says, ‘It’s brilliant that Lizzie and Jessica have decided to organise a Ball in aid of St Leonard’s. As medical students they have seen at first hand the value of care in the Hospice, and we are very grateful to them for all their hard work.’
GOLFERS CLUB TOGETHER TO HELP THE HOSPICE
27 September 2007
More than 270 golfers from all around Yorkshire were at York’s Pike Hills Golf Club on 9 August for their annual Hospice Golf Day, and beat their own record by raising more than £8,300 for St Leonard's Hospice.
The club has been holding the event annually for more than a decade, and this year’s total means that the club has raised more than £65,000 for St Leonard’s.
The tournament is traditionally organized by the Vice Captain of the Club. This year's Vice Captain, Jack Smith and his wife Ann, a club member, undertook the organisation between them.
The golfers competed in teams of four. This year there were 48 men’s teams, as well as ladies’ and mixed teams. The first team went out at 7.30 am, and, with teams setting out at seven or eight minute intervals, the last one teed off at 4.00 pm. Everyone was back in the clubhouse by 8.30 pm. E ach hole was sponsored by a local company or individual members of Pike Hills. Their contributions, as well as the teams’ entry fees and the proceeds from a raffle and an auction, went towards the total raised.
Jack Smith says, ‘I’m really pleased that this year we’ve been able to raise even more than usual for the work of St Leonard’s with our special Hospice Day for many years. The weather was wonderful, we raised a fantastic total of £8,310 – and we enjoyed a really good day of golf.’
Receiving the money raised by the event, Martyn Callaghan, Chief Executive of St Leonard’s Hospice, said, ‘Pike Hills Golf Club is one of the Hospice’s most dedicated supporters. Every year they raise a fantastic sum for our work of caring for local people – and this year they have surpassed themselves! The club is an excellent example of the great support we receive from the local community.’
LYNNE JOINS LOCALS FOR HANDEL IN THE HANGAR
26 September 2007
International soprano Lynne Dawson, who sang part of Verdi’s ‘Requiem’ at the funeral of Diana Princess of Wales ten years ago, is preparing to join local singers as soloist in a ‘Come and Sing’ performance of Messiah at the Yorkshire Air Museum on Saturday 6 October, in aid of St Leonard’s Hospice.
Lynne, who lives near York, will be joined by husband and wife Jane and Ed Sturmheit from Bishopthorpe, who will take the alto and tenor roles, and by York bass Matt Dowdy. The orchestra has been organised by violinist Jill Bowman, whose husband David, former Director of Music at Ampleforth College and founder of its famous Schola Cantorum, will rehearse and conduct the performance.
All the performers are giving their services for the occasion, which is part of ‘Voices for Hospices’, an event that takes place every two years and is billed as ‘The World's Largest Simultaneous Musical Event’. On 6 October, in nearly 30 countries around the world, there will be more than 500 different musical performances. All of them will raise funds for their local hospices and palliative care services.
The performance of ‘Messiah’ at the Air Museum is open to everyone who would like to come along and sing or just listen. There will be an afternoon rehearsal at 4.00 pm and the performance will begin at 7.00 pm. There will be a refreshment break between; drinks will be available, and performers should bring something to eat.
Tickets for singers and audience cost £10 each, and proceeds will be shared between the work of St Leonard’s Hospice and the Yorkshire Air Museum, which, like the Hospice, is a registered charity. To book tickets either as singer or audience, phone St Leonard’s Hospice Fundraising Centre on 01904 77 77 77.
Janet Morley, Director of Fundraising at St Leonard’s Hospice says, ’It’s not every day you have the opportunity to sing wonderful music alongside top-quality soloists and players in a unique venue like the Air Museum hangar. All the money we raise goes towards the vital work of St Leonard’s in caring for local people – with an annual bill of £2.6 million, every penny helps.’
MCCARTHY AND STONE’S ‘FAT FRIDAYS’ BRING HOSPICE FUNDS
25 September 2007
