News
LORD LIEUTENANT LEARNS OF EXTENDED SERVICES AT HOSPICE
18/08/08
On a visit to Darlington on July 18th, The Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, Sir Paul Nicholson and his wife, Lady Sarah, paid a visit to St Teresa's Hospice where they were hosted by the Deputy Lieutenant, Hospice Chairman, Alasdair MacConachie OBE and Jane Bradshaw, Hospice Director.
The couple were shown the Hospice's newly built extension, the Woodlands Annexe, where up-to-date facilities offer extended services, especially in the care of children who are bereaved or living with a terminally-ill parent. They heard about the Family Service which extends services to children and young people and includes counselling and group work. They also learned about the renovation and refurbishment work currently transforming the former administration offices of the Woodlands into more bedrooms for in-patients.
Jane Bradshaw, Hospice director, said
"It was an honour to tell Sir Paul and Lady Sarah Nicholson about the exciting developments which are afoot at the Hospice. Darlington and District is rightfully proud of the ways in which St Teresa's Hospice delivers holistic palliative care and we are pleased about the current interest and debate regarding choices for the terminally ill."
FUNDAY SUNDAY FAMILY FUN
15/08/08
Sunday 31st August is St Teresa's Hospice "Funday Sunday" in Darlington Market Place. Starting at 1pm and running till 4pm, there are displays and activities aplenty to entertain all ages.
Among the displays planned are a martial arts exhibition, a chip pan display by the Fire Service, and plenty of music performed by Shildon Jubilees Jazz Band, Hurworth Concert Band and Middlesbrough West Central Timbrels. Other attractions include the Army Recruitment Climbing Wall, a children's tea-cup ride, Treasure Island game, Pick-a-bag game, rattle balloons, cake stall, craft stall, bric-a-brac and garden stalls, raffle and tombola. There are refreshments too, so it promises to be a fun-filled afternoon for all the family. Make sure to bring all your friends along!
Jane Bradshaw, Director of St Teresa's Hospice, said:
"St Teresa's Hospice is now well known in South Durham, Teesdale and North Yorkshire for its wide range of quality care, which is only made possible by the wonderful support we receive from the community. We hope that there's something this summer to tempt everyone to support our efforts."
ROWATHON CHEQUE PRESENTED
15/08/08
Management and staff at Cummins Engine Company, Darlington, presented a cheque to St Teresa's Hospice, Darlington, for sponsorship money raised by 50 fit employees who kept a rowing machine going continuously for 24 hours in April. Originally, they had hoped to raise around £800 but their superb efforts and imaginative idea resulted, with last-minute sponsors adding to the cheque total, in their raising, £2144.05. The Rowathon was held mainly in Cummins' staff gymnasium at Darlington and partly in their plant in China, the proceeds from China going to local hospices there.
Stuart Barlow, student engineer at Cummins and organiser of the Rowathon said:
"All the rowers and their supporters here at Cummins, and elsewhere, are delighted to have more than doubled our target. Rowing in aid of St Teresa's Hospice was an excellent way to improve our fitness and to celebrate the good health we enjoy: it was win-win to do it to help other people whose health is a cause for concern."
Jane Bradshaw, St Teresa's Hospice Director, said:
"The effort that has gone into raising this wonderful total is magnificent. We hope they found the 'fun' in 'fundraising', and that getting fit was a bonus. We are delighted that Cummins in Darlington and China have entered into the spirit of it and that the Hospice has been chosen by them to receive this super support. Our grateful thanks and congratulations go to the rowers, their supporters and their sponsors."
HOSPICE FLAG DAY FLIES HIGH
11/08/08
Volunteers and staff of St Teresa's Hospice kindly donated over 60 hours in total in extremely changeable weather in Darlington and Cockerton on Saturday 2nd August, in street collections, engaging the public, raising a wonderful total of £1944.64
Flag Day stickers acknowledged the generosity of shoppers and patrons of Pubs and Clubs, while street collectors braved short-lived torrential downpours followed by baking-hot sunshine.
Jane Bradshaw, Hospice Director, St Teresa's Hospice, said:
"The weather was that of a typical English summer, but didn't dampen the spirits of our collectors. Funds are essential to keep our services, which are free to users, fully available. The wonderful public response is testimony to how the community values having its own local Hospice."
BIB INSURANCE GIVE "GRAND" SUPPORT TO HOSPICE
08/08/08
Bright ideas came thick and fast to the staff and the Charity Committee of BIB Insurance on Northgate, Darlington as they organised fundraising events for their chosen local charity, Darlington & District Hospice, St Teresa's.
With just under one hundred members of staff, the four members of the Charity Committee had lots of support in a variety of events, which included a Valentine's Day Raffle, using gifts donated to the firm at Christmas, and an Easter Egg Tombola and various raffles held across the year with prizes donated by individual staff members or bought from Charity Funds. From these efforts came a wonderful cheque for £1000, presented to Jane Bradshaw, Hospice Director, by BIB Director, Peter Atkinson and the Charity Committee of BIB Insurance.
One popular event was the Treasure Hunt, when staff formed teams and took to their cars to search out clues in the nearby villages of Stapleton, Manfield, Cleasby and Barton. A Quiz Night with a raffle is planned for the near future.
Nicola Stephenson, a member of BIB's Charity Committee, said:
"The staff here have been so supportive of the fundraising and have come up with some great ideas so that we have raised money for this local good cause while enjoying the fun of the social events."
Jane Bradshaw, Hospice Director, St Teresa's Hospice, said:
"This local, well-known company has made a fantastic contribution to the work of the Hospice; we are so grateful to them, and we are delighted to hear that they have enjoyed it too. We look forward to their continued, valuable support."
Any other Company, or their charity committee, which wishes to fundraise for the Hospice, please contact:
Fundraising at St Teresa's Hospice on 01325 254321.
DEBORAH ORDAINED
04/08/08
Family Services Co-ordinator, Deborah Robinson, was ordained as a Deacon of the Church of England by the Right Reverend Tom Wright, Bishop of Durham, on Sunday 29th June 2008, at a moving service in Durham Cathedral, attended by members of her family and many of her friends and colleagues from St Teresa's Hospice, Darlington.
Deborah, who is a qualified Palliative Care Social Worker, heads the Family Services team at St Teresa's Hospice: a team of counsellors, social worker and bereavement support volunteers who help families, individual adults and children both before bereavement, and with bereavement support after a death by terminal illness.
After ordination, Deborah is designated "Deacon" and works as a 'Minister in Secular Employment' since her role at St Teresa's does not include making any formal use of her religious status, but of course all who know her benefit from her 'way of being'.
For the ordination service, Deborah commissioned an Ordination Stole incorporating symbols from her work and Church roles; these included St Teresa's Hospice's Giving to Life Tree and also Celtic Trinity.
Jane Bradshaw, Director of St Teresa's Hospice said:
"St Teresa's Hospice offers holistic care to patients, and carers. We consider that the spiritual care of our patients is the responsibility of all employees. Although Deborah will not be working directly as an Ordained Minister in this setting, her ordination means that she will be fulfilling her personal calling and this can only benefit her work and enrich her relationships with her colleagues."
BUTTERFLIES FOR BUTTERFLIES
01/08/08
At a recent school assembly, the winners of a Butterfly competition were congratulated and rewarded and a cheque for £250 was presented to Jane Bradshaw, Director of St Teresa's Hospice, Darlington, in support of the Hospice's own "Butterflies" service. Fundraising was organised by the Friends of Yarm at Ravensthorpe in a variety of events, and pupils showed their art and design talents in producing colourful and imaginative butterfly pictures.
The Hospice has recently expanded its bereavement and counselling service for children and young people, and unofficially uses the name and symbolism of "Butterflies" to represent the change and challenge faced when a beloved close family member is terminally ill or dies.
Their efforts were appreciated by Jane Bradshaw, Director of St Teresa's Hospice, Darlington, who said:
"It is wonderful that the children have supported other children and young people by their efforts both in fundraising events and this painting competition. It was a difficult task to choose only three winners from the plethora of wonderful entries, as they were so full of originality, ability and effort. In fact the children produced butterflies as diverse and individual as they themselves are. Thank you to the Friends of Yarm at Ravensthorpe, the pupils, staff and parents who have supported our important work in the often-overlooked area of childhood grief."
If you have a good idea of how to raise funds for St Teresa's Hospice, Darlington, then the Fund Raising team will help you: please ring on 01325 254321.
WE NEED YOUR HELP! IS THIS FOR YOU?
URGENTLY WANTED - FLEXIBLE, FIT AND WILLING VOLUNTEERS FOR HOSPICE RETAIL OUTLETS
21/07/08
If you are flexible in both your attitude and the time you have available, if you are physically fit and want to do a voluntary job for a few hours a week, making a difference to your community by helping a worthwhile local charity, then we may have just the job for you!
St Teresa's Hospice is a registered charity, which provides Hospice at Home, Day Care and In-patient Care for people across South Durham and North Yorkshire. The Hospice Philosophy is to help, free of charge, all those people suffering from life-limiting illness towards the best possible quality of life, and to help and support their family and carers.
We use many volunteers in a wide variety of roles. Volunteers are essential not only to help in delivering care services, but also to help in our retail operations which raise large amounts of the money so necessary to provide the range of services so valued by those who use them.
Our urgent need just now is for help at both the distribution centre and at the Hospice shops.
At our Distribution Centre, where our stock of donated goods for retail is stored and controlled, volunteers are needed for the day-to-day tasks which ensure smooth running of our shops, including our e-bay shop.
So what are the duties of a Distribution volunteer?
Here they include receiving and locating stock; keeping the inventory of stock continually updated - checking availability of items and doing stock counts; and "picking and packing" which means selecting appropriate stock for our retail outlets and even some packaging for dispatch to e-bay customers.
Donors either bring goods to the Distribution Centre, or ring the Hospice for our volunteer van drivers to collect them from the donor's home, so another important duty is helping to unload vehicles. The Distribution Centre volunteer needs to liaise with Hospice van drivers and our generous donors.
Goods are then selected for stocking the various Hospice Shops, so volunteers load goods into the Hospice van. Having an e-bay shop may mean photographing goods for e-bay and weigh them for delivery. And of course, wherever there are donated goods, there's also the task of sorting items for disposal and recycling.
What can we give our distribution and retail volunteers in return?
Certainly we can offer you no wages, but you will get the definite satisfaction of making a difference, and of working alongside some wonderful people in good working conditions; shortly our Distribution Centre moves to a newly-built warehouse unit on Faverdale estate.
And how about trying a stint as a Hospice Shop voluntary assistant? Our shops in Darlington town centre and at Cockerton urgently need assistants but we are also grateful for volunteers to help at our other shops, based in Shildon, Barnard Castle and Leyburn, and shortly coming to Richmond.
For more information please contact:
St Teresa's Hospice on 01325 254321.
LORD LIEUTENANT LEARNS OF EXTENDED SERVICES AT HOSPICE
18/07/08
On a visit to Darlington on July 18th, The Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, Sir Paul Nicholson and his wife, Lady Sarah, paid a visit to St Teresa's Hospice where they were hosted by the Deputy Lieutenant, Hospice Chairman, Alasdair MacConachie OBE and Jane Bradshaw, Hospice Director.
The couple were shown the Hospice's newly built extension, the Woodlands Annexe, where up-to-date facilities offer extended services, especially in the care of children who are bereaved or living with a terminally-ill parent. They heard about the Family Service which extends services to children and young people and includes counselling and group work. They also learned about the renovation and refurbishment work currently transforming the former administration offices of the Woodlands into more bedrooms for in-patients.
Jane Bradshaw, Hospice director, said
"It was an honour to tell Sir Paul and Lady Sarah Nicholson about the exciting developments which are afoot at the Hospice. Darlington and District is rightfully proud of the ways in which St Teresa's Hospice delivers holistic palliative care and we are pleased about the current interest and debate regarding choices for the terminally ill."
COMIC RAISES MORE THAN A LAUGH ON 410 MILE TREK
23/06/08
Top comedian Mark Olver is walking 410 miles from his home town of Bristol to perform his solo show 'Ramble On' at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and stopping off at Darlington to raise money for St Teresa's Hospice in Darlington en route.
Mark set off on his epic trek on 9th June and expects to reach Darlington on 30th June in time to perform a comedy gig together with special guests at Seen, Beaumont Street, Darlington at 7.00 - 10.00pm. All the money raised from ticket sales for the show will be split between St Teresa's Hospice and Help the Hospices, the hospice movement's national charity.
Olver explains: "My uncle was cared for by St Peter's Hospice in Bristol and I wanted to do something positive for hospices all over the UK. Plus this is my third solo show in Edinburgh and in previous years I've travelled by train and car, so the only thing left to do was walk. I'm 33 this year and it feels like a big significant age. I've wanted to do something like this for years and it could be my last chance. I've been training for months."
Jane Bradshaw, Hospice Director, St Teresa's Hospice, says:
"This is such a great idea and we are absolutely delighted that Mark is passing through Darlington on his route to Edinburgh. I'm really looking forward to watching him 'Ramble On' and I hope that lots of people will come along to give their support and have a great night out to boot."
Olver continues: "As well as the challenge of getting my chubby little frame all the way along the route, I will also be attempting to do the whole journey without paying for any accommodation (any spare bed...caravans...hammocks?). This is my way of seeing Britain and meeting real people, which you don't get to do when you're on the road. The prospect is petrifying!"
Mark's journey will take him through England, Wales and Scotland, averaging around 15 miles a day, and relying on the generosity of strangers to give him a place to sleep at night. Leading outdoor company Berghaus is providing him with all the kit he needs to brave the elements on his route and Mark will be blogging on a special page on the brand's website (www.berghaus.com) as he makes progress. He is performing shows at each stop-off point in aid of local hospices. The overall experience will form the basis of his Edinburgh show which will run from 31st July to 24th August at the Fringe venue Underbelly.
If you would like to put Mark up for the night, email him at rambleon2008@hotmail.com.
For more information about his trek and the shows he will be performing en route or to make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/markolver.
To buy tickets for 'Ramble On' at Underbelly at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival go to: www.whatareyoulaughingat.co.uk.
To read Mark's blog visit www.berghaus.com.
WANTED : KNOCK-OUT TEAMS
16/06/08
Can you form a team of six to ten enthusiastic, fun-loving people for a Knock-Out challenge? You don't need to be very athletic or super-fit to come along with your mates and have some fun at this challenging, hilarious event, based on TV's popular "It's a Knockout".
Teams from local businesses, pubs and groups are invited to compete in the Knock-out 2008 tournament organised by St Teresa's Hospice, at Blackwell Meadows, home of Darlington Rugby Football Club, on Sunday 27th July. There are only 24 places so hurry along to sign up as they are going fast. Teams currently signed up to compete include Darlington Operatic Society, Barclays Bank, Sherwoods, Sanderson's Property Centre, Cummins, and Asda.
Giant inflatables, water pools, colourful props and a prize for the best Joker on the day; this is an exciting day for spectators and participants alike, as teams battle it out for winners' medals and the Team Trophy. All competitors will be awarded a certificate. Blackwell Meadows is open for the purchase of refreshments, and have generously donated the venue and its excellent facilities.
The competition has become an annual event and teams are helped with how to achieve the £400 target. Even if you aren't on a team, come along to support the teams, play the instant-win Tombola and enjoy a family fun day out.
Jane Bradshaw, Director of St Teresa's Hospice, said:
"Fun, laughter and exercise are the order of the day at Knockout 2008. Whatever the weather, the competing teams always enjoy the games and challenges, knowing that while they're entertaining themselves and others, they are raising the where-with-all to provide vital services for those less fortunate."
If you are able to form a team and want to have fun at this event, please contact the Hospice on 01325 254321.
VOLUNTEER ASSISTANTS NEEDED FOR HOSPICE SHOPS
19/05/08
Would you like to use your free time getting lots of satisfaction from a spare time occupation, knowing you are helping others by donating your time and efforts to a good cause and gaining a sense of purpose?
Perhaps you'd like to meet people, join a welcoming team, serve the public in a shop and know that you are helping a worthwhile local charity?
That's what lots of folk do in Darlington and Barnard Castle - they are the happy team of Hospice Shop Volunteers and YOU are invited to join them, at one of our branches in Darlington town centre, Cockerton or Barnard Castle!
Perhaps you're a student looking to fill your free vacation time, or perhaps you're a retired person with time and skills to offer, maybe even previously having worked in retail, or are you unemployed and looking for a way back into employment but need that first, confidence-building experience? This is your opportunity!
For Hospice Shop Volunteers there are a variety of tasks and a choice of locations. Carol Green, Manager of the Darlington and Cockerton Shops, and Jo Crowe, Manager at the Barnard Castle Shop, described the work involved: on the shop floor: volunteers greet customers, arrange and keep the rails and shelves tidy, help and advise customers and serve at the counter. Behind the scenes, volunteers help to sort, size, steam and price the incoming stock, and also pack up textiles and clothing unsuitable for the shop front for recycling, which also generates funds for the Hospice.
Jo Crowe, Manager of St Teresa's Hospice Shop in Barnard Castle explained "It's a happy group, full of team spirit and very welcoming to newcomers. As well as the volunteers who have committed to a regular slot, we also have people who cannot come weekly, but who are willing to help us at especially busy times or to cover for absences. Some of our regular customers tell us that, we may not have the biggest, but we do have the best charity shop in Barnard Castle!"
Carol Green, Manager of St Teresa's Hospice Shops, at both Darlington branches - the town centre shop in Skinnergate and the Cockerton shop in West Auckland Road - is appealing especially for volunteers to work on the shop floor in both branches but especially at Cockerton branch.
Carol says: "It's a great help, but not essential, to have some experience in shop work."
Jane Bradshaw, Director of St Teresa's Hospice, said:
"We depend on these wonderful Shop Volunteers to help us to meet income targets so that we can provide the full range of Hospice services. So many of our volunteers enjoy the mutual benefits that their work for us brings."
Anyone wishing to become a Shop Volunteer, or to enquire about the opportunity, please contact Aileen Little, Hospice Volunteer Co-ordinator on 01325 254321, or call in to meet with the shop manager at any of the above named branches.
YOUR INVITATION TO THE TEDDY BEARS' HEN AND STAG PARTY!
02/05/08
When two Teddies fall in love and decide to tie the knot in a most romantic fashion, they need to celebrate in style with a unique Hen & Stag Party! You are cordially invited to come along to The Aston Hotel, Coatham Mundeville, at 7.00pm on Saturday, 10th May 2008 to help celebrate with the happy couple, Isobel Bear and Monty Bear.
Enjoy live music, comedy, food, a raffle, tombola and much more at their joint party, celebrating with the betrothed couple before their wedding at Gretna Green on May 17th.
Do bring along your own Teddy Bear, since entrance is with 'a ticket and a bear' : tickets are free to accompanying humans, and cost £5 for the bear (or £2.50 if the Teddy is accompanied by an under-16 year old.)
Heather Thompson, organiser of the 'Teddies to the Arctic' campaign in aid of St Teresa's hospice, said:
"We have enjoyed a great variety of Teddy Bear events and this is one of the most novel, so we hope lots of people will respond by coming along to what promises to be a fun evening. After all, everyone loves a Teddy!"
For tickets, or if you are unable to join us but would like to send a donation in lieu of a wedding present, please contact Fundraising, St Teresa's Hospice, on 01325 254321.
Visit: www.teddiestothearctic.com for the latest news and events!
ROWATHON IN UK AND CHINA
25/04/08
The Boat Race contested by Oxford and Cambridge covers 4.2 miles: now imagine rowing a boat non-stop for 169.2 miles (more than 40 times as far)! This is the equivalent effort made by 50 fitness enthusiasts from Cummins Engine Company, Darlington, who kept a rowing machine going continuously for 24 hours, noon to noon on Thursday to Friday 17th to 18th April, mostly in the staff canteen at Darlington and partly in their plant in China, in order to raise money for St Teresa's Hospice.
Fifty employees, including a Plant Manager and one lady rower, volunteered to make up the rowing and support team, and come from many Cummins departments including Human resources, Marine & Design and Product Development. Committing to one or more 15 or 30 minute stints, each rower found his/her own sponsorship, with hopes of a grand target of £800.
Taking advantage of international time differences, the midnight to 3 am slot was covered in Wuhan, China, where employees of Cummins East Asia Research and Development Centre rowed the three hours in aid of Chinese local charities.
Stuart Barlow, Cummins employee and organiser of the Rowathon said:
"As many of the participants will tell you, 30 minutes on a rowing machine is no mean feat as it uses 80% of your muscles, is excellent exercise for the heart and lungs, and sheds 200 to 450 calories."
Jane Bradshaw, St Teresa's Hospice Director, said:
"It's so good to have people keeping fitness levels up while assisting those who are unwell through no fault of their own. Our grateful thanks go to the entire team of rowers and those who so generously supported and sponsored them, and our best wishes to Cummins employees world-wide."
BOTHAM HIT BY FOUR AT GOLF CLUB DINNER
25/04/08
A year in office as Captain of Darlington Golf Club was celebrated in style at a dinner on Friday 11th April, with world-renowned cricketer and celebrity guest speaker Sir Ian Botham joining retiring captain, Geoffrey Charlton, in presenting a cheque for £4073.88 to the Golf Club's adopted charity, St Teresa's Hospice, Darlington.
Geoffrey Charlton, retiring Men's Captain, said:
"! have greatly appreciated the high level of support from Golf Club members in our adoption St Teresa's Hospice as our chosen charity, and feel this is because it is a local charity; many of the members know of someone who has received the help of the Hospice. This is also one of the reasons that the in-coming Captain, John Welsh, has chosen to continue the adoption of St Teresa's Hospice as the chosen charity of Darlington Golf Club."
Jane Bradshaw, St Teresa's Hospice Director, said:
"All at the Hospice join me in congratulating the retiring Men's captain, and all the club members and supporters, in raising this magnificent total over a year of golfing activities. We are hoping that being adopted by the new Men's captain indicates the Club has found pleasure and satisfaction in its charitable efforts for St Teresa's Hospice. We continue to look for ways to help organisations to support our work."
LADETTE TO LADY MRS HARBORD . . . FLOWERS FOR ST TERESA'S
14/04/08
Nationally known TV personality, local lecturer and renowned flower arranger, Gillian Harbord (of 'Ladettes to Ladies' fame) is talking about, and demonstrating, flower arranging skills at Jersey Farm Hotel on Wednesday, 14th May, at a flower festival, 'Flowers for St Teresa's Hospice'. Mrs Harbord, a tutor at Eggleston Hall Finishing School and well-respected in the floral community, is giving her services free of charge on the evening.
The flower festival begins at 7.30pm, and tickets are now on sale for a grand Raffle to be drawn at 8.30pm at the event, which has been organised by the Hospice's Teesdale Support Group.
Jane Bradshaw, St Teresa's Hospice Director, said:
"Flowers speak volumes and we are thrilled to be helped by the Teesdale Support Group in this way. Mrs Harbord is well known and respected in flower arranging circles so we are greatly appreciative of her services, given so generously. We are looking forward to its being a very pleasurable evening."
To purchase tickets, costing £5, for 'Flowers for St Teresa's Hospice', please contact the Fund Raising Office at St Teresa's Hospice (01325 254321), or pay at the door.
'POOR CIRCULATION' WORLD TOUR SET TO BE A TRIUMPH
11/04/08
Two motorbike enthusiasts set off on an epic round-the-world tour, in order to raise funds for St Teresa's Hospice and Farleigh Hospice, Chelmsford. They leave from the grounds of St Teresa's Hospice, Darlington on Wed. 23rd April at 11am.
Calling their tour 'Poor Circulation' - the budget version of 'Long Way Round' (Ewan McGregor & Charley Boorman's motorbike adventure) - they will ride their Triumph bikes across 21 countries and about 25,000 miles :
from England, through Scotland, Wales, France, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia, Romania, Moldova, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Russia, Japan, Canada, USA and Mexico.
Geoff Thomas, formerly from Darlington and now a despatch rider in London, is doing this in memory of his parents. Geoff's father George was a patient in the Hospice and his mother Barbara, volunteered. He and Alan Kelly plan taking six months to complete their trip and can be followed on their blog, with weekly updates and photos: 'Poor Circulation Blog' on eTribe and MySpace.
Jane Bradshaw, Hospice Director said:
"What an exciting and novel way for Geoff to raise funds. It was our privilege to care for Mr Thomas and we all miss Barbara very much, who was a much valued Day Care volunteer. We wish Geoff and Alan all success on their trip and everyone at the Hospice wishes them a safe and exciting journey; we'll be following the blog."
Anyone wishing to Poor Circulation can either log on to
'Justgiving.com/geoffgthomas' or contact the Hospice on 01325 254321.
WALKING THE WALK
14/04/08
Walking and rambling in the countryside are so popular that some of the people who enjoy their many benefits have decided to bring benefit to others who may no longer be able to enjoy a good walk outdoors.
In recent months, groups of walkers have raised many hundreds of pounds for St Teresa's Hospice by walking Scafell Pike, 'The Struggle', Kirkstone Pass, in the Lake District, and Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland. Now plans are afoot for other walkers to enjoy the outdoors and get fit whilst raising funds for the Hospice.
Members of the Commercial Team of HSBC scaled Scafell Pike in September last year, raising four and a half thousand pounds. Easter weekend was spent by employees and friends of Roman Ltd., of Newton Aycliffe, walking Hadrian's Wall in aid of the Hospice.
Chris Burton is being sponsored to walk the entire length of Hadrian's Wall between April 26th and May 4th, and the walkers from HSBC Darlington Commercial Team are doing phase two of a "Lake District Three Peaks Challenge" by tackling Skiddaw on Friday, May 9th.
Two further fund raising walks are planned: The Lions are doing their walk on Sunday, May 4th and The Great North Walk takes place on Sunday, June 29th.
Jane Bradshaw, Hospice Director, said:
"These wonderful people not only 'talk the talk' of helping others, but they literally 'walk the walk' to help those who need Hospice services. On behalf of all who access our help, I send hearty thanks and good wishes for the enjoyment and wellbeing of all who raise money and morale while taking part in walks, both gentle and strenuous."
Anyone wishing to support these walking stalwarts by sponsoring their efforts is welcome top contact the Hospice for details on 01325 254321.
ATHLETIC JEWEL IN THE CROWN - TEAMS WANTED!
04/04/08
On Sunday, 18th May a prestigious athletic occasion/event is to be held in Darlington, attracting triathletes from across the region, and wider, to compete in a swimming-cycling-running race to raise funds for good causes, supported by the race organisers, the Rotary Club of Darlington.
Beginning some years ago as a fun competition the triathlon has become so well established that it has grown into an annual event, now recognised and adjudicated by the BTA (British Triathlon Association).
Organiser Rotarian Stuart Clark said:
"People across a range of abilities are encouraged to compete - this event is not just for the serious athletes; it is hoped that ordinary, fit people will join in to enjoy the fun and to raise money for Rotary's adopted local charities and the West Africa Trust which we are supporting this year. This is a great event of which Darlington is justifiably proud, and above all it is fun for all who take part."
Teams of three - consisting of a swimmer, a cyclist and a cross-country runner can look forward to a safe, enjoyable race knowing that good causes will receive the sponsorship money they are raising.
The race starts and finishes at Branksome School where the swimmers will enjoy a 400m race in the modern swimming facility, then the cyclists will race for 16 miles along an excellent scenic course, and finally the runners will complete the 3 mile course across country.
An added benefit is that the Rotary Club has negotiated road closures, many thanks to the co-operation of the Council and local residents - this is a real bonus for any Triathlon event.
Triathlon sponsors helping to make the event possible include Sherwoods of Darlington; Blackett, Hart & Pratt (Solicitors); Woodlands Hospital and Northumbrian Water.
If your team wishes to use this wonderful opportunity to compete in this prestigious and fun event, please apply before 11th May (which is the cut-off date) to darlingtontriathlon@hotmail.co.uk; or tel: 01325 469401 for an entry form. The team entry fee is £30 registration and a pledge to raise minimum additional sponsorship of £70.
PEAK PERFORMANCE - EVERYONE WINS !
04/04/08
The group of twelve stalwarts who scaled Scafell Pike in September 2007 in aid
of local charity St Teresa's Hospice, are planning to lace up their boots again,
this time to tackle Skiddaw - the second highest peak of the Lake District, on
Friday, 9th May. All the walkers are employees at HSBC Darlington and
Northallerton Commercial Centre, whose business covers an area very similar to the area served by St Teresa's Hospice.
Tony Tulip, a Commercial Manager and walker with the HSBC Team, said:
"Originally, we had the idea of doing the Three Peaks Challenge, which consists of the three highest mountains in Britain but, on consideration, we wanted to do something that more HSBC employees could accomplish and enjoy. so we have chosen to tackle the three highest peaks of the Lake District, one a year for three consecutive years. Next year our challenge will be Helvellyn."
"Walking Scafell Pike proved to be a brilliant team-building exercise since there was great support and encouragement shown by the walkers towards one another and at the same time it was great to be doing good for a local charity.
You might say our motto is 'Everyone Wins!' "
The Scafell Pike walk raised a wonderful four and a half thousand pounds, and the walkers are holding high hopes for topping that total this time.
Anyone wishing to support these walking stalwarts by sponsoring their efforts, please contact the Hospice on 01325 254321.
BUBBLY BUNNIES RAISE HUNDREDS
04/04/08
Proving that rabbits' tails do bring good luck, a team of "Bubbly Bunnies" who work at the Darlington branch of Northern Rock have sent £600 to St Teresa's Hospice. The money was raised in sponsorship and by matched funding by their employers, Northern Rock Foundation as a result of the Bubbly Bunnies completing the Midnight Walk in South Park on March 14th, 2008.
Sponsorship money is coming in fast from the crowd of 260 women who walked in the dark on what proved to be a beautiful, clear night.
Some of the ladies walked in teams and thought up imaginative team names, including Angie's Angels, Diesel Dames, Frisky Fairies, The Midnight Stalkers, Brinkburn Belles, The Aston Angels, Curves Babes, Blackwell Ladies, Fit-lab, The Gin & Tonic Club, Poker Night... and many others.
Jane Bradshaw, Hospice Director, said: "We are delighted to be receiving the sponsorship money so promptly, and hope that all the ladies who walked, in teams or as individuals, will send it in as soon as possible so that we can publish the final total, which we are sure will be magnificent. What a wonderful bunch of supporters they are!"
MAGPIES BALL SCORES FOR HOSPICE
14/03/08
When Gary Hinton's wife was an in-patient at St Teresa's Hospice, Darlington, Gary organised the raffle of a football signed by the Newcastle United Football Team to raise funds for the Hospice. The winning ticket was drawn at the Hospice by a Day Care patient.
Sadly, Irene had died by the time the football was won, but Gary had netted a wonderful £369.79. Bill Precious bought the winning ticket at The Tapas Bar, where the presentation was made on January 30th 2008.
Gary wishes to thank the staff and patrons of The Tapas Bar, The Quaker Bar, No.22 and The Beehive at Lingfield Point, where Irene had worked, for their wonderful support.
Jane Bradshaw, Hospice Director, said:
"What a wonderful tribute to Irene. We were delighted to be helped in this way. Our thanks go to Gary for securing this wonderful result."
ELVIS IS BACK IN THE BUILDING
14/03/08
Elvis may have left the building, but he turned up in Darlington CIU in Northgate (or so Terry Connor told us!) to the delight of his Darlington fans. Fans of St Teresa's Hospice were equally delighted with the £600 that Elvis impersonator, Terry Connor, donated. Terry is a regular supporter, donating the money he raises singing the songs of his favourite rock star and balladeer.
Jane Bradshaw, Hospice Director, said:
"Terry (our local Elvis) certainly Loves us Tender with his fun, musical tribute act so that the audience at Darlington CIU Can't help falling in love with him. As a regular donor of funds he has raised as Elvis, he has proved over many events that he's willing to get All Shook Up and he certainly hasn't got a Wooden Heart. His generosity, and that of his fans, ensure that no-one who needs Hospice services would be Lonesome Tonight. Thanks to Northgate Working Men's Club and to Terry for this enjoyable evening and the vital money raised to support St Teresa's Hospice."
ROMAN WALK THE ROMAN WALL
10.03.2008
[as supplied by Alison Green of Roman Ltd.]
St Teresa's Hospice and the Darlington and District Samaritans will benefit from a major fund raising campaign this Easter, backed by a North East company with a national and international reputation.
Roman, the UK's leading shower manufacturer, is organising a sponsored walk along Hadrian's Wall. The Newton Aycliffe based manufacturer is aiming to raise over £10,000 for the two charities throughout 2008.
The Darlington based Hospice is planning an extension of its services to offer a specialist Children's bereavement counselling service. The money raised will go towards funding this excellent service.
The 84 mile walk along Hadrian's Wall will start at Segedunum Fort, Wallsend at 9.30 am on Thursday 20th March, and will finish on Monday 24th March at Bowness-on-Solway.
The walk is being well supported with over 20 Roman employees, family and friends giving up their time on a bank holiday weekend to walk for these worthy charities.
Hospice Director Jane Bradshaw said: "What a wonderful SHOWER our friends at Roman Ltd are. It's terrific that their group of employees and friends are sturdy-hearted walkers, willing to give up their Easter to complete a feat reminiscent of the Roman legions of long-ago, as they walk from the east coast to the west coast along Hadrian's Wall.
"This is a very important time for the Hospice as, in addition to our core services of Hospice at home, Day Care and In Patient Care, in South Durham and North Yorkshire, we are beginning a new service called Butterflies. This service is unique to our area, and will help children who have lost a loved one due to terminal illness. It will be based in our new centre for Family Support & Complementary Therapies - 'Woodlands Annexe', and is due for completion at the end of April."
David Osborne, Roman's Managing Director, said: "As a company we appreciate the services that these local charities offer to the community and understand that without the support from businesses and people in the area, meeting the cost of running these activities would be a tremendous struggle."
HAGGIS FOR THE HOSPICE
03/03/08
Burn's Night was celebrated in traditional Caledonian style by 140 folk at Headlam Hall Hotel on Saturday 26th January 2008, complete with piper, haggis and a Ceilidh.
Rabbie Burns supporters, both Scots and others, were also showing their generous support of St Teresa's Hospice, for which they raised not only their drams but a fabulous £3,518 in total.
Compere on the night, Steve Rose, who along with Simon MacConachie had organised the event, kept 'the Nich's Ongauns' [the night's on-goings] moving along swingingly.
Before the sumptuous, 5-courseScottish 'denner' [dinner], the Selkirk Grace was delivered by Dr Trevor Birnie, Medical director of St Teresa's Hospice. Piper Martin Lowes led in the Haggis which was then addressed in Burn's own poetry [the Scots tongue] by Malcolm Kidd, and toasted by Steve Rose and all present.
Following the raffle, which was match-funded to the value of £750 by Barclays Bank, a lively Ceilidh was enjoyed by one and all to the wonderful music and direction of The Tarbolton Ceilidh Band.
A cheque for the £3518 raised was presented to St Teresa's Hospice on February 28th, 2008.
Jane Bradshaw, Hospice Director, said "This has become an annual event and is eagerly anticipated and greatly enjoyed by all who attend, whether Scots, Sassenachs or others! The Hospice is here for people when, as Rabbie Burns himself wrote in his poem To a Mouse "the best laid schemes o' mice an men Gang aft agley". We thank all who made Burns Night so enjoyable and raised us so much money to support our services in Darlington and District."
CHRISTMAS CHEER IN QUEEN STREET
22/02/08
Local businesses and schools raised a wonderful total of £4077.32 at Christmas events in Queen Street Shopping Centre in aid of St Teresa's Hospice, and a cheque for this amount was presented to the Hospice Director on Friday, 15th February at the Shopping Centre.
Santa's Grotto, staged by Wildchilds, gave local children a thrill, while beautiful carol singing by thirteen local Primary and Junior schools also proved so popular with shoppers that funds were swelled by £2516.03. Starbucks joined in the spirit of Christmas with a 'Giving to Life Tree', providing a service much appreciated by the community and raising a further £299.23.
Jane Bradshaw, Hospice Director, said: "We greatly value the support of Queen Street Shopping Centre which, like Wildchilds, has continued its adoption of St Teresa's Hospice and shows true Christmas cheer, providing both seasonal entertainment and raising much-needed funds for the local Hospice. We are particularly pleased that Starbucks, a business new to Darlington, has also adopted St Teresa's Hospice. We do appreciate the support of these wonderful businesses, the schools which participated and the generous response of the public."
