Hospice Summer Fete raises £4,000
June 20, 2011
Hundreds of people flocked to Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice in Selly Park on Saturday (June 18) for the charity’s annual Summer Fete, which this year raised £4,000 towards caring for local people with life-limiting illnesses.
The event was opened by patient Bob Clements, aged 29, of Bournville, who has spent the past few months writing letters to scores of organisations asking for donations for the fete’s raffle. Bob’s campaign pulled in a plethora of prizes ranging from hotel and restaurant vouchers to theme park passes.
Other attractions at the fete included a novelty dog show, a mouth-watering cupcake stall, traditional penny arcades and eye-catching Irish dancers.
Hospice Head of Fundraising and Marketing Caroline Taylor said: “Despite heavy showers early on in the day, there was a good turnout and people seemed to enjoy themselves.
“We’re very pleased with the amount raised and would like to thank everyone who came along or volunteered to help make the event a success.
“But we’re also incredibly proud of Bob Clements, whose raffle raised £315 – nearly 10 percent of the total, which is fantastic. Bob and his family have made an amazing contribution, with their fundraising total standing at over £5,000.
“The proceeds will be used to support families coping with life-limiting illness across Birmingham and Sandwell.”
Each year Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice cares for around 1,000 people with terminal conditions including cancer, MS, motor neurone disease and Aids.
The majority of patients are looked after in their homes, surrounded by family and friends. Those with more complex medical needs are able to stay in the Hospice’s Inpatient Unit in Selly Park for respite or symptom control.
Birmingham St Mary’s Day Hospice on the same site offers patients with less advanced conditions the chance of a weekly visit to receive medical support, complementary and creative therapies and friendship, whilst giving their home carers some time off.
