Big thank you from hospice for community support

A hospice which relies entirely on donations has sent a “thank you” to the community for its support during 2011.

St Nicholas Hospice thanked the people of west Suffolk and Thetford who have raised money through volunteering, fundraising and donations.

Fundraising highlights of the year included the third Girls’ Night Out walk, in September, which raised �110,000; the second Towergate Accumulator Challenge, in which businesses raised more than �40,000 between June and September; and hundreds of other successful events organised on the hospice’s behalf by kind-hearted members of the public.

Elsewhere at the hospice, the Hospice Neighbours scheme – which sees volunteers visit patients in their homes and perform helpful tasks, such as walking the dog or mowing the lawn – was launched at the beginning of the year, and inside the hospice building, the Orchard Centre was transformed with a grant from the Department of Health.

Rooms were remodelled and refurbished to provide more facilities and a comfortable environment for patients. The �156,000 grant also enabled the gardens to be landscaped, to allow patients and families easier access and more enjoyment.

Acting head of fundraising, Kevin Clements, said: “The community supports St Nicholas Hospice Care in so many ways – from volunteering, taking part in events, donating goods, or simply making personal donations.

“We are extremely lucky to have such a passionate and skilled network of volunteers who help us to fundraise for our vital work.

“At any one time, the hospice can be caring for about 300 people. As you might imagine, the financial cost of this is significant and it is only likely to increase, so it really is vital we acknowledge the loyal support we receive from the community.

“On behalf of everyone at St Nicholas Hospice Care, I would like to say thank you to everyone who has supported the hospice this year. We really couldn’t do it without you. Merry Christmas and a happy new year to all.”