Community Fundraiser blog

Summer's here!

2010-04-15T09:20:00.000-07:00

I have just been walking for over an hour, with serious blisters on my feet. Since I had the blisters before I started, it made for a fairly unpleasant experience. That's what you get for walking around Manchester city centre in wedges!

It was all in aid of the fact that summer appears to be here - the sun has actually be shining for several days now, and I'm refusing to believe viscious rumours that things may take a turn for the worse. So here at Dr. Kershaw's we are celebrating with a range of summer events.

Today, I have been out scouting venues for two new events. The first is a Dog Walk, to take place on Saturday 24th July at Tandle Hill Country Park. It will involve a walk around the park, a dog's fancy dress competition, and a family picnic afterwards. Collect votes for your dog (pennies equal votes) and the dog with the most votes on the day will be named best in show and win a prize. Entry is £10 per person, and family tickets are also available. Your entry includes your picnic lunch. If you have a four-legged friend that would like a day out in the summer sun, email me at allegra@drkershawshospice.org.uk or call 0161 624 9984 for an entry form.

The second new event is a Duck Race! This will take place on Saturday 21st August at Chadderton Hall Park. Sponsor a duck for just £1 and you could win a fantastic prize (more information will be revealed soon!). We will have a range of stalls and activities for you to enjoy on the day, so watch this space for more details.

Don't forget, registration is now open for our Midnight Walk. This ladies-only walk begins at midnight on Saturday 5th June and we will be walking 13.1 miles through the night into the morning on Sunday 6th June. Registration is £15 and it is a truly memorable experience. Call Cheryl on 0161 624 9984.

Enjoy the sunshine, and let's hope it lasts for a long time!

Matters of life and death

2010-03-31T08:53:00.000-07:00

I think most of us prefer not to think about death. We don't want to think that it will happen to us, or to those that we love. But we know that death is an inevitable part of life, and how we experience our death is of vital importance to us and to our loved ones.

Around 70% of people say that they want to die at home, but 60% of people die in hospital. If we do not discuss our wishes, we cannot expect our family and friends to be able to support us in our choices for our end of life care.

On Monday 12th April, Dr. Kershaw's Hospice will be holding a 'Dying Matters' event. This will give you the chance to talk to healthcare professionals, spiritual advisors, and other professionals invovled with end of life care. You will be able to get advice on how to plan your choices, and discuss these with your loved ones.

This is not an event for people who are about to die, and not an event to be scared of. Death is a part of life for everyone, and planning for it doesn't bring it closer. Everyone should have the opportunity to plan their end of life care the way they want it. The event will be held in a friendly, relaxed environment, for anyone to come along and share their thoughts with us. It will take place from 1pm - 4pm at the hospice. Come and say hello!

Part of understanding death involves appreciating life. We all have to make the most of the time that we have. So to celebrate the importance of getting the most out of life, we are holding a 'Bucket List' competition. Tell us your top 5 things that you want to do during your life, and you could win a 25 mile helicopter ride, courtesy of Pennine Helicopters! Call 0161 624 9984, or email your list to allegra@drkershawshospice.org.uk

Internet Takeover!

2010-03-03T02:20:00.000-08:00

We all know how important hospice care is. Hopices provide vital support to local people, at times when their need is greatest. All care and support for patients and their families is provided completely free of charge. But whereas most hospices receive a small amount of funding from the NHS, the vast majority of the money needed to keep every hospice going must come from fundraising activities.

Here at Dr. Kershaw's Hospice, the Appeals team needs to raise £1,300,000 every year to allow the hospice to continue providing care to the people of Oldham. We could not do what we do without support from local people and businesses.

We are aiming to raise awareness of the need for local support, and to demonstrate how much people care about their local hospice, by staging a takeover of social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace.

If you would like to show your support for your local hospice, purchase a yellow wristband from the Appeals Office for just £1, then on Monday 24th May change your Facebook, MySpace or other profile picture to a photo of you wearing the wristband. Send us your picture, or post a comment on our Facebook page so that we can see your photo - there will be a prize for the best one. Keep them family-friendly please, people!

To get your wristband, send £1 along with a note stating 'Dr. Kershaw's Hospice Internet Takeover' and your name, address, and telephone number, to Allegra Holbrook, Appeals Office, Dr. Kershaw's Hospice, Turf Lane, Royton, Oldham, OL2 6EU.

Help us turn the internet yellow!

Is it really 2010...?!

2010-02-08T07:59:00.000-08:00

Ok, this year has got away from me a little bit... It might have something to do with the fact that I'm largely in denial about the fact that we have reached 2010 already, and I have continued writing 2009 on pretty much everything! So if you've had a letter from me this year, I can only apologise for confusing you!

And amidst all that, suddenly it has become February! Which not only means that the long-awaited China Day is finally taking place this Saturday (tickets are still available at just £10 each), but that I am now looking ahead to Easter!

The Easter Bunny Hop takes place on Easter Monday, 5th April. It is a sponsored walk especially for children. The Easter Bunny will lead the children around a 1.5 mile route through Alexandra Park in Oldham. There will also be an Easter Egg Hunt, face painting by Vix Face Painting, a goody bag for every child and a free raffle ticket with every entry. A big thank you to Tesco Extra on Huddersfield Road who are providing the goody bags and the raffle prizes.

Entry costs just £5 per person, and every child entry comes with a free adult place. You don't have to be a child to enter - if you are a big kid at heart and want to come along to meet the Easter Bunny then feel free! Prams and pushchairs are welcome, so anyone of any age can take part. Call 0161 624 9984 for an entry form, or download one from www.drkershawshospice.org.uk .

Escape the snow and head to China!

2010-01-11T03:15:00.000-08:00

The new year is well and truly underway! And there is no rest for the wicked - the Dr. Kershaw's Appeals Team are back to the grindstone.

We have battling through the snow to offer you a range of events to chase away the winter blues!

If your new year celebrations have been slightly hampered by all the snow, then celebrate Chinese New Year instead! We are holding a Chinese-themed day on Saturday 13th February, 10am to 3pm, to bring in the new year with a true taste of Chinese culture. There will be an arts and crafts workshop, including traditional paper-folding, language games, a Chinese meal, a screening of a documentary about the country, and a film screening. It promises to be a fun and original day for all the family. Tickets are just £10 for the whole day. Places are limited, so please call 0161 624 9984 to book.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas...

2009-12-17T08:36:00.000-08:00

A massive thank you to everyone who came to our Santa Run last Sunday. It was a great day, and hopefully you have all raised lots of money for the hospice!

Don't forget to return your sponsorship money - either in person to reception, or by post to Dr. Kershaw's Hospice, Turf Lane, Royton, Oldham, OL2 6EU.

Santa tells me that he has sent out all of the letters that you requested, and his hard work has raised £444 for the hospice. So thank you Santa!

Things are winding down here, ready for the Christmas holiday. But fundraisers never rest, and we will be back straight after Christmas with some new exciting events for you!

Here's a sneak preview.... China Day will take place on 9th January. The day will run from 10am until approximately 3.30pm, including a Chinese arts and crafts workshop, Chinese language games, a Chinese buffet meal and a Chinese movie (but with English subtitles!). Tickets are just £10 per person, and can be obtained by calling the Appeals Office on 0161 624 9984.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from everyone at Dr. Kershaw's Hospice.

Santa Madness

2009-11-20T09:07:00.000-08:00

So I've come back to a madhouse!

Entries are coming in thick and fast for our Santa Run! It should be a really fun day, so if you're interested in running round Alexandra Park in your very own Santa suit then call me on 0161 624 9984 as soon as possible.

And speaking of Santa... I'm passing on all your letter requests to him, and he tells me he'll be sending them out shortly. So if you've asked for a letter from Santa for someone it will be on its way soon! If you would like Santa to send a letter to someone you know, big or small, then get in touch.

I don't really have time to take a breath at the moment, so this is quite a short post. Don't forget our Light up a Life service on 6th December at 7.30pm. See you all soon!

Running Santas

2009-11-10T02:55:00.000-08:00

I am off for a long overdue holiday tomorrow! Not that I'm going anywhere exciting or exotic - the furthest away I'll be heading is the lovely countryside of Warwickshire to see my family for my birthday. But that will be nice. And I need a bit of a rest after all the excitement over the last few weeks...

Entry is now open for our Santa Run - this will take place on Sunday 13th December, starting at 11am, at Alexandra Park, Oldham, OL8 2BH. Entry is just £10 for adults, £5 for children, and includes your very own Santa suit and medal! There will also be mulled wine, mince pies, and general fun and games afterwards. So please download an order form from www.drkershawshospice.org.uk or call us on 0161 624 9984. Well, call the Appeals team. I won't be here, at least for the next few days!

Santa is getting lots of orders for his letters, so make sure you get your order in quick if you'd like him to write to a special boy or girl this Christmas! Again, you can download the form from our website, or call us.

We are also raffling a beautiful old-fashioned rocking horse - this would make the most amazing Christmas present. For more information, call Cheryl on 0161 624 9984.

Right, I am signing off... need to try to tidy my desk before I leave... Or at least make my desk visible so people don't trip over it while I'm away! See you all next week!

Creative Anarchy and Letters from Santa

2009-11-02T06:48:00.000-08:00

I love my job! I saw an article recently that described fundraising as 'creative anarchy'. That sounds about right. Today I have been talking to the Sweetmeister, collecting bags of toy stuffing, and in negotiations with Santa Claus!

The toy stuffing is for our crafts group, The Crafty Cuppa, which will be meeting at the hospice on the second and fourth Thursday of the month, beginning on 12th November. It will be an informal skills-share for any craft, where you can learn new skills, pass your wisdom onto others, and have a cup of tea and a natter! A suggested donation of £2 is all they ask!

The Sweetmeister (possibly the best job title in all the world!) has arranged for a special promotion at the Happy Sweet Shop, an online, traditional sweet shop selling delicious old-fashioned sweets. If you're looking for Christmas presents, stocking fillers, or just to treat yourself on the cold winter nights, check out the fab range at http://www.happysweetshop.co.uk/ . When buying, use the voucher code DRKER182 and not only will you get a 10% discount, but they will also donate 10% of the sale to Dr. Kershaw's Hospice! What better excuse to indulge!

And possibly the most exciting news of all... I have been speaking to Santa! The man himself! And I can tell you that he is lovely! He has agreed, despite his very busy schedule at this time of year, to write letters to some lucky boys and girls, in exchange for a donation of £3 to Dr. Kershaw's Hospice (or £5 for 2 letters). If you would like to request a letter from Santa, email me at allegra@drkershawshospice.org.uk or phone me on 0161 624 9984. I will be answering to the name of 'the Dr. Kershaw's Christmas Elf'!

Santa-cise

2009-10-27T03:31:00.000-07:00

I am currently in the process of arranging for about 100 Santas to run round a park in December... Not because Santa has been roped into the goverment's Change 4 Life scheme and ordered to get into shape, but for a Santa Run to raise money for the hospice.

First issue is location, which I believe has been solved by a very nice man from the council helping me to get my winter mittened hands on Alexandra Park. Once this is sorted, we can arrange a date and a time.

Next I need marshals, and some nice people to distribute medals, water, mulled wine and mince pies to the weary Santas. I'm also in the process of trying to acquire some mulled wine and mince pies!

Then comes the rallying of the actual Santas... and this is where you lot come in. If anyone fancies running, jogging, or walking very slowly (which is my preferred option!) around a 5k route in Alexandra Park, dressed as a Santa (your very own outfit and medal is included in your registration fee), then please call me on 0161 624 9984 or email allegra@drkershawshospice.org.uk

I'm now also considering something of a mini celebratory party afterwards, with Christmas carols, a raffle, the aforementioned mulled wine and mince pies, and, thanks to comments from a certain someone who shall remain nameless, potentially a 'Claus On All Fours' obstacle course, for those who aren't already sufficiently shattered! I'll keep you posted!

Upcoming attractions!

2009-10-12T09:07:00.000-07:00

We've got quite a lot of exciting events coming up over the next month or so, so I thought I would use this post to give you a run-down of what you can look forward to as the nights are drawing in...

On 22nd October, 1pm - 5pm, St. George's Primary School are holding a bulb planting event. As well as the bulbs there will be activities, refreshments and a balloon release, so it should be a really great day out!

Our Christmas Fair is on 1st November, here at the Hospice, from 12 - 4pm. We will have Christmas gifts on sale, raffles, a tombola, a range of stalls, and other exciting activities. So please come down and join us.

On November 8th, the circus is in town! Circus Starr are performing at Royton Park and raising money for us! Call 01260 288 690 for tickets, or visit www.circus-starr.co.uk .

And on December 5th there is a 60s and 70s night at Royton Conservative Club!

If you would like any more information, contact us on 0161 624 9984.

Celebrating life!

2009-10-07T04:04:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I suspect it was a bit quiet in the office, because I was at a very interesting workshop on In Memoriam charity activities - the kinds of things that charities do to help people remember their loved ones and celebrate their lives. Here at the hospice we have our Light up a Life ceremony, and the Life for a Life memorial trees, and I have now learned about loads more fantastic things that other charities are doing.

But throughout all this it occurred to me that we have a very difficult time talking about death in this country. I think a lot of members of the charity sector are reluctant to look at memorial activities because they don't feel it is appropriate to approach a grieving family and offer these things to them; and it is extremely difficult to know how to approach someone who has just lost a loved one. On the other hand, people who have been involved in memorial activities for their loved ones say that it was an extremely positive and helpful experience.

As more people move away from religion and communities aren't as close-knit as they used to be, there are less consolations for the loss of a loved one. Employers aren't very understanding these days when people need time off because of a bereavement, we're expected to put a brave face on things, and the world in general moves so fast that the grieving process can be swept under the rug. But taking the time to grieve is a vital part of dealing with a loss, and we all want to feel that our loved ones are being valued and respected; it is our memories that keep them with us.

So, my feeling is that we need to come together to support each other through these difficult times. In my opinion it is the role of community organisations, like ourselves, to help families to say goodbye in a way they feel honours their loved one, and to celebrate that person's life and who they were. We need to encourage people to talk about death and the emotions that surround it. Death is an inevitable part of life, and as such we have all lost someone we cared about. Therefore, rather than being embarrassed and afraid of the subject and trying to pretend it doesn't happen, we need to come together to share our experiences and remember the people we love.

We wish they could still be here, but we are priviledged to have known them at all. My family will still descend into fits of giggles thinking about things my Nan got up to! I hope you can all have a smile today for someone you love who is no longer with us.

And in the spirit of sharing our feelings, if anyone has any comments or suggestions I would be very grateful to hear them. Thank you!

Thank you!

2009-10-05T08:28:00.000-07:00

I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who came down to Tesco on Huddersfield Road on Friday and Saturday. The event was great fun, and the staff raised a fantastic £921.58!

All the team put in so much effort to keep the bike going for the 24 hours, and the customers were all extremely generous in their support.

I also want to say thank you to Tesco's Community Champion, Caroline, who came up with the idea in the first place. Caroline created a real party atmosphere over the 24 hours, which I think everyone really enjoyed! I know I did.

We had balloons, party poppers and music, and all the staff threw themselves into the challenge with great enthusiasm!

Here are the hospice we rely on contributions from the local community to allow us to continue providing our services, so we cannot express enough how much we value support like this. Thank you all so much!

48 hours to go...

2009-09-30T02:36:00.000-07:00

The Pass the Torch project kicks off in just over 48 hours... Tesco Huddersfield Road begin their 24 hour cycling challenge at 2pm on Friday (2nd October).

The team will be keeping an exercise bike going continuously for 24 hours, which sounds extremely daunting! I don't envy them, especially as they go through the night.

If you're in the area, do come down and cheer them on. They'll need all the moral support they can get. Not to mention that obviously they are putting themselves through all this to raise money for the hospice, so any pennies you can throw in the collection buckets will make their efforts all worthwhile!

You can also sponsore them online at www.justgiving.com/passthetorch

If you pop down around 2pm on Friday we'll be having a little party to celebrate the start, and I'm sure there'll be a few celebrations (although possibly slightly less energetic ones, after all that cycling!) at 2pm on the Saturday!

This is my first big project since joining the team at Dr. Kershaw's Hospice, so I'm very excited about this! Good luck to all the team at Tesco, and thanks for launching this project in style!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2009-09-22T09:03:00.000-07:00

Frighteningly, as it's only September, we are getting in the festive spirit over here!

We are stacked to the ceiling with Christmas cards and calendars, ready for the rush. Orders are coming in thick and fast, so if you want to get your hands on our beautiful cards or very popular Calendar of Oldham then you'll want to get in quick! You can download order forms on our website - http://www.drkershawshospice.org.uk/ - or come in to the hospice.

Light up a Life is also back. A large tree here at the hospice will be decorated with lights. These lights can be individually dedicated to a loved one, either in memory of someone you have lost or in support of someone who will be in your thoughts this Christmas. The lights will be switched on following a Carol Service on Sunday 6th December 2009 at 7.30pm and will remain lit throughout Epiphany between the hours of 3pm and 11.30pm. This is a beautiful event, and if you would like to take part you can download a form on our website, or call us on 0161 624 9984.

I think it's a little early for me to get out the tinsel and my I <3 Christmas CD just yet, but everyone in the office should probably take note that that is what you'll be subjected to come December!

Carrying a torch...

2009-09-18T07:16:00.000-07:00

What a week!

The Pass the Torch project is in full swing! Tesco on Huddersfield Road are busy preparing for their event, keeping an exercise bike running for 24 hours in the store. The Community Team will all be pitching in throughout the 24 hours to make sure the wheels keep turning. You can come down to the store to cheer them on, and please sponsor them at www.justgiving.com/passthetorch

You will also be able to see live updates on our website, http://www.drkershawshospice.org.uk/ - I'll let you know more nearer the time.

Salton Europe will be the next group to take up the torch with a sponsored walk in fancy dress, which they will bravely wear all day at work! Details of their event will also appear on our website and the JustGiving page shortly.

The Rose of Lancaster have also stepped up to the challenge, and will be launching a whole month of Christmas celebrations shortly!

If your business or community group would like to try to top that, then please get in touch - call 0161 624 9984 or email allegra@drkershawshospice.org.uk

And after all that, I'm off for a rest! Enjoy your weekend everyone.

Riding the air waves...

2009-09-15T06:01:00.000-07:00

I have just been interviewed on Oldham Today with Gerald Brierley on Oldham Community Radio! Slightly nerve-wracking, but great fun.

I was invited on as Oldham Community Radio are very kindly supporting our Charity Busking Challenge. To celebrate World Hospice and Palliative Care Day on 10th October, Dr. Kershaw's will be holding a talent competition with a difference.

The theme for the international celebrations is 'Discovering Your Voice', so we are aiming to bring the streets of Oldham to life with local talent. Performers will busk at locations around Oldham, raising money for Dr. Kershaw's. The performer who raises the most money will win the chance to perform on Oldham Community Radio.

If you would like to enter, give me a call on 0161 624 9984 or email me at allegra@drkershawshospice.org.uk

Massive thanks to all the very lovely staff at Oldham Community Radio for their support, and for looking after me this morning.

I don't think I have the voice for radio. Anyone who was confused by that broadcast and wondered why Dr. Kershaw's have hired a 6 year-old girl as their Community Fundraiser, I can assure you that I am in fact 25!

China-bound!

2009-09-11T05:47:00.000-07:00

Had our Great Wall of China trek meeting last night - our trek organiser from Classic Tours, Gideon, came and gave us a fantastic presentation about the trip and what to expect.

It all seems frighteningly real now that we've seen the pictures and the itinerary! We'll have to get cracking with our training - not looking forward to the day when we've got 1000 steps to climb. This is a girl who has trouble climbing a flight of stairs...

Still, it's going to be an experience of a lifetime, and all the pain we go through will be worth it to raise that money for the hospice. Speaking of which, can everyone please support us at http://www.justgiving.com/dkchinatrek/

I hope everyone else is as excited as I am!