Birmingham Irish Community Steps Out For Hospice Fundraiser
May 21, 2010
Kind-hearted members of Birmingham’s Irish community are supporting a major hospice fundraising event this summer.
The Limerick Association Birmingham has offered to fund four entrants in Birmingham St Mary’s Starlight Stroll, a 10-mile sponsored night-time walk for women on July 3.
Mary Fealy, secretary of the organisation, said she was looking forward to taking part in the event, which starts at the University of Birmingham in Edgbaston and takes in Harborne, Moseley, Kings Heath and Selly Park.
She said: “Members of the Limerick Association had no hesitation in supporting this event, because Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice is a cause that is very close to our hearts.
“I’ve decided to take part in Starlight Stroll myself and will be looking to recruit three more walkers over the coming weeks. I’m sure it’s going to be a great night out.”
The Limerick Association decided to fund the places in Starlight Stroll at a meeting on Thursday night (May 20).
Birmingham St Mary’s Head of Fundraising Caroline Taylor thanked the association for their gesture.
“This is great news, and I look forward to strolling with Mary and her friends on July 3. The Irish community of Birmingham has yet again done us proud, we’re really grateful for the support they’re showing to the Hospice,” she said.
Caroline also appealed to would-be Starlight Strollers to sign up. “There are still places available for ladies to enter Starlight Stroll, so we’d love to hear from you if you fancy a fantastic night out in aid of a great local cause.”
The hunt is also on for 50 men to volunteer as marshals on the night to ensure safety.
Since its launch in 1979, Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice, based in Selly Park, has cared for tens of thousands of people with life-limiting illnesses, such as cancer, motor neurone disease and MS.
With around 52 percent of the Hospice’s budget reliant on public goodwill, community fundraising is crucial to ensuring its highly specialised services can continue to be offered to the people of Birmingham and Sandwell.
In addition to a 25-bed Inpatient Unit, Birmingham St Mary’s boasts a 20-place Day Hospice and provides community care to people who wish to stay in their own homes.
The Hospice also supports relatives with bereavement preparation, physiotherapy tuition and counselling in addition to many other services.
Annual running costs stand at £6.3 million, with around £1 million being raised in the Hospice’s shops and £2.7 million via community fundraising events. The remainder comes from the NHS.
Birmingham St Mary’s nurses, often referred to by patients and relatives as ‘angels’, are renowned for going that extra mile to ensure people with terminal illnesses enjoy the best possible quality of life.
Entry forms for Starlight Stroll and information about volunteering as a marshal can be obtained from: Charlotte Sudbury, Community Fundraiser, Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice, 176 Raddlebarn Road, Selly Park, Birmingham B29 7DA, or alternatively telephone: 0121 4721191.
Further details about Starlight Stroll can also be found on Birmingham St Mary’s Facebook page: http://en-gb.facebook.com/pages/Birmingham-St-Marys-Hospice/117822558818
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