Fundraising families say thank you for hospice care

Three dedicated individuals set themselves very different but incredibly tough challenges this summer in aid of St. Joseph’s Hospice to thank the hospice for the care it provides.

The grandson of a former patient took a trip to Belgium in August to take on the famous Dodentocht, or ‘Death March’, - a long-distance 100km walk in just 24 hours. But this wasn’t hard enough for Matthew Hoare (18), from North London, as he had done some long-distance walking before. Instead, Matthew chose to run it in order to really push himself! The challenge wasn’t easy though as he only took up running in February this year.

Matthew raised a fantastic £325 for the hospice. He said: “It took me just over 13 hours and was the longest and hardest thing I have ever done so it gave me a real sense of achievement. The locals were so supportive, cheering me on all the way, so it was a fantastic experience. My good friend Thomas came along to support me too.

“St. Joseph’s Hospice took such wonderful care of my Nan, Flo Jackson MBE, when she was a patient there 2012. The care she and my whole family received was incredible and I’m so pleased to be able to do something to help.”

The wife of one of hospice patient, Helen Burrows, recently took part in Tough Mudder North West, along with her friends and family, in order to raise money for the hospice. They dragged themselves through the muddy 10.7mile obstacle course in just 5.5 hours.

The team of 15 have raised a staggering £1,489 so far for the hospice. Helen said: “We wanted to give something back to the hospice. My husband Ian has been so well cared for by the staff who are just incredible, not just to Ian but also to me and our children.

“Tough Mudder was incredibly tough but that’s nothing compared to what Ian’s been through. We worked together as a team to achieve something really positive and we’re just glad we could help.”

The son of one of the hospice’s healthcare assistants, Jamie Woodward (22), from Seaforth, recently completed a skydive raising a fantastic £723 for the hospice.

He said: “I’ve always wanted to skydive and the hospice is such a brilliant local charity to support. My mum does a very difficult job but she absolutely loves it and is always telling us wonderful stories about it.”

Senior hospice fundraiser, Julie McAdam, said: “Congratulations to Matthew, Helen and Jamie on their incredible achievements. We’re always overwhelmed by the support we receive from our families and from people right across our community.

“It costs £8,750 every day to run the hospice and so all the donations we receive make a huge difference to the lives of our patients and their families. We’re really grateful for their support and that of everyone who has fundraised for us this summer.”

For further information about supporting the hospice, please contact the fundraising team on 0151 932 6044 or email events@jospice.org.uk.

 

Matthew Hoare at the finnish of the Dodentocht.  Jamie Woodward ready for his skydive.

Helen Burrows and her teammates undertake Tough Mudder NW.