Hospice unveils Summer Garden Party events

At this time of year, St. Joseph’s Hospice, in Thornton, is usually launching its Summer Garden Party, Teddy Bears Picnic and Summer Remembrance event.

This year, due to social distancing restrictions, things will be a little different but the hospice is determined to take these events to its supporters to provide some summer fun and to help the hospice raise urgent funds as it has suffered a massive blow to fundraising due to coronavirus.

Hospice fundraiser, Zoë Furnivall, said: “The hospice always puts on some great events and activities for families at this time of year and we don’t want to let coronavirus get in the way. So, this week, we are launching a programme of fun summer events and activities as well as a summer remembrance event.

“All these events will conclude with a special virtual Garden Party live on Facebook on Saturday 4th July. It's all for a very good cause as all the proceeds we raise from these events will enable us to continue providing important end of life care services to our patients and their families and help us to replace some of the funding we have lost during the coronavirus pandemic.”

Here are some of the events you can take part in over the next few weeks…to enter any of these events, follow the event links below or call 0151 932 6044.

Dog Show – the hospice has launched a virtual Dog Show with some great prizes to be won, including a pet photography session. Maybe you are starting to look a little like your dog during lockdown? Or perhaps you’ve got the got the cutest puppy or a golden oldie? We have a category to suit all dogs and their owners so come and join in the fun. Entry £4 per dog for up to five categories. Each category will be judged by a local canine expert.

Drawing Competition - Instead of the usual Teddy Bear Parade, the hospice is asking children to draw a picture of their favourite teddy bear, toy or game cover. There will be four age groups with one winner in each category. All drawings will be displayed in the hospice windows for patients and nurses to enjoy – see if you can spot yours at the hospice’s virtual Garden Party on Saturday 4th July, when the winners will be chosen. Entry is just £3.

Dedicate a Song - The hospice has launched a very special summer remembrance event this year; the perfect way to help us remember and celebrate the lives of loved ones. With your help, the hospice will compile a very special St. Joseph's Hospice 2020 playlist on Spotify and it’s inviting the local community to be a part of it by dedicating a song to a special person or loved one. The final playlist will be made available for people to download on Spotify.

Garden Party Raffle – Even though it will be a virtual event, you can still enter the hospice’s Garden Party Raffle and there are some amazing prizes to be won, including a designer pamper hamper, a wine hamper, a time for tea hamper, a bottle of whiskey and a voucher for a celebration food platter. Raffle tickets cost £5.

Teddy Tombola – Win a gorgeous teddy bear in the hospice’s famous teddy tombola. There are 50 tickets available and 20 teddy bear prizes. Buy a ticket for just £3. The closing date for the Garden Party Raffle and Teddy Tombola will be Friday 3rd July.

Find out how to enter here. Entry fees and raffle tickets must be paid for on the St. Joseph’s Hospice Summer Events page on Just Giving or over the phone by calling 0151 932 6044.

Join the hospice LIVE on Facebook on Saturday 4th July from 12pm for its virtual Garden Party in the grounds of the hospice when all competition winners will be announced. The Raffle and Teddy Tombola will take place on the day.