News
FAMILY ROOM AND LAPTOP DONATIONS
7/3/2010
A visiting Hospitaller of The Saint Lazarus Hospice Association has presented a Darlington charity with thousands of pounds, as well as two laptops.
The money, totalling £2,742, is to be used for refurbishment of St Teresa's Hospice's family room, a room for the family and friends of in-patients staying at the hospice.
Confrére Michael Seed OLJ went out of his way to also arrange two laptops for the in-patients of St Teresa's Hospice. These were donated by Prof Stephen Mather and Dr Delphine Lees of the Institute of Cancer, Bart's & the London School of Medicine & Dentistry.
Jane Bradshaw, Hospice Director, said: "The family room is an important place, it gives visiting family a place to talk to their loved ones or offers somewhere quiet for them to gather their thoughts.
"Thanks to the efforts of Michael we now have the money to make the family room a more comfortable place in which to do these things. That Michael also went out of his way to provide two laptops is incredibly generous."
The Saint Lazarus Hospice Association is a charity dedicated to providing funds for equipment and training to hospices throughout the UK.
Confrére Michael said: "I am humbled by the extra-ordinary work that is carried out at St Teresa's Hospice. The Hospitaller Department thought the application conceived by Ann Barber in memory of her husband Chris had special merit due to the great lengths St Teresa's has made to provide an area of rest and respite that will benefit both families and in-patients. We felt privileged to help."
The charity receives funds through the efforts of the members and friends of the Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem (www.saintlazarus.co.uk) and its Commandery network. The Charity has no administrative overheads, as these are covered by Order.
HOSPICE RECEIVES DONATION FROM LIFE AFTER CANCER FASHION SHOW
23/2/2010
St Teresa's Hospice has received a donation following last year's Life After Cancer Fashion Show, totalling £5,000.
All of the models for the fashion show either have, or have had, cancer and everyone involved in the show has had their life affected by it in some way.
This year the show, held at Tall Trees in Yarm, was dedicated to four former participants who lost their lives to cancer - Anne Cook, Derek Foster, Ruth Wallace and Nicky Weastell
The event marked the tenth anniversary of the first Life After Cancer fashion show, which has over the years has raised tens of thousands of pounds for charities in the region.
As well as this important milestone this year's event was made special by George Davis (of George of Asda fame) who helped promote the event by using it to showcase some new designs.
Mr Davies also helped raise £4,000 towards the event's total by auctioning a trip to his design studio in Italy.
ST T'S HOME SHOP LOOKING FOR DONATIONS
15/2/10
The latest addition to our network of charity shops, St T's Home Shop on Skinnergate, is looking for donations of home furnishings.
Since opening at the beginning of December last year St T's Home Shop has proved hugely successful, raising thousands of pounds towards our running costs on a weekly basis.
Despite the huge amount of space available in the premises everything on the shop floor has been sold several times over, meaning a steady supply of new items is required.
Retail co-ordinator Majorie McIntyre said: "To keep up with demand we are looking for donations of furnishings, anything from cushions and sideboards to lamps and washing machines."
We offer a free collection (and delivery) service, so if you have something to give, please contact us on 01325 254 321.
DARLINGTON BAND'S FIRST GIG RAISES HUNDREDS FOR CHARITY
9/2/10
A Darlington band has had a successful start to their gigging career with a sell out performance which raised over £600 for charity.
Caliber, comprising of Alex Fawcett, Kieran Kemp and James Storey, decided to use their debut gig at the Cumby Arms in Heighington to raised money for St Teresa's Hospice and Heighington Scout Group.
The Cumby Arms provided the room for free, meaning all of the £660 raised from the sale of 110 tickets could be split between the two charities.
Alex (vocals and lead guitar) and James (drums) met through Darlington School of Rock & Pop, but only began playing together in September when they met bass player Kieran.
They currently play classic rock and blues covers including Jimmy Hendrix, Joe Bonamassa, and ACDC, but hope to start writing their own music.
Caliber's next performance will be at the 'Help 4 Haiti' fundraising event at the Cumby Arms on Friday 19th February, alongside local band Toxic and solo performer Ben Lucas, tickets cost £3 on the door.
TWO SCHOOLS TO RECEIVE EXCELLENT SUPPORTER AWARDS
15/1/10
A total of thirty-three schools took park in our Christmas campaign this year, helping to raise thousands of pounds towards our running costs.
We're sending excellent supporter awards to two schools which did particularly well over this period:
Heathfield Primary School, who raised a total of £817.21 by taking part in our week-long carol singing service in Queen Street Shopping centre, and selling Christmas merchandise.
Croft Church of England Primary School, who raised £774.34, will be the second school to receive an award. They are also collecting change for a 'mile of pennies' - the total currently stands at around £100. For a school with only 108 pupils it's really astonishing that they have raised so much for us.
NATIONAL AND LOCAL FREEMASONS SUPPORT DARLINGTON CHARITY
11/1/10
A Darlington charity has received cheques from local Masonic chapters, in addition to money awarded by the national Masonic body.
St Teresa's Hospice was awarded £250 by the Darlington Chapter and £200 from St Oswald Lodge at a presentation on Thursday.
The local support comes after St Teresa's Hospice was given £1,739 from the national Freemasons' Grand Charity.
Jane Bradshaw, Hospice Director, said: "The Freemasons have contributed to our work locally ever since the hospice was founded. The support of local groups and organisations such as the Masons is vitally important in helping us to continue our work."
GIVING TO LIFE TREE RAISES THOUSANDS
7/1/10
The annual Giving to Life Tree fundraising appeal has raised over £7,000 for a Darlington charity.
Every year for a small donation to St Teresa's Hospice people are invited to write a message to a loved one on a decoration and leave it on the Cornmill Shopping Centre's 15 foot high tree.
The campaign this year raised £7,194.43 during its run from November through until Christmas, which required 650 hours of volunteer time.
As well as the tree in the Cornmill, businesses and individuals run Giving to Life Trees of their own, including Whitehouse Funeral Service who added £250 to the campaign's total.
Jane Bradshaw, Hospice Director, said: "We noticed a drop in the number of larger donations this year, but it was more than made up for by an increase in the total number of donations made by people writing messages. It's lovely to know that the Giving to Life Tree means something to so many people."
After a non-denominational blessing, messages were removed from the Cornmill tree before it was taken down.
TRIBUTES TO THOSE LOVED & LOST RAISE FUNDS FOR ST TERESA'S HOSPICE
6th January 2010
An independent funeral service provider in Darlington has raised £250 for St Teresa's Hospice.
The family-run and owned, Whitehouse Funeral Service in Cockerton is delighted to be able to help the worthy local cause by donating the funds raised from its memorial Christmas tree.
The memorial Christmas tree has always played an important role at Whitehouse Funeral Service, offering past clients to write a tag out in memory of their lost loved ones, however for the last two years, it also asked to if they would like to include a donation to St Teresa's Hospice.
John Whitehouse, managing director of the newly refurbished funeral service part match funded the final contribution. He said:
"We received over 200 donations and tags for our tree this year and I would like to thank everyone involved for their kind contributions which really can help make a difference to a local charity."
"St Teresa's is a cause that is close to my heart as whilst my cousin was there I saw the incredible expert care and unfaltering dedication from all the team."
Jane Bradshaw, director at St Teresa's, said:
"We are once again delighted to be receiving another kind donation from John and his team. As a local charity, we rely heavily on the support of local businesses and organisations. Whitehouse Funeral Services has been a longstanding supporter of our cause, and this latest gift, comprised of so many kind donations, will be used directly towards patient care and is greatly appreciated by all at St Teresa's Hospice."
Whitehouse Funeral Service can help with all your funeral arrangements, including flowers, catering and any special needs for more information, please visit
www.whitehousefuneralservice.co.uk
MAYOR OF DARLINGTON VISITS NEW HOSPICE SHOP
21/12/09
The Mayor of Darlington, Councillor Jim Ruck, visited the new St Teresa's Hospice shop on Skinnergate with his wife Margaret to offer his support, and left with a three piece cane conservatory set.
The new shop (next to Argos on Skinnergate) offers a range of home furnishings and other larges items which have been donated to St Teresa's Hospice and for which the charity offers a collection service.
Jane Bradshaw, Hospice Director, said: "We are always keen to involve the Mayor in our work, and with the current Mayor we haven't even had to ask. Jim has been eager to offer his support to us ever since he became Mayor, even to the extent of buying his summer conservatory set from us in December."
This new type of shop is proving to be a huge success, making £5,000 in its opening week and going on to sell everything on the shop floor three times over.
Because of this success St Teresa's Hospice has plans to open a new shop along similar lines in Richmond in 2010.
Anyone with items to donate should contact St Teresa's Hospice on 01325 254 321.
CHRISTMAS CRACKER A SUCCESS DESPITE WEATHER
19/12/09
A charity Christmas concert attracted an audience of almost 300 people, despite blizzards causing dangerous driving conditions on Saturday.
The weather had event organisers at St Teresa's Hospice in Darlington worrying that they would have a much reduced audience for their annual Christmas Cracker concert compared to previous years.
In spite of icy roads and bitter temperatures organisers estimate around 275 people attended on the evening, raising £6,000.00 for the Hospice.
Jane Bradshaw, Hospice Director, said: "Numbers were slightly down on last year, but it was an extremely good turnout considering the weather and the atmosphere was as good as ever.
"It was heart-warming to see so many people supporting the Hospice – and this in addition to some 210 people making up the choir and orchestra."
The audience were treated to music performed by a massed choir gathered from choral groups and societies from around the area, accompanied by the St Teresa's Sinfonia Orchestra, and led by musical director and conductor John Forsyth.
The choir this year was made up of the Tees Valley Youth Choir, Blackwell Ladies Choir, Cleveland Philharmonic, Cockerton Ladies Choir, Darlington Choral, Gainford Choral Society, Holy Trinity Church Choir, The Richardson Singers, St Cuthbert's Church Choir and Darlington Operatic Society, who were the event's principle sponsor. There were guest appearances by Locomotion and Tees Valley Voices.
The piano accompaniment was by renowned local musician Andrew Christer, and there were solo performances by James Nash (treble), Rowan Pierce (soprano) and Stephen Proctor (violin).
Mrs Bradshaw added: "Every year I'm amazed at the quality of the music at the Cracker. That so many people can come together with only two rehearsals and perform so well is a testament to their abilities and to the direction of John Forsyth.
"I send a huge thank you to everyone who participated, or attended, from all at St Teresa's Hospice"
SCHOOL CHOIR VISITS HOSPICE
18/12/09
Guests at a Darlington hospice have been treated to a performance by a school choir as part of a week of fundraising and Christmas activities.
St Augustine's RC Primary School choir visited the Day Care department of St Teresa's Hospice in Darlington to perform Christmas carols and songs for around 25 guests.
The carol singing was on the final day of a series of events throughout the week organised by staff and volunteers at St Teresa's Hospice to entertain guests and raise money for the charity.
The total from the tombola, cake stall and other fundraisers currently stands at £860.27.
Jane Bradshaw, Hospice Director, said: "Hospice staff and volunteers often hold fundraisers of their own, and we are extremely proud of how well the Day Care staff have done.
"The money they have raised will help us continue to offer our services, including Day Care, in the New Year."
Hospice Day Care guests are offered a variety of complementary therapies, including massage, acupuncture, and hairdressing.
Guests also have the opportunity to support each other and talk to people who are in similar circumstances to themselves.
£15,000 DONATION FOR COUNTY DURHAM HOSPICES
14/12/09
A donation of a total of £15,000 to nine hospices in County Durham, Darlington, Teesside, Wearside and South Tyneside, has been awarded by The Freemasons' Grand Charity.
Representatives of the hospices attended a presentation at St Teresa's Hospice in Darlington and expressed their gratitude for the money at the end of a difficult financial year.
Throughout 2009 The Freemasons' Grand Charity has continued its extensive support for hospices across England and Wales, totalling £500,000.
All donations are raised by Freemasons and their families and aim to assist hospices in their vital role in helping those affected by terminal or life limiting illness.
Assistant Provincial Grand Master George Clark, Chairman of the Durham Freemasons Benevolent Committee, said: "Over the last 25 years The Freemasons' Grand Charity has awarded over £8 million to hospice services throughout England and Wales.
"We recognise the wonderful services that hospices in the North East provide in the community, and we are delighted to demonstrate our support for these services in this way"
Guests at St Teresa's Hospice included Provincial Grand Master Eric Heaviside and his wife Sue, Secretary of the Durham Freemasons Benevolent Committee Geoff Rumford and several of the Benevolent Committee trustees, together with managers and coordinators from hospices in the region.
After the official presentations at noon a light buffet lunch was provided giving the coordinators and the Masonic Charity trustees the opportunity of learning more about the valuable work of the hospice movement.
In closing, David Jones, St Teresa's Hospice Fundraising Manager, said: "We are all very grateful to the Freemasons for their generous donations which are an especially welcome regular funding stream which can be relied on each year."
Donations from the Grand Charity come in addition to money raised locally by the Freemasons, with St Teresa's Hospice recently receiving a total of £450 from The Darlington Chapter and St Oswald Lodge.
On the day David Jones, fundraising manager, received a grant of £1,739 on behalf of St Teresa's Hospice.
David Hall, Chief executive of St Clare's Hospice, received a grant of £1,486.
Anne Cooling, head of corporate development at the Butterwick Hospices received three grants totalling £4,570 comprising of £2,232 for the Stockton Hospice, £1,000 for Bishop Auckland and £1,338 for the Children's Hospice.
St Cuthbert's Hospice trustee Kevin Whitfield received £2,232.
Willow Burn Hospice capital grants & legacy fundraiser Claire Chillingworth accepted £1,493
Hartlepool and District Hospice events and community facilitator Greg Hildreth received a grant of £1,732.
NHS managed St Benedict's Hospice in Monkwearmouth Hospital fell outside of the Grand Charity hospice grant scheme but Durham Freemasons Benevolent Committee made a grant of £1,000.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT TO BE A CRACKER
14/12/09
A Christmas charity concert returns to Darlington this month for its 9th year.
The Christmas Cracker in aid of St Teresa's Hospice was the brainchild of John Forsyth who describes it as a chance to get into the Christmas spirit while helping raise funds for a worthy cause.
Jane Bradshaw, Hospice Director, said: "It is hard to describe the Christmas Cracker without spoiling the surprises and touches which make it such a magical evening for people of all ages, but what we can promise is that everyone walks away with a smile.
"The long run up to Christmas can be tiring, we host the Cracker to remind everyone what a magic and special time it can be."
Musical Director John Forsyth will lead the Tees Valley Youth Choir and many others from schools, musical ensembles, and choral societies from around the area for the night's music.
An audience of 450 people created a fantastic atmosphere last year, and similar numbers are expected this year with tickets selling very quickly.
As well as the musical entertainment a raffle is held for high quality Christmas hampers made up of items donated to St Teresa's Hospice.
Christmas Cracker 2009 starts at 7pm on Saturday December 19th, tickets cost £7.50 for adults and £5 for children and are available by contacting the St Teresa's Hospice fundraising office on 01325 254 321 and in St Teresa's charity shops.
SIMPLY THANK YOU
11/12/09
A Darlington charity has further expanded its retail outlets with the addition of an online gift ordering and delivery service.
St Teresa's Hospice is working in conjunction with Darlington based company Simply Thank You to offer the facility to buy gifts through the charity's website.
The online shop offers a range of gifts, including hampers, bouquets of flowers, and experience days.
The orders will be taken by and delivered by Simply Thank You, who will then give St Teresa's Hospice fifty percent of all profit on orders made through their website.
Jane Bradshaw, Hospice Director, said: "Simply Thank You offers a fantastic service and we are extremely excited about the opportunity they have offered us.
"By ordering a gift for someone through our site you are really giving two gifts in one, the gift you order and a donation towards St Teresa's."
In addition to the online shop St Teresa's Hospice has recently added to its network of brick and mortar outlets with St T's Home Shop, which sells high-quality second hand home furnishings.
Mrs. Bradshaw said: "St T's Home Shop has so far been an incredible success, making over £5,000 in its first week.
"The need obviously exists for innovation in charity retailing, and we are confident this new venture will also be a success."
The shop can be accessed through the 'online shop' button on the front page of St Teresa's Hospice's website at www.darlingtonhospice.org.uk
LIGHT UP A LIFE
7/12/09
A lighting ceremony to give people the opportunity to remember loved ones at Christmas has taken a personal turn for its organizers.
The Light up a Life ceremony is organised by St Teresa's Hospice and takes place this Sunday in Darlington Marketplace.
Staff at St Teresa's Hospice recently suffered the loss of a much loved colleague, Bryan Briggs.
Jane Bradshaw, Hospice Director, said: "Everyone has been affected by the sudden loss of a colleague and friend to many at the Hospice. We will be lighting a light to remember our friend Bryan who made such a difference to the Woodlands, and whose lasting tribute will be the difference he made in our beautiful gardens."
The service will include community carols and short readings by members of the Hospice Team.
Lights will be lit on special trees, and after the service the trees will be taken to the Hospice, where their lights will shine on throughout the Christmas Season.
Light up a Life is a series of events that take place all across the country in the weeks running up to Christmas.
The services are organised by local hospices and are open to anyone, whether their loved one was cared for by a hospice or not.
If you would like to attend the St Teresa's Hospice Light up a Life ceremony please contact the fundraising office on 01325 254321.
GIVING TO LIFE TREE APPEAL BEGINS
6/11/09
A Christmas fundraising appeal is now in place in a Darlington shopping centre.
The annual Giving to Life Tree, in aid of St Teresa's Hospice, is located on the ground floor of the Cornmill shopping centre.
For a small donation people are invited to write a personal message on a decoration and leave it on the 15 foot high tree, which the Cornmill donate every year for the hospice's use.
People leave messages on the tree for many reasons, some write messages of Christmas goodwill to friends and family, and to others the tree is a chance to think of people they may have lost.
Jane Bradshaw, Hospice Director, said: "A lot of emotion goes into decorating the Giving to Life Tree, messages are left to aunts, uncles, parents, grandparents and even pets. We once had someone leaving a message to a pair of much missed goats."
The tree needs 650 hours of volunteer time to operate for the two months it runs, but despite this requirement places to volunteer on the tree fill up fast.
Mrs Bradshaw added: "We are extremely grateful to our volunteers, who not only make the tree a successful fundraiser, but are also responsible for the welcoming and friendly attitude which makes it so popular.
The Giving to Life Tree will be open 10am to 4pm weekdays and Saturday and 11am-4pm Sundays until 24th December.
STARBUCKS STAFF VISIT HOSPICE
12/11/09
Staff and guests at a Darlington charity have been treated to a coffee morning by Starbucks.
Bringing with them coffee and biscuits the team from Starbucks visited St Teresa's Hospice as part of their ongoing adoption of the charity.
Coffee was served to guests in both Day Care, where guests are offered complementary therapies and the In-Patient Unit, which is used for temporary respite care and is the only residential section of the hospice.
The Starbucks team then joined hospice staff from all departments for their weekly communications meeting during which they were presented with a certificate marking the start of the third yearly adoption of the hospice.
As well as organising fundraising activities of their own including wearing pyjamas to work Starbucks have also taken part in Hospice fundraisers such as the Knockout, to which the entire team went in fancy dress taking home one of the prizes for best dressed tea.
< Previous News Stories
