A Weston Hospicecare supporter has raised in excess of £10,000 over five years after his latest successful All Sixties Night.

David Kingsbury (pictured left) has recently been awarded with a Community Champion award by Weston’s MP John Penrose in recognition of his fundraising efforts for Weston Hospicecare.

Each year David organises a 1960s-themed party on behalf of the charity. This year he raised £2,236.00 from the event, which took place at Weston Football Club on 10 May.

David says: “I have volunteered for the hospice for nearly 14 years. I took early retirement from my post as operations manager for The Arts Centre in Swindon where my wife and I lived for over 26 years.

“I have been organising the All Sixties Nights for five years and they have been getting better and better.

“I remember the first one I organised I had no sponsors and put my own money in. The first one came about after having a telephone conversation with the lead guitarist of the Berries (who are based in Swindon) and asked him if the band would come and do a charity gig for the local hospice in Weston-super-Mare.

“Weston Hospicecare means everything to Weston-super-Mare and for 30 years have been supporting the North Somerset community. Only 20% is funded by the NHS and the rest has to be raised through community support which the people of North Somerset keep on doing.

“My motivation is that one day I or my wife might need Weston Hospicecare and I know full well we will be looked after with care and dignity.” 

Weston Hospicecare’s Director of Fundraising Mark Flower says David is an incredible character whose support will always be greatly appreciated.

He said: “On behalf of Weston Hospicecare I would like to wholeheartedly thank Dave for his fundraising efforts over the years.

“To raise £10,000 to support the care we give to people with life-limiting illnesses is incredible and greatly appreciated by everyone connected to the hospice.

“I sincerely hope everyone who has attended an event organised by David on behalf of the hospice has thoroughly enjoyed themselves. We thank you for your support.”

The hospice must raise 80% of its total operating costs through sales in shops, fundraising events, gifts left in wills and through the generosity of people like David who organise community events on behalf of the charity.

If you have been inspired by David’s story, visit westonhospicecare.org.uk or contact the hospice’s fundraising team by calling 01934 423900 to find out how you may be able to help.