Cambridge University Library Staff Club has now raised £1095.91 for Arthur Rank Hospice Charity thanks to a flurry of fundraising effort towards the end of 2015. Activities included collections at the Library’s choir concerts, a post-box appeal throughout December and an epic walk undertaken by Simon Gates, Chairman of the Cambridge University Library Staff Club from the University Library in Cambridge to the Bodleian in Oxford.
Simon shared his progress as he meandered on his merry way on the trek, with photo, video and Facebook updates, capturing the attention of both online and local communities. He said: “The committee voted unanimously to support ARHC being a well-respected local charity within our community. Traditionally fundraising efforts have raised around £250 for our chosen charity, but this year the club has set an ambitious target of £1500! I received some brilliant support, not only from my own team but from followers online as well as in the communities I walked through!”
Community Fundraiser Chloe Christine-Wallis from Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, visited the Staff Club in November to tell them more about the work of the Hospice and its new building which will become their new home towards the end of this year. She adds: “Simon’s very passionate about fundraising and has put his all into undertaking the ‘Varsity Walk’. His colleagues are prepared to go that extra mile to support the Charity too, and other staff members like Sarah Chapman are also completing challenges such as a 26 mile swim-a-thon. We are thrilled that they have already tipped over the £1000 mark and have no doubt they will keep on impressing us as they strive to smash their target of £1500!”
The £1095 already raised could enable ARHC to provide three episodes of Hospice at Home care (£260 a night), fund a micro grant to enable a patient to heat their home (£200), cover the cost of three counselling sessions for patients and their loved ones (£30 a session), fund a relaxing hand massage and mini manicure for a patient on the ward (£15) and provide one days’ tea, coffee and biscuits on the tea bar (£10), the social hub of the hospice.
Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, would like to extend a huge thank you to Cambridge University Library Staff Club and everyone who has been supporting their fundraising efforts. If you are interested to find out more about their activities, please visit the Library's website at www.lib.cam.ac.uk