A total of £13,297.08 has been raised by the ingenious fundraising strategies of the 14 community-minded businesses who took in the Accumulator Challenge sponsored by ARM, at the end of last year. Their fantastic efforts have provided a great boost for the Hospice Charity, which needs to raise over £7 million a year, to deliver its services free of charge to patients and their loved ones: something which is only possible with the local community’s support.
Dr Lynn Morgan, CEO of Arthur Rank Hospice Charity explains: “We pride ourselves in pushing out all the stops here at the Hospice, whether that’s in our care and pursuit of excellence, or the passion with which we pursue our fundraising aims. Our ambition is to keep providing the best possible services for those we care for and part of that is ensuring we meet our fundraising targets for the next year.
"We’re so proud of every person who joined in with our fundraising activities at the end of last year. Over £12,500 was donated by individuals participating in our Christmas Tree Recycling scheme – which also had great voluntary support from many corporate supporters; more than £14,500 was raised by festive runners taking part in Ely Festive 5K sponsored by The Cambridge Building Society and Ward Gethin Archer; and over £300 was raised by Santa’s Letters to young supporters! Together with the Accumulator Challenge sponsored by ARM, that’s over £40,000 raised – a fabulous grand total which demonstrates just how powerful we are, as a community working together.”
Director of Clinical Services, Liz Webb, adds: “£50 raised by a participant at one of our outdoor events may not seem like a lot when you hear that we have annual running costs of £7.45 million. But if you break it down and consider that £50 has contributed to £40,000, which could pay for 153 episodes of Hospice at Home for people that desperately need our care overnight between 10pm and 7am, it becomes a very significant contribution. Every pound each person donates makes a real difference to someone at a personal level, especially as we are caring for them at such a critical and important time for them and their family.”
Andrew Samalionis of Gourmet Brownie - one of the companies who took part in the Arthur Rank Hospice Accumulator Challenge – has experienced first-hand how the actions of a few can make a big difference: “In the middle part of last year, a good friend of ours needed to come to the Arthur Rank Hospice for two months. We were just really impressed with the care that everybody gave her, her family and even ourselves. You can look at the new Hospice building and think ‘it’s got the technology and all the environment that you need’ but the thing that struck us when we saw it first hand, was how it’s the people at the heart of it all: down to the hairdressers, the nursing staff, and the gardener. Just to be able to help continue that is a real privilege.”
The efforts of Mr Samalionis’ family business saw his team placed second on the Accumulator Challenge leader board, with Quy Mill Hotel & Spa once more claiming the top spot and this year’s spectacular trophy donated by Go Glass, having raised an astounding £4901.49, all from just a £50 initial investment. Tony Murdock, Director of Quy Mill Hotel and Spa explains why his team are keen to support the Hospice Charity every year: “The staff come up with all the ideas themselves – this year we had pumpkin carving, a Quiz Night, Christmas Jumper Day a raffle - they really love getting involved. And they’re very competitive too, which helps!”
The Charity is welcoming new enquiries - not only from businesses who might like to talk about working together for mutual benefit – but also from individuals, families and groups of friends who might like to take part in a challenge or attend a community event in 2018. There are dozens of ways you can support Arthur Rank Hospice’s all-important fundraising in 2018, and there is something to suit everyone. Here’s just a selection from the next 6 months:
Burleigh Street Charity Shop Opened, Wednesday 28 February: Support the Charity at their fifth and largest boutique charity shop. Vintage picks and the usual good quality selection of men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, bric-a-brac and hidden gems. Customers, possible future volunteers and quality donations all welcome to become part of this community hub in a vibrant area of Cambridge. To volunteer contact hannah.touhey@arhc.org.uk or Call the store on 01223 367037 to find out more.
Arthur Rank Hospice Open Day, Saturday 28 April: Visit the Hospice’s new home at Shelford Bottom and experience the homely welcome of the Bistro. A wonderful opportunity to join a tour of the state-of-the-art building and fully appreciate the difference your fundraising efforts have made to patients on an everyday basis. You must register your attendance before the event at www.arhc.org.uk/open-day-public.asp or alternatively call Alison on 01223 675888
The Big Shiver, Friday 11 May: an outdoor swimming challenge in partnership with Better.org for ages 12+ at Jesus Green Lido (£12.50 adults, £8 children). Choose your own challenge to complete in 1 hour, with a soup & roll afterwards. Register before 27 April at www.arhc.org.uk/the-big-shiver.asp or call Amy or Carolyn to find our more or book in, on 01223 675883/675890.
Football Heroes Dinner, The Cambridge Roar, Friday 18 May: Join Team Arthur at the first Cambridge Roar event of the year, hosted by BBC Radio Cambridgeshire Presenter Chris Mann with special guests Steve Claridge and Graham Daniels on the panel. Tickets £50 or £500 for a table of 10. Book at www.thecambridgeroar.co.uk or call Karis from The Cambridge Roar team on 01223 378115.
Star Shine Night Walk, Saturday 19 May: Light up the night on a 6.5 or 10 mile night walk, at this beautiful annual walk from 9pm. Since the event launched in 2008 it has raised £300,000 for the Hospice. 10th anniversary year birthday surprises in store to help you find your glow. £17.50 registration fee covers walk, goodies & refreshments with your sponsorship directed to patient care. Sign up or find out more at www.starshinenightwalk.co.uk or call Abi or Tasha on 01223 675886/675891.
Insane Terrain: an obstacle course race based on fun and, well, insane terrain! Arthur Rank Hospice are their charity partner at this year’s events taking place at Washbrook Farm, Doddington. Fun Days (suitable for 6yrs+) on Saturday 23 June/Saturday 22 September, with 5K or 10K options on Sunday 24 June/Sunday 23 September. Prices differ according to event type and date of registration; for more information see http://www.arhc.org.uk/insane%20terrain.asp and tick the charity box. For more information call Amy or Carolyn from the Hospice’s fundraising team on 01223 675883/675890.
Team Arthur Skydive Jump Day: Sunday 15 July: Tandem skydive alongside other brave members of #TeamArthur at Sibson Airfield, Peterborough. £50 deposit and raise £380 for the Hospice or chose the self-funded option. Watch the video and if you think you have what it takes sign up at www.arhc.org.uk/jump.asp or call Amy or Carolyn to talk it through on 01223 675883/675890. Book in by 15 June.
Bubble Rush 5K, Saturday 21 July: Fabulously colourful and bubbly 5K fun run for all the family, taking place at Huntingdon’s Riverside Park. Bring your favourite friends and family to walk, run, and jog through the foam frenzy, with starter waves at 10.30am, 12 noon, 1.30pm and 3.00pm. Early bird prices (£17.50 adults, children under 16yrs £7.50) limited to first 500 registrations (thereafter £20 adults, £10 children under 16yrs); includes t-shirt and medal.Find out more at www.arhc.org.uk/bubblerush or call Abi or Tasha on 01223 675886/675891
If you’d prefer to design your own challenge or host your own community fundraising event to fit with your own passions, aims and interests, the Charity would love to hear from you too. Simply call 01223 675875