Category: Blog

23 June 2019

Details for Weston Hospicecare’s refreshed Moonlight Beach Walk announced

Weston Hospicecare’s Moonlight Beach Walk will take place along Weston Seafront on Saturday 14 September and will feature two routes.

Ladies have the option to walk a 5km route, which starts at 11pm, or a 10km option, which will start at 10pm.

Organisers anticipate this will allow enough time for everyone to finish in time for midnight where participants will be met by an after-party.

It costs £15 per adult and £10 per child to register which covers the cost of the event meaning all participants are encouraged to raise sponsorship on top in support of the hospice.

Plenty of fun can be expected along the route too with selfie stations, sparklers and live music set to appear.

The hospice’s event manager Grace Dibden says: “After the buzz of our recent Mendip Challenge we cannot wait for our ladies-only Moonlight Beach Walk on Saturday 14 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 on 14 September 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.”

The Grand Pier will continue their loyal support of the charity by sponsoring the event.

More than 70 women have already signed up to take part. If you would like to join them, visit westonhospicecare.org.uk/moonlight for more details on how to register.

19 June 2019

Alpacas visit Weston Hospicecare HQ to relieve patient stress

Three alpacas named Flash, Pickles and Tom visited Weston Hospicecare during a day hospice session.

Owners Steve and Sally Baker answered questions posed by patients and offered a chance for people to pet the animals.

They say interaction with alpacas can have a positive effect on people’s health and state of mind.

They said: “Alpacas, like many other animals, have a beneficial effect on the wellbeing of humans. It is believed that various vital signs are ameliorated, such as heart rate and blood pressure.

“Alpacas are gentle, odd-looking and non-judgemental and have unusual and interesting behaviours which please observers.

“We hope they brightened the day for all who saw Flash, Pickles and Tom and we certainly enjoyed our visit to Weston Hospicecare.”

The pair keep nearly 40 alpacas after originally planning to keep only three. Their hobby and life has been transformed by the presence and responsibility of keeping the animals.

They continued: “We were going to have three as a retirement project but ended up buying a small herd of 12, we now have 38 animals we look after.

“We are now far busier than ever with people visiting to walk with, and spent time with, the alpacas. We also attend shows and now need to maintain our land.”

The pair run Stoke Wood Alpacas near Taunton and were encouraged by clinical staff to offer patients of the day hospice a therapeutic activity to engage with.

19 June 2019

Hospice wing-walkers ready for once-in-a-lifetime thrill ride

Nearly 30 people will take on one of the most exhilarating experiences of their lives on Friday, when Weston Hospicecare hosts its first ever wing-walking day.

Some 27 intrepid hospice supporters will climb aboard a World War Two to enjoy a flight like no other at Rendcomb Airfield in Gloucestershire. A further two wing-walkers have signed up too, but will take on the challenge at a later date due to injury.

The group will each spend around 10 minutes enjoying a thrilling series of flypasts, zoom climbs, steep dives and banks from atop the plane’s wings while being cheered on by family and friends below.

The once-in-a-lifetime flight – piloted by experts from the world-renowned Aerosuperbatics – will hit speeds of around 140mph at an altitude of 1,000ft.

Each of the participants has paid a £150 registration fee and committed to raising upwards of the suggested £500 in sponsorship for the hospice – however, a number have far exceeded that target.

They will be coming from all across the hospice’s patch to take part – wing-walkers have signed up not only from Weston and Worle, but also from Clevedon, Winscombe, Bristol, Yatton, Portishead, Locking, Hutton and Priddy – and many have seen their families touched by the work of the hospice in the past.

One thing they all share, however, is a well-defined sense of adventure.

The hospice’s challenge manager Simon Angear said: “This is the first time we have put together an event like this, and didn’t know quite how popular it would prove to be – but we are thrilled to have so many people not only taking part, but applying such commitment and creativity to their fundraising too.

“I’m sure there will be a few nerves over the next day or two, and especially on the morning itself, but I’m sure it will prove to be an incredible experience for everyone who takes part, and lots of fun too for the supporters who come along to watch.

“Money raised through this event will be used to support the hospice’s work caring for people with life-limiting illnesses and their families, so huge thanks go to everyone who is taking part as well as all those who have offered donations or sponsorship on their behalf. They have done us proud.”

Aerosuperbatics – which considered to be the world’s most established and experienced wing-walking team, and has a 100 per cent safety record in its 30-year history – will be entertaining crowds at Weston Air Festival just 24 hours later.

Plans are already afoot to hold a second dedicated wing-walking day for Weston Hospicecare supporters in 2020, although no date has yet been set. If you would like to register your interest for this event, you can email Simon via simon.angear@westonhospicecare.org.uk or call 01934 423947.

14 June 2019

Balfour Beatty’s Hinkley Point team pledges support for Weston Hospicecare

Workers at a firm involved in the new Hinkley Point C Power Station building project in Somerset have pledged their support to Weston Hospicecare – with a year of fundraising and activities planned.

BBalfour Beatty is working on the Hinkley Connection Project, and has been charged with the all-important task of constructing a new 57km high-voltage connection between Bridgwater and Avonmouth to join the power generated at Hinkley to the National Grid.

The firm currently has around 60 people – a mixture of local subcontractors and experts drawn from all corners of the UK, with some arriving from as far afield as Scotland – working on the project. The team is expected to double as the work advances.

The team is keen to build strong relationships within the community where it is working, and establishing charity partnerships is key to that.

Balfour Beatty has therefore pledged the energy and expertise of its team to supporting Weston Hospicecare in a number of ways throughout the year.

Community Relations Manager Michelle Collins said: “Balfour Beatty, and in particular the Hinkley Connection Project, believes in creating strong relationships with the local communities they’re working in.

“As we’re based down in the South West for the duration of the project (five years), we felt it was really important to try and help support some of the local charities. Whether that’s through fundraising, or volunteering our time and skills – we want to make a difference.

“Local charities are so deeply rooted within the community and a lifeline to so many – hence why we want to do what we can to help.

“We were looking for a charity that was local to us, and reached some of the areas we’re going to be working in.

“For us, the work of Weston Hospicecare is truly inspirational. With a number of the Hinkley team having personally experienced the effects life-limiting illnesses can have, and the support a hospice can provide – it was a charity close to our hearts.

“We’re really hoping to raise at least £5,000 for the charity – the amount needed to cover the costs of running the hospice for a full day.

“We’ve got a Three Peaks Challenge happening at the end of June, we’re entering a team into the It’s A Hospice Knockout competition and have collection buckets in each of our offices.

“We’re also keen to share the skills we have, as well as our time to support any local activities or DIY jobs the hospice may need help with.”

The hospice’s corporate fundraising manager Simon Angear says he is looking forward to working with Balfour Beatty.

Simon said: “Weston Hospicecare relies heavily on the kindness and support of the local community, and we’re enormously grateful to the team at Balfour Beatty for choosing us as their charity partner. We look forward to working with them in the months ahead.

“We’ve already identified a few ways to put their first-class skills to good use around the hospice, while there will be plenty of opportunities for the team to have a lot of fun at our events too.

“We’re especially looking forward to welcoming a Balfour Beatty team to It’s A Hospice Knockout in July – it’s an ideal bonding opportunity for teams of work friends, and I’m sure it’s going to be a really special day for all involved.”

Further information about It’s A Hospice Knockout is available at www.westonhospicecare.org.uk/knockout, while any other companies interested in establishing a partnership with Weston Hospicecare should contact Simon on 01934 423947 or via simon.angear@westonhospicecare.org.uk

13 June 2019

Running team set for 24-hour challenge for Weston Hospicecare

A team of 10 people from Weston-super-Mare will take part in the Hope24 event in Plympton near Plymouth to raise money for Weston Hospicecare.

Hope24 is an endurance running event which challenges teams to run continuous relay laps of a five-mile trail running route for 24 hours.

The Weston team will take part under the name ‘Bad Ideas’ and will all take turns to run laps of the Hope24 course.

Leading them is Weston Hospicecare’s human resources administrator Hayley Singfield, who will be joined by her husband Mike and friends Claire Barham, Emily Waite, Emma Duffill, Heidi Iles, Kathy Fisher, Nicola Currell and Nick and Nikki Collicott.

A number of the team took part in the event last year too, and clocked up a hugely impressive team total of 150 miles between eight of them – but they have some grand ambitions this time, and aim to smash that total at Saturday’s event.

Hayley said: “To celebrate Weston Hospicecare’s 30^th anniversary, a number of the team are hoping to run 30 miles, and as a team we are aiming to reach 250 miles.

“Working for Weston Hospicecare is a real privilege; the care they give is so vital for many local families. It is great to take part in an event to help raise the money needed to keep it going.”

The team will also be supported by 17 younger runners, who have signed up to a 2.4km or 2.4-mile race on the Saturday morning.

The children – the youngest of whom is just three years old – will then become cheerleaders for the adult team, taking charge of timings and cheering the group in and out on their race sections.

All of this will help to raise money for the hospice, which relies on the support of members of the community to fund its free car for those with life-limiting conditions.

To support Hayley and the rest of the Bad Ideas team you can leave a donation by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/badideas.

However, the Bad Ideas team will get little time to rest at the end of their challenge, as they have also signed up to take part in the charity’s It’s A Hospice Knockout event on July 14.

That event will see up to 24 teams battling for glory across a series of inflatable obstacles and foam pits.

It’s A Hospice Knockout is sponsored by the Grand Pier and will be held at Weston Cricket Club. Full details of the event can be found at westonhospicecare.org.uk/knockout.

Weston Hospicecare summer fair in the hospice gardens.

11 June 2019

Weston Hospicecare’s summer fair raises more than £1,800

Weston Hospicecare’s 30^th anniversary year summer fair has raised £1,885.93 for the charity after taking place at Jackson-Barstow House on Saturday.

Volunteers and staff pulled together to man stalls and serve refreshments, while chief executive Paul Winspear was the willing volunteer at the heart of the ‘soak the bloke’ stand.

Volunteers fund raising at Weston Hospicecare summer fair. Picture: MARK ATHERTON

Organisers were very pleased with how many people attended the event and community fundraiser Sue Harding has heaped praise onto all those who helped to make the event a success.

She said: “A huge thank you to everyone who helped with the summer fair on Saturday. Be it manning a stall, baking for us, setting up and taking down of the event, visiting the fair and handing over your hard-earned cash, or many of the other tasks that it takes to put on such an event.

“You are all marvellous, but a big thank you to the chair of Weston Hospicecare’s friends group Sue Barlow for her continued hard work and enthusiasm.

“And a special thank you to our chief executive Paul for so being such a good sport in sitting in the stocks for our ‘soak the bloke’ stand.”

The next Friends of Weston Hospicecare fair will take place around Christmas with a date to be confirmed.

Other upcoming events for the hospice include a host of open garden days through the summer, and the hotly-anticipated It’s A Hospice Knockout – sponsored by the Grand Pier – at Weston Cricket Club on 14 July. Find out more at westonhospicecare.org.uk

7 June 2019

‘Amazing’ contribution of Weston Hospicecare supporters celebrated during Volunteers Week

Around 300 members of Weston Hospicecare’s indefatigable army of volunteers came together this week to celebrate an important date in the charity calendar.

Volunteers Week is an annual nationwide celebration of the role played by unpaid workers in charities all across the country.

Like many other charities, Weston Hospicecare is heavily reliant on the support of volunteers, with between 600 and 700 people typically active in supporting the hospice in a variety of roles.

Those roles include jobs like driving patients to and from appointments, staffing the charity’s shops, offering counselling and therapies, tending the hospice garden and working at events… plus many other jobs besides.

Those contributions were celebrated this week over cream teas at Weston’s Royal Hotel, where around 60 volunteers also received certificates marking landmarks in their service to the hospice.

Certificates were handed to people who had worked for 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 years for the hospice, while six people – Ivan and Mary Armstrong, Janet Hellard, Terry and Carol Dudley and Pat Emery – were presented with mementoes of an incredible 30 years of volunteering.

That achievement is made even more remarkable by the fact that Weston Hospicecare was launched in 1989; that means this year is the organisation’s 30^th anniversary, and those six volunteers have been with the charity since the very beginning.

The events saw chair of trustees Judi Driscoll, director of patient services John Bailey and chief executive Paul Winspear pay tribute to the role and impact of the hospice’s volunteers.

Paul said: “The hospice has been looking after the people of Weston and surrounding areas for 30 years, which is amazing.

“Our volunteers have been with us from the very beginning, and have helped something very small grow into what we are today.

“These long service awards recognise the outstanding contribution which our volunteers make to Weston Hospicecare.

“Thank you to everyone; wherever you are, whatever you do, however much time you give – it is all very, very special. People have often heard us say that we couldn’t do it without you; we say it often because it’s true.”

Anyone who would like to find out more about volunteering opportunities at Weston Hospicecare can do so here.

7 June 2019

Grand Pier confirmed as sponsor of It’s A Hospice Knockout

One of the region’s top tourist attractions has given its support to a knockout event which is returning by popular demand to raise money for Weston Hospicecare.

Weston’s Grand Pier has been named as the new sponsor of the It’s A Hospice Knockout event which will take place at Weston Cricket Club on Sunday 14 July.

Once again, teams of between six and 10 people will be recreating all the madness and mayhem from the much-loved TV show which ran between 1966 and 1988.

They will battle for glory over a range of giant obstacles and a large foam pit.

The event will be held to raise money for the hospice’s work delivering palliative care for people living with life-limiting illnesses in Weston and surrounding areas.

Last year the Grand Pier supported the event by entering a team, which went on to win.

This year, the seafront attraction has gone a stage further; as well as entering once again, it is also sponsoring the event.

Teams will compete in six games, trying to earn as many points as possible to make it to the final round.

There will be bonus points for the team wearing the best fancy dress, too.

This is the second year that the event has taken place, but Weston Hospicecare are hoping it will become a firm feature of their annual fundraising calendar.

Spectators will be welcome on the day, and as well as being able to watch the chaotic competition, they will be able to buy food and refreshments, enjoy some face-painting and even place a bet on which team they think will take the Knockout title.

Teams of between six and 10 people (the minimum age for competitors is 17) must pay a registration fee of £100 and are also encouraged to make every effort to raise at least £500 for Weston Hospicecare.

A total of 24 teams can be accommodated and so far, around half the spaces have been taken.

Any teams interested in signing up can do so here.

The 2018 It’s A Hospice Knockout teams, and (top) the victorious Grand Pier group.

Michelle Michael, director of the Grand Pier, said: “Our team which won the competition last year said they had so much fun being part of it that we had to support the event again this year.

“Whether you are taking part, or just watching, it promises hours of entertainment, a lot of laughter and at the same time ensures vital funds are raised for a charity which has provided priceless support to so many local families for 30 years.

“We’re proud to be sponsoring the It’s A Hospice Knockout in 2019.”

Weston Hospicecare’s event manager Grace Dibden said: “The Grand Pier has long been one of the hospice’s most generous supporters; it has hosted and supported a number of our events, as well as sponsoring our Moonlight Beach Walk in September.

“We’re thrilled that support will now be extended to encompass sponsorship of It’s A Hospice Knockout too.

“This is the second year we have run this event, and we are delighted to see so many of last year’s teams returning – including the victorious Grand Pier team – alongside some new faces.

“It promises to be a fun and exciting day for everyone involved, and thanks to the generosity of the Grand Pier, all of the money raised by our teams will go direct to the hospice to help support our work caring for people with life-limiting illnesses and their families.”

Further information about the Grand Pier and its other events can be found here, while details of other Weston Hospicecare events can be accessed here.

4 June 2019

Video: 1,094 walkers hit the hills for Weston Hospicecare’s Mendip Challenge

Nearly 1,100 walkers hit the Somerset hills on Sunday to take on the Mendip Challenge to raise money for Weston Hospicecare in the charity’s 30^th anniversary year.

The bumper turnout of 1,094 – an increase of more than 200 on last year and the highest number of entries in more than a decade – saw participants complete sponsored 30, 20 or 10-mile routes along the West Mendip Way.

Most defied wet conditions to walk the hilly terrain, while some hardy souls chose to run the course, with the first finishers completing the whole 30 miles in under five hours.

Many people had personal motivations for supporting the charity, and walked in memory of loved ones who had been supported by the hospice team.

However, all walkers united behind the cause in a spirit of solidarity and goodwill to enjoy their day despite wet conditions and the tough challenge ahead.

It is too early to say how much was raised by this year’s Mendip Challenge – sponsored once again by long-term hospice supporters Howards Motor Group – but organisers are hopeful it could beat last year’s total of £66,000.

Money raised will be used to help fund the hospice’s work caring for people across the community with life-limiting illnesses.

Event manager Simon Angear said: “We were bowled over by the support for the Mendip Challenge this year, both in terms of numbers and by the enthusiasm and good cheer with which people threw themselves into the challenge despite the tough weather conditions.

“All of the participants – and the huge number of tireless volunteers who helped keep them going – did us proud. It means the world to the team at Weston Hospicecare to see so many people enjoying the event in support of the work we do, so huge thanks to everyone who was a part of it.”

The 30-mile Mendip Challenge began at Wells, and followed a scenic route through Cheddar, Winscombe and Uphill to return to event headquarters at Weston Cricket Club.

Participants were serenaded home by local musicians Simon Perigud and Seb Longhorn, before relaxing with a bar and a barbecue run by cricket club volunteers.

En route, they were energised and hydrated by more than 2,000 litres of water, 4,200 packets of crisps and 8,192 chocolate bars donated by supermarket Lidl.

The event was backed by several large groups who signed up together, including 1^st King Alfred Scouts and the Priory Learning Trust, which has adopted the hospice as its charity of the year and recruited more than 100 participants from across its six schools.

The trust’s executive principal Neville Coles was among them, and successfully completed the full 30-mile route.

He said afterwards: “This was a superb walk and event, and we are delighted to partner with the brilliant charity and cause Weston Hospicecare.”

He also revealed that the trust is likely to support the Mendip Challenge again next year – the date of which can be revealed as 7 June 2020. In the meantime, hospice supporters can find out about other upcoming events – including It’s A Hospice Knockout, the Robin Hood Challenge, the Moonlight Beach Walk and a Sahara Desert trek – by clicking here.

31 May 2019

Lois overcomes broken back to join 120-strong Priory team at Mendip Challenge

An inspirational Priory teacher will take to the hills for Weston Hospicecare’s Mendip Challenge on Sunday – just nine months after breaking her back in a horse-riding accident.

The Priory Learning Trust (PLT) has adopted the hospice as its charity of the year, and has recruited a team of 120 people from around its six schools to take part in the Mendip Challenge.

Among them will be Lois Kerrison, head of maths at Priory Community School Academy, who broke her back in two places last autumn after being thrown by a horse.

She will be taking on the walk’s 20-mile route as part of a sell-out event, with more than 1,200 people registered to take part.

But for Lois, this week’s walk could be just the start, as she is eyeing up an even bigger challenge in the future.

She said: “I am determined to do this, and then to do maybe a 100-mile walk for my next challenge.

“Weston Hospicecare is an amazing charity and I’m thrilled that this accident and breaking my back has not stopped me being able to help. I am hoping to be able to finish without any issues.”

Neville Coles, the PLT’s executive principal, said: “Lois is a true inspiration and we are thrilled to be able to all help out such a brilliant charity as Weston Hospicecare.”

Registration for this year’s Mendip Challenge has now closed, and unlike past years, there will be no capacity for people to sign up on the day for any of the 10, 20 or 30-mile routes along the West Mendip Way.

The hospice’s event manager Simon Angear said: “We’ve been blown away by the enthusiasm for this year’s Mendip Challenge from all across our community – and in particular by the support from the Priory Learning Trust.

“The trust has supported the hospice brilliantly throughout the year, and we’re thrilled to be welcoming so many of them to the Mendip Challenge on Sunday. It promises to be a fabulous event.”