Month: July 2019

30 July 2019

Cash boost for Weston Hospicecare after charitable fund donation

An investment executive from the St James’s Place Charitable Fund has chosen Weston Hospicecare as the beneficiary of £2,500 which has been donated by his workplace.

Sam Curley, from Weston, deals with investments for clients as part of his role for Rowan Dartington, who are part of the St James’s Wealth Management Group.

Sam is also heavily involved with Weston Cricket Club where he has played and volunteered during the past thirty years.

Weston Hospicecare have used the facilities at the club as event headquarters for their recent Mendip Challenge and It’s A Hospice Knockout event.

Sam says his pledge to support the charity came after the partnership with the cricket club and the connections with the hospice involving some of their members.

He said: “I’ve been involved with Weston Cricket Club for more than 30 years, I’ve played cricket since I was 10 or 11 years of age.

“I have been very involved in helping run the club as well in that time. I volunteer because I am very interested in cricket and very passionate about sport in general and in particular trying to get young people into sport.

“There’s a lot of people within the club who have had family cared for by the hospice, and a lot of people in Weston have links with the hospice because it is such a fantastic charity and gives brilliant care and assistance to people.

“Recently we hosted the hospice’s Mendip Challenge and It’s A Hospice Knockout. These events encouraged me to apply for a donation from my workplace.

“My connection to the hospice is mainly through people I know, I haven’t had any members of family cared for by the hospice.

“I am very impressed by how it is run and how friendly everyone is. It is also a very calm place, I didn’t realise quite how big the organisation is and I am much clearer how things work here now.

Sam then said he is looking forward to the future partnership between Weston Hospicecare and Weston Cricket Club.

He said: “I think it is a great partnership and there’s certainly some more opportunities available by being more creative.

“I am very grateful for the time today from the people who have shown me around, it makes me feel happy and comfortable that the donation made has been given to a fantastic cause.”

26 July 2019

Granddaughter to cut hair off in memory of beloved Nanna

A girl from Dorset will donate her hair to the Little Princess Trust while after raising money for Weston Hospicecare in memory of her Nanna.

Pippa Kirby of Blandford Forum has raised more than £400 for Weston Hospicecare, based in North Somerset, after her beloved Nanna was cared for by the charity.

The 11-year-old will be cutting her hair in August to make good of her fundraising promise.

She said: “Nanna had very beautiful hair, even when she was poorly.

“I know some people lose their hair during strong cancer treatment so I decided to donate my hair to the Little Princess Trust to help other people who have lost theirs.

“I also wanted to find a way to say “thank you” to the people at the hospice who work so hard and care so much for the people that stay there.

“This is why I decided to try and raise a bit of money, and also to remember my beautiful Nanna who spend some of her time there.”

Pippa recalls her grandmother feeling at ease within Jackson-Barstow House while receiving end of life support.

Pippa continued: “When my Nanna (Julia Walker) stayed at Weston Hospicecare, she told us that she felt very cared for.

“She wasn’t eating very well but the food that the hospice made for her not only encouraged her to eat but it actually made her smile because it was so beautifully presented.

“Being looked after by the hospice took a lot of pressure off of Nanna because she knew there were trained people to help her when she needed it.

“It also took a lot of pressure of our family because we knew she was safe and being looked-after when we weren’t there with her.

“We were nervous the first time we came to the hospice because we expected it to be like a hospital and it was emotional seeing our Nanna so poorly, but knowing she was ok helped us to feel ok too.

“I would say to other people visiting the hospice, not to worry about it, but focus on your loved one because they are being so well looked-after.”

To support Pippa’s wonderful fundraising efforts leave a donation on her JustGiving page by visiting www.justgiving.com/fundraising/wwwjustgiving-pippakirby.

24 July 2019

“We had no idea what support Weston Hospicecare could give us” says Moonlight Beach Walk participant

Weston Hospicecare’s Moonlight Beach Walk is the charity’s only ladies-only fundraising event and is set to take place on Saturday 14^th September.

A Weston mother and daughter will take part to support the charity after their father and grandfather was cared for by the charity before he died.

Leigh Hales, aged 61, was cared for by the hospice’s community nursing team and the inpatient team while suffering with cancer.

His daughter Carrie Belbin and her daughter Poppy say Weston Hospicecare is vital to Weston and the surrounding areas.

Carrie said: “My dad, Leigh Hales, was a very determined person. The nurses made extra effort to go above and beyond to help, even when he didn’t think he needed it.

“The hospice is massively important to Weston and North Somerset. My dad and I felt very alone and had no idea what support we could get.

“Having community nurses Nikki and Lucy available to speak to was invaluable.

“My dad spent a month as an inpatient, and at a time we both felt really down, he was able to be supported and I could relax slightly, knowing he was in good hands when I wasn’t there.”

It costs £15 per adult and £10 per child to register and each participant over 18-years-old will be offered a free glass of prosecco. Those under the legal drinking age will be offered a non-alcoholic alternative.

The hospice encourages all participants to collect sponsorship as admission prices only cover the cost of the event.

To join Carrie and Poppy by taking part, visit westonhospicecare.org.uk/moonlight to sign up.

23 July 2019

New software goes live to improve hospice’s care

A new clinical computer system designed to improve record-keeping and integration with other local health services has been installed at Weston Hospicecare.

The hospice has upgraded its clinical electronic patient management system from CrossCare to EMIS Web.

The move comes in large part because other care organisations within the hospice’s catchment area of Somerset and North Somerset already use EMIS Web, and the change will simplify interaction between these different bodies.

The switch is supported by a grant from Somerset CCG and will enable the hospice to effortlessly share patient data with GP surgeries and community nursing teams across North Somerset.

Improvements include care providers being immediately informed of data changes made by affiliate care partners, while the new system also helps with registering patients, booking appointments and data management.

In addition, the hospice will save valuable time and effort by not having to re-enter data.

Improved communication efficiency was also a driver of this transformation, with connectivity to GP systems and other health care systems offering huge potential advantages in terms of safety, availability of real time information and reduction in administration tasks.

Director of Patient Services, John Bailey, said: “The switch to EMIS Web will help the hospice streamline and improve communications with local GPs and care providers, ultimately improving patient care and its management.”

22 July 2019

Duo complete Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge for Weston Hospicecare

Two intrepid adventurers have raised hundreds of pounds for Weston Hospicecare by completing the formidable Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge.

Wendy Clarkson and Michelle Nalley took on the 26-mile route – which includes a total ascent of more than 5,000ft – in under 12 hours on 13 July.

The challenge saw the duo scale Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough after a dedicated training regime which saw them hill walking in Wales, Derbyshire, Shropshire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire and the West Midlands.

Wendy and Michelle decided to support the hospice in recognition of its work supporting Wendy’s ‘dear and lovely friend’ Sarah – and have raised a fabulous £850 as a result of their efforts.

Wendy said: “The Yorkshire 3 Peaks is a really big challenge – much more of an endurance event than anything we had done in the training days together.

“It is a very popular challenge for fundraisers so there are always lots of people on the mountains, which makes it quite difficult to find a way through the traffic and get a rhythm but we managed to get a good stride on and found our own space and steady pace.

“The first peak, Pen Y Ghent was really misty in the morning but we still had fabulous views across the countryside and over to the other two peaks ahead of us. Quite daunting when you have to squint to see a huge peak as it is so far away!

“On we went to conquer Whernside, where we met some lovely people raising money for a different charity – we spurred each other on to the top for a little rest before we set off for Ingleborough.

“The scramble up the side of this one is both exhilarating and a test of nerve (especially with so many other people around) but we practically strode up there and up to the final trig point.

“Only five miles left to the first cold beer… that was a very, very good beer!”

With mission accomplished, the pair are able to look back at their achievements with pride, and also offer a thank you to those who supporter them along the way and gave so generously.

Wendy added: “It has been an absolutely fantastic adventure spending quality time walking and talking, sweating and shivering.

“Of course, the big reason we have done this is to raise money for Weston Hospicecare and we are really grateful to all of our supporters for their generosity and send a huge thank you to them all. We hope our little bit helps!”

Weston Hospicecare’s challenge manager Simon Angear thanked Wendy and Michelle for their support for the charity.

He said: “I constantly marvel at the incredible lengths people will go to in support of the hospice, and Wendy and Michelle really have done us proud.

“They have pushed themselves to real extremes over months of training and during the challenge itself, and we’re hugely grateful to them and their supporters for this remarkable effort on behalf of Weston Hospicecare.”

There is still time to make a donation to reward Wendy and Michelle for their efforts. Log on to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/wendy-clarkson2 to donate.

22 July 2019

The Grand Pier will host Weston Hospicecare’s Moonlight Beach Walk

Weston Hospicecare’s ladies-only Moonlight Beach Walk will start and finish on The Grand Pier on Saturday 14 September.

The late night walk offers ladies a chance to walk in memory of a loved one and a fun night out with friends while supporting the charity.

Profits from the event go towards supporting the hospice’s work supporting people in northern Somerset and Sedgemoor with life-limiting illnesses.

Event organiser Grace Dibden says she can’t wait to see hundreds of ladies lighting up the night in support of Weston Hospicecare.

She said: “After the buzz of our recent Mendip Challenge and It’s A Hospice Knockout we cannot wait for our Moonlight Beach Walk on Saturday 14^h September.

“This year we are looking to make the event more fun for all who take part so we look forward to seeing you all make use of the selfie stations and sparklers.

“So ladies, come and join us by signing up today and whether you want to do it for fun or in memory of a loved one, we thank you for supporting Weston Hospicecare.”

It cost £15 per adult and £10 per child to register, a price that covers the cost of the event so participants are encouraged to raise funds on top.

The event will start from 10pm and this year participants have the choice of completing a 10km or 5km route.

Those interested should visit westonhospicecare.org.uk/moonlight to sign up.

15 July 2019

Teams battle for glory at second It’s A Hospice Knockout event

Foam, inflatables and an afternoon of keenly-contested sporting action helped raise thousands of pounds for Weston Hospicecare on Sunday.

The charity’s second It’s A Hospice Knockout event – sponsored this year by The Grand Pier – saw a dozen teams come together to compete for glory in a series of fun challenges.

Teams battled it out in a series of physical and mental challenges while being cheered on by an enthusiastic audience of friends at family at Weston Cricket Club.

Defending champions The Grand Pier again made it through to the final, but were pushed back to third this time around, with a group named Weston Zoo emerging victorious ahead of team named Alison’s Angels.

Each was forced to work hard to make the final by totalling up points through six earlier games against teams from the likes of Weston Coastguard, Royal Mail, Balfour Beatty, Vets 4 Pets and Four Fifty Partnership.

Michelle Collins, Community Relations Manager at Balfour Beatty, said her team is already looking forward to getting involved in future events.

She said: “It was an uplifting, fun and action-packed day. I loved seeing so many local companies all coming together in fancy dress to help raise money for a great cause.

“The event not only tested our fitness levels, but got us working together as a team. It certainly tested our communication skills in a really engaging way. Thank you for organising.”

Money raised through Knockout is still being totalled, but with each team paying £100 to register and aiming to raise a minimum of £500 in sponsorship, the event is expected to prove a big success for the hospice.

Event manager Grace Dibden said: “We look forward to staging It’s A Hospice Knockout, and we were thrilled that it once again proved to be a hugely fun day for everyone who took part or came along to watch.

“All our teams threw themselves into the events with real gusto, and although it proved to be a competitive day, everyone played the games in a terrific spirit – we loved seeing so many smiling faces even as players raced to beat each other to the finish line.

“Huge thanks to everyone who took part, everyone who sponsored or supported them, and special thanks too to our sponsors The Grand Pier, our hosts Weston Cricket Club, and all the volunteers who helped on the day.

“They all helped contribute to a really special day – and in turn, contribute too to the vital work of Weston Hospicecare.”

The next events in the Weston Hospicecare calendar will be skydiving days on 30 August and 21 September, and the ladies-only Moonlight Beach Walk on 14 September.

You can find out more about them – and other future events – by logging on to westonhospicecare.org.uk.

12 July 2019

30 free Christmas Cracker places offered to Weston Hospicecare runners

Thirty runners are being offered the chance to enter Weston Athletic Club’s renowned Christmas Cracker race for free this December – if they pledge to raise sponsorship money for Weston Hospicecare.

The Cracker race has become a firm favourite in the West Country’s running calendar since its launch back in 1987, and typically sees all 2,500 of its places snapped up.

For the past 17 of those years, race organisers have used the event to support the hospice, meaning they have donated more than £70,000 to the charity over the years.

That support will continue at the next event on 8 December – but will also be extended through the provision of 30 free places for hospice runners who commit to raising the suggested minimum sponsorship target of £100.

Race director Malcolm Gammon said: “We are pleased to be able to support the important work of Weston Hospicecare through donations from the Cracker each year.

“This year, in recognition of the hospice’s 30th anniversary, we thought it very appropriate to give them 30 places that can be used to encourage even more fundraising for this worthy cause.”

Weston Athletic Club’s support for the hospice also sees club members organise a 10-week training programme to help fledgling runners prepare for the event.

Coaches donate their time for free, and the £30 fee which participants pay to join the programme is donated in its entirety to the hospice.

Those new runners then join a field comprising a broad mixture of elite athletes, fun runners and charity supporters – many in festive fancy dress – for a route along Weston beach and seafront, through Uphill and back to the Grand Pier.

As well as a technical race T-shirt, a mince pie, and free digital race photo downloads, for the first time this year all finishers will also receive a medal as they cross the line.

Weston Hospicecare’s challenge manager Simon Angear said: “We’ve long been grateful to everyone at Weston Athletic Club for the magnificent support they offer to the hospice, and we’re thrilled at this latest act of generosity.

“We know lots of Christmas Cracker participants enjoy knowing their effort and money is going to support a good cause, and this now presents a fresh opportunity for people to get involved in the event while supporting their local hospice.”

An early bird registration rate of £15 for club runners or £18 for non-affiliated is in place until the end of July, when it increases to £18/£20.

However, if you would like to secure a free place by pledging to fundraise for Weston Hospicecare, you can claim a place – on a first come, first served basis – by emailing simon.angear@westonhospicecare.org.uk

In addition, new runners who would like to learn more about the event’s training programme or register to take part, should contact Jim Wotton on 01934 814208 or email jim.wotton@westonac.co.uk

Those who want to enter the Cracker, but who would prefer to pay for their place, can do so by logging on to www.westonac.co.uk/christmascracker30 free

8 July 2019

Take on the UK’s highest skydive for Weston Hospicecare

Daredevil Weston Hospicecare supporters are being offered the opportunity to take the plunge in one of the highest freefall skydives in the country – from 15,000ft.

The hospice organises a diverse selection of challenges for fundraisers of an adventurous disposition, ranging from wing-walking for adrenaline junkies to a Sahara Desert trek for would-be explorers who would prefer to keep their feet on the ground.

And for those with a head for heights, the hospice has now scheduled two skydiving days which will take place later this summer and autumn.

The charity has teamed up with Skydive Buzz, which operates out of Dunkeswell Airfield near Honiton in Devon, to offer two dedicated days for its supporters on August 30 and September 21.

On each day, people can leap from the incredible altitude of 15,000ft – the highest on offer to amateur skydivers in the UK, and the maximum altitude at which you can jump without needing an oxygen supply.

A Skydive Buzz spokesman said: “Once in a lifetime experience? Ticking the bucket list? Jumping for charity? Whatever your reason, you can jump from the ultimate altitude – no-one jumps from higher in the UK!

“Our centre has some of the best facilities in the UK, including one of the most comfortable and fastest-climbing jump planes in the world.

“So do something amazing. Experience an adrenaline-fuelled freefall and views over a beautiful part of the country, all while harnessed to a certified instructor.”

The tandem jumps will be conducted by expert and fully licensed skydivers, ensuring a safe and exciting experience for all who take part.

Participants will all enjoy a briefing with experienced instructors, before a 10-minute flight to an altitude which simultaneously offers views from Somerset and Cornwall.

The height of the jump means participants can expect to enjoy a breath-taking 60 seconds of freefall before their parachute is opened. That freefall will see skydivers reach speeds of up to 120mph as they fall for around two miles.

Weston Hospicecare’s challenge manager Simon Angear said: “We know that our supporters are some of the bravest and most adventurous people, and we’re always looking for new challenges to set them.

“This year alone, fundraisers have strapped themselves to the top of planes, completed incredible feats of cycling and running endurance, and signed up to trek some of the furthest reaches of the globe.

“Now we’re offering the chance to enjoy one of the most exhilarating experiences of their lifetime, leaping from a plane in the nation’s highest skydive. It’ll take real courage to get involved, but the experience will be something they will never forget.”

To secure a place on one of the hospice’s skydiving days, people must pay a £50 registration fee, and then commit to raising sponsorship, with the suggested minimum amount set at £450.

To find out more, or to register for a place, contact Simon on 01934 423947, or email simon.angear@westonhospicecare.org.uk

5 July 2019

Fundraisers complete 24 hours in the saddle for Weston Hospicecare

An energetic team of Weston Hospicecare supporters have racked up an incredible 236 miles in a 24-hour cycling challenge on Weston seafront.

The 10-strong group – led by Dan Kear – included members of Oddballs Cycling club and riders of all ages, with up to 30 bikers joining in for stints during the 24 hours.

Three of the bikes – Dan, plus Jason Smith and Aaron Luker – managed to keep riding for the whole 24 hours, and achieved the incredible mileage total.

This is a big increase on the 212 miles achieved last year when the riders completed a similar challenge in aid of a different charity.

The riders were forced to battle against a mixture of hot weather and near-monsoon conditions at varying times, with heavy rain and strong winds.

Dan said he’d chosen to support the hospice because, after asking around among his fellow bikers, many had been touched by the work of the hospice or supported the charity in the past.

However, although he is aiming to repeat the event next year – and potentially expand it to include more people – he is now planning a rest period to help his body enjoy some much-needed recovery time.

He thanked those who took part, including partner Sandra Day, who completed much of the ride between being forced to retire through injury, and mum Shirley, who travelled to Weston from Sheffield to complete her own 103-mile stint in the saddle.

Dan reserved special mention too for youngsters Corey and eight-year-old Ashton Luker, who also took part in part of the ride, and offered a special thank you to Rich Fisher, who allowed the bikers to use Stones Café as a base and provided vital nourishment during their challenge.

Hospice challenge manager Simon Angear said: “We are constantly surprised and impressed by the lengths which supporters will go to in order to raise money for the hospice, and this is a great example of a tough and innovative fundraising challenge.

“Congratulations to everyone who played a part in this remarkable challenge, and huge thanks too for doing something so amazing in support of Weston Hospicecare.”