St Clare Hospice newsletter January 2014

NewsNews from your local Hospice charity

Winter 2013/14

T hank you for your support! See page 3 for details

£1,000 ofHoliday Vouchers

£1,5002nd prize:

3rd prize:

Win a Ford Ka Studio in our amazing raffle

1st prize:See page 3 for details

in our amazing raffle1st prize:

“It’s amazing how people have

responded” Read Roland’s story on page 5

Making everyday count

Welcome to the Winter edition of Hospice News. The start of a new year is a time fi lled with hope and promise and 2014 is already shaping up to be a fantastic year ahead for St Clare. We have got off to a great start with the imminent launch of our expanded Hospice at Home service and it has been wonderful to welcome two new Specialist Palliative Care Nurses and fi ve healthcare assistants to the team and see the difference they will make to the people we care for.

We are halfway through our refurbishment works with the clinical team now settled into their new offi ce and our patients benefi tting from the extra therapy rooms and other new facilities. The building works remain on schedule and we are all looking forward to the rest of the renovations being completed in the Spring.

Transforming part of our garden is next on the agenda following the Hospice’s success in ITV’s People’s Millions competition. We were thrilled to win the £49,832 Big Lottery funding thanks to your votes for our ‘Space to Breathe’ family garden, which we are hoping to get underway in the coming months.

There are so many ways in which we would like to develop and improve our services here at the Hospice and we are forever grateful for the ongoing support of our community, who continue to dig deep for us. It is fundraising initiatives like our Memory Tree and Spring Raffl e that enable us to turn some of our dreams for the Hospice into reality and allow us to provide the best possible care for those who need our help.

Like Roland Birch, whose remarkable legacy is an inspiration to us all and the reason why we are all so passionate about what we do.

With very best wishes for 2014.

Tanya Curry Chief Executive

The refurbishment of the Hospice’s patient and family areas is really starting to take shape following the completion of Phase 1 of the building works associated with our £472,000 capital grant from the Department of Health. The renovation of ‘the old House’ is now fi nished, providing additional therapy rooms, an improved dining area and a new assisted bathroom, while our clinical staff have moved into their spacious open plan offi ce.

The builders are now cracking on with Phase 2, which includes creating a family room and refurbishing the visitors kitchen on the Inpatient Unit as well as the Sanctuary and Outpatient rooms. All clinical services have continued to operate during the building works, which we are very pleased to say have remained on time and budget to date.

Once all the works have been completed in March we are planning to hold an offi cial opening for our supporters to see just how much of a difference the changes have made.

Building works update…

We are delighted to introduce our new Chairman of Trustees, Patrick Foster. Patrick, who took over the role at the Hospice’s annual general meeting in October, has sat on the Hospice board since February 2009 and takes over following the retirement of his predecessor Michael Chapman, who stepped down after serving the maximum nine-year term.

Father-of-two Patrick, who is managing director of Ongar-based construction fi rm Noble and Taylor, was originally introduced to the work of St Clare through his cousin Christopher Foster, a former Hospice trustee. He joined the board at a time when his own mother Ruth, known as Tinker, was dying of cancer and recalls seeing just how valuable hospice care is in supporting people at the end of their lives.

More recently, Patrick’s family experienced that again when his wife Gilly’s late sister Anni was cared for at another local hospice having lost her own partner only a year or so before. He too had benefi tted from hospice care.

“Having seen and experienced through my own family just how crucial hospice care can be, I have a deeper appreciation of the fantastic work St Clare does,” Patrick said. “Being a trustee is very fulfi lling and it’s very satisfying seeing the difference that can be made to patients’ quality of life at such a critical time.”

stclarehospice.org.uk

Introducing our new Chairman

3stclarehospice.org.uk

Memory Tree takes root at St ClareA beautiful Memory Tree that will help grow hospice care services now greets visitors to St Clare Hospice – and who better to help us unveil it than celebrity gardener Christine Walkden?

The striking piece of wall art has been installed at the heart of the Hospice as a way for people to pay tribute to their loved ones by sponsoring a leaf in their honour. We chose an olive tree to symbolise peace and harmony and its hand-carved trunk is surrounded by hundreds of gold, silver and bronze leaves on to which names can be engraved in memory of someone special.

Christine, who lives in Sawbridgeworth, said: “Not only does the Memory Tree look stunning, it is a wonderful way for families to remember their loved ones by having their name inscribed on a leaf. Trees are often associated with the circle of life so I can’t think of a better tribute to the memory of people’s loved ones. The fact that it is in pride of place in reception means it will be seen daily by everyone who visits St Clare.”

Every single leaf will help pay for the costs of caring for our patients, with three levels of sponsorship starting at £85 for bronze, £220 for silver and £480 for gold.

Engraved leaves will go on display for one year, after which families will be offered the chance to renew their sponsorship for a further 12 months or have their leaf returned to them as a special keepsake to treasure.

For further details please contact the Fundraising Team on 01279 773750.

Win a new set of wheels in our Spring Raffl e!For the fi rst time ever, the Hospice is giving away a car as fi rst prize in our Spring Raffl e.

We have teamed up with Gates of Harlow to offer this fantastic prize this year, which will see one lucky person drive away in a swanky new motor!

It could be you that wins the keys to a 63-plate red Ford KA Studio, which is bursting with character and boasts features including electric power assisted steering, an anti lock braking system and even time delay headlights that stay on for a few seconds to illuminate the way to your front door.

St Clare Director of Fundraising and Marketing Elizabeth Palfreman said: “This year we are offering one lucky person the chance to drive away with our best Spring Raffl e prize ever.

“It’s a fantastic car and we hope lots of people will enter the draw and help us raise £50,000 for the Hospice, which would pay for seven days of care for our patients.

“Tickets, which cost just £1 each, are now on sale and we will be hitting the road over the coming months as part of our special Spring Raffl e tour to encourage people to buy them.”

Stuart Overs, regional director at Gates of Harlow, added: “As a family owned and operated business, established

in the local area for nearly 95 years, Gates are delighted to have

the opportunity to support such a worthwhile cause.

“We are excited to be involved with the St Clare Spring Raffl e and to help raise vital funds for the Hospice.”

The runner-up will win £1,500 cash, while third prize is £1,000 of holiday vouchers. Buy your ticket today!

illuminate the way to your front door. encourage people to buy them.”

Stuart Overs, regional director at Gates of Harlow, added: “As a family owned and operated business, established

in the local area for nearly 95 years, Gates are delighted to have

the opportunity to support such a worthwhile cause.

“We are excited to be involved with the St Clare Spring Raffl e and to help raise vital funds for the Hospice.”

Clare Bear tries out our fantastic fi rst prize with Stuart Overs and Eleanor Scotchbrook.

4 stclarehospice.org.uk

• Royal Parks Half Marathon runners Monica Kennerknecht-Biosca, Salena Smith, Anthony Fitzgerald, Michelle Lawson, Damian Peachey and Jeanette and Phillip Butterfi eld who together have raised over £3,098

• Sky divers David Phippin, Vivienne Owen, Amanda Beard and twins Claire and Stuart Evenden, who took the plunge from 13,000ft and have raised a combined total of £3,263

• Double Edge directors Steve Burges and Alex James cycled 250 miles across the insanely hot Death Valley in southern California – £5,523

More people than ever before are set to benefi t from St Clare’s expert care in the comfort of their own homes as we look to offi cially launch our newly-expanded community service this month.

Our team of Specialist Palliative Care Nurses has grown from four to six, while a team of new nursing assistants have come on board to help transform the way the Hospice is able to provide end-of-life care.

The Hospice at Home team will be working seven days a week, meaning our community service will now be available at the weekend and bank holidays.

Louise Cameron, Director of Patient Care, said: “Evidence suggests that 70 per cent of people would prefer to be cared for at home but in reality that is not always possible because there isn’t the capacity in the community to care for people with complex needs.

“Our Hospice at Home service aims to fi ll that gap and support more people to stay at home if they wish.”

Hospice at Home updateThe work of St Clare Hospice has been reaching an international audience after our Medical Director Dr John Zeppetella was invited to speak at two high profi le medical conferences.

A recognised expert in palliative care, and in particular pain management, John is frequently asked to share his knowledge and recently addressed hundreds of delegates at the 17th annual Congress of the European CanCer Organisation (ECCO) in Amsterdam and the

European Federation of IASP (International Association for the Study of Pain) Chapters, which convened in Florence.

He spoke on the subject of ‘break through pain’, which is common in cancer patients where sufferers experience sudden intense spikes of pain that are not alleviated by their normal pain management, or in other words, ‘break through’ their medication. John said the conferences were an opportunity to exchange ideas and experience with doctors, nurses and pharmacists from other countries.

“There are not just cultural differences in how different nations provide end-of-life care, there can be economic factors too. I also learn a lot too and often come away with new ideas on how we can do things differently” John said.

In March, John will be a guest speaker at the annual Meeting for Pain and Innovation in Cannes. His trips are sponsored with no cost to the Hospice.

St Clare Hospice goes global

Looking after our patients and families wellbeing is a fundamental part of the care and support provided by St Clare.

Reiki, refl exology, aromatherapy and massage are among the complementary therapies offered by our experienced therapists Jacqueline and Penny, who use essential oils and a gentle touch to soothe both body and mind.

This holistic approach can have a range of benefi ts, aiming to reduce tension, provide comfort and give relief from symptoms such as breathlessness. Complementary therapy can also help reduce anxiety and distress, improve sleep, stimulate circulation and relieve pain. On average, the Hospice provides 100 treatments a month not only to patients but also to their relatives and

carers who may be in need of some rest and relaxation. It costs £21 per person to provide a complementary therapy assessment and aromatherapy sessions.

Day Therapy manager Emily Stowe said: “Complementary therapy is so much more than just having a bit of ‘me time’.“For quite a lot of our patients, coming in for complementary therapy is their fi rst experience of what the Hospice has to offer and often they then go on to use our other services. For some people, coming to the Hospice for the fi rst time can be scary, so coming for an hour for a lovely massage seems far less frightening.”

She added: “There is something so soothing and reassuring about human

touch; Jacqueline and Penny are such wonderfully kind and warm people that our patients feel safe in their hands.”

Focus on

• Royal Parks Half Marathon runners Monica Kennerknecht-

• Sky divers David Phippin, Vivienne Owen, Amanda • Double Edge directors

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touch; Jacqueline and Penny are such

Complementary T herapy

The work of St Clare Hospice has been reaching an

European Federation of IASP (International Association for the Study of

St Clare Hospice goes global

• Stevie Tucker, who invited former X-Factor contestants Amy Mottram and Switch Duo to perform at a fundraising party in memory of his dad – £3,400


Debbie Birch speaks about her late husband Roland with so much love and affection that it is easy to see just how special he was.

A devoted family man, he adored his two daughters Rebekah, 21, and Katherine, 18, was a lifelong supporter of his beloved Chelsea Football Club, enjoyed pottering in his garden and was always snapping away on his camera.

Struck down by cancer aged just 52, Roland was held in such high esteem by his family, friends and colleagues that since his untimely death on June 27 last year, a staggering £12,000 has been donated to St Clare in his name.

It is a legacy that has overwhelmed his wife and children, who have said even Roland himself would have been amazed by the generosity of his nearest and dearest. Former childminder Debbie said:

“It’s amazing how people have responded. Roland

probably would have said he didn’t know that many people liked him! But he would have been incredibly proud people thought as much of him

as they did.”

This amazing legacy will help fund Hospice services, with the Birch family helping to launch our new Pay for a Day appeal asking for donors to cover the £7,500 daily cost of providing 24-hours of care, support and therapy for people living with a life-limiting illness. The Birch family were the fi rst to offi cially dedicate a day to a loved one and chose Roland’s birthday on January 4.

Debbie said: “It’s really comforting to know that the money donated in Roland’s name is going to pay for the services we benefi tted from as a family. I feel privileged that Roland was able to come to the Hospice because not everybody gets that opportunity.”

Roland, who worked for a London insurance company, was diagnosed with cancer in 2011 after complaining of an ache in his left leg, with scans revealing a tumour the size of a small melon in his upper thigh. The tumour was successfully removed and Roland was able to return to work part time, but in July 2012 a routine x-ray found the cancer had returned and spread to his lungs.

The family were devastated but determined life would continue as normally as possible, with Roland even delaying further surgery so he could attend that summer’s London Olympic Games.

Debbie said: “He was so determined that we’d all go to the Olympics – he felt it was a once in a lifetime

opportunity. He was so excited about us going and I’m so glad we did.”

Further bouts of radiotherapy and chemotherapy were unable to stop the disease however, and eventually Roland was referred to St Clare, initially being supported at home and then being admitted to the Inpatient unit where he spent his fi nal nine days.

During his time at the Hospice, Debbie, Rebekah and Katherine were able to stay with him overnight and even the family dogs Eddie and Lucy paid a visit! He passed away peacefully with his family and closest friends at his bedside.

With the Hospice’s help, Debbie and her girls were also able to carry out one of Roland’s last requests to return home to Woodford Green. “He was adamant he wanted to say goodbye to the animals and the house so we spoke to the doctors and we were able to bring him home for a bit,” Debbie explained. “He really wanted a pint of beer and I remember on our way back, driving up the motorway with Roland in his pyjamas and with his oxygen tank holding this glass, thinking please don’t get pulled over!”

Debbie continued: “I can’t speak highly enough of the Hospice staff, everyone was amazing and it was the right place for Roland to be.”

Rebekah and Katherine added: “You can never prepare for losing your Dad like this but having the Hospice there made a terrible situation more bearable. He couldn’t have got better care; it felt like we were the only family being looked after even though other patients were staying there. Everyone was just amazing.”

Cover story

Roland enjoying time with his daughters Katherine (left) and Rebekah.

Roland ’s amazing legacy


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Chartered Accountants, for helping pay for two days of Hospice care in memory of his father – £15,000

• Jane and Nick Anderson from Mayfi eld Farm Bakery shared their cookery know-how at the fi rst of two ‘Meet the Baker’ events – £265.50

• Charlie Collins travelled 100 miles by bike, foot and boat to complete the Scottish Coast2Coast Challenge – £990

• Harlow Running Club for their help at the Santa Run and choosing St Clare as one of their charities of the year - £1,000

• Russ Haselton jumped in the saddle for the Kent to Saffron Walden Cycle – £736.47

Run... jump... dive... or get muddy! There are plenty of ways to support St Clare this Spring with fi ve fantastic challenges to sink your teeth into.

If 2014 is the year you want to make a difference – and fi nd out just what sort of stuff you’re made of – then why not sign up for one of the Fantastic Five events we’ve got lined up to raise vital funds for St Clare.

Bungee Jump The Fantastic Five kick-off with a bungee jump on Saturday, March 8. We’re looking

for 60 daredevils to leap from a 170ft crane at North Weald Airfi eld. If you’ve got the

bottle, there is a £60 registration fee and we are asking supporters to raise £140 in

sponsorship. To take the plunge, see www.stclarehospice.org.uk

Are You up for the Challenge?

Skydive If you have a head for heights then the second of our fi ve challenges could be the event for you – a 13,000ft skydive taking place on Saturday, March 15. The ultimate adrenalin rush, this one’s not for the faint-hearted as you soar over the picturesque Cambridgeshire countryside. We’re hoping to recruit a minimum of 15 people to jump from Sibson airfi eld in Peterborough. Registration is £50 and we are asking people to pledge to raise £390 in sponsorship.

St Clare 10K If you prefer to keep your feet fi rmly on the ground then the St Clare 10k on Sunday,

March 16 could be right up your street. If you fancy going the distance for the

Hospice then there is a £10 sign up fee for affi liated runners or £12 for non-affi liated

entrants (£15 on the day). We are requesting that runners raise as much sponsorship

as possible. For more details, see www.stclarehospice.org.uk

London to Paris bike ride Next up is the London to Paris bike ride from April 9 to 13, which is set to be truly magnifi que! Whether you are a regular cyclist or simply enjoy a Sunday afternoon meander, this event is suitable for riders of all abilities. You can fi nd further details at www.stclarehospice.org.uk

Tough Mudder West London Ten miles of obstacles, mud and freezing water await those who take part in Tough

Mudder West London on Saturday, April 26. A test of endurance, stamina and

teamwork, this event is designed to push participants to their physical limits as you

scale 12ft walls and crawl through tunnels. Registration starts from £85 and we ask

that you raise whatever you can for the Hospice. If you think you are tough enough

then register at http://toughmudder.co.uk/events/london-west-2014

London to Paris bike ride

Tough Mudder West London

There were whoops of pure delight when ITV reporter Kate Prout surprised staff, patients and volunteers to announce that the Hospice had won a £49,832 grant from the People’s Millions!

We were left anxiously waiting for the result when Kate returned to break the good news that St Clare had won the Big Lottery funding for our exciting ‘Space to Breathe’ family garden project in the public vote on November 27.

Thousands of people from all corners of the Hospice’s catchment area and beyond picked up the phone for the Hospice as part of our campaign to win the People’s Millions grant.

We were inundated with messages of support on voting day, with some people telling us they had voted 40 or 50 times!

Our Chief Executive Tanya said: “We were ecstatic to have won this incredible money from the Big Lottery so we can at last turn our vision for our ‘Space to Breathe’ family garden into a reality.

“This project simply would not be possible without this vital funding and it will make such a difference to the people we care for at the Hospice. To be able to give our patients and their loved ones a beautiful secluded outdoor haven to relax and spend time together has been on our wish-list for a long time and we are thrilled we can fi nally make it happen.”

The Big Lottery funding will be spent on transforming an overgrown area of our grounds

near to our Inpatient Unit into a tranquil oasis. The ‘Space to Breathe’ garden, which has been designed by Stansted-based landscape architects Liz Lake Associates, will include a calming water feature, decorative planting and pots that gently glow to give the effect of candlelight among other features.

We hope to get work underway in the Spring for completion by the end of the year.


overgrown area of our grounds overgrown area of our grounds

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• Clavering Lakes for hosting our annual fi shing competition – £1,345

• Epping-based heavy plant specialist Camfaud gave a £1,000 donation in lieu of taking part in our £50 Challenge.

• Staff at Harlow-based Synthomer covered 162 miles during a sponsored exercise bike challenge to mark the chemical industry’s Safety, Health and Environment Week – £162

• Lower Street Brasserie for its cork-popping Ladies’ Champagne Evening – £332

• Quizzers who attended a quiz night organised by our Loughton supporters – £1,051

T he P eople ’s Millions Result…T he P eople ’s Millions Result…

• Brian Street and family for organising their annual Golf Day in memory of wife and mum Heather at North Weald Golf Club – £1,762


• Peter Heap was full of festive cheer at a Christmas gift fair at Theydon Bois village hall – £2,500

• South Loughton Old Walkers Society put their best foot forward by organising a sponsored walk through Epping Forest – £1,010

• Brian Street and family for organising their

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Shop News

A new collection of wedding dresses for brides on a budget is set to launch at our Scarlet shop in Buckhurst Hill.

Choosing that all-important gown to wear on her big day is one of the biggest decisions any bride-to-be will have to make as all eyes will be on her as she glides down the aisle to meet her groom. That is why we are hoping couples will fall in love with our pre-loved bridal range, which we are planning to offi cially launch to coincide with the most romantic day of the year, Valentine’s Day.

Bridal collection

St Clare shopper Lorraine Doherty went away with a new designer handbag after winning our Bag for a Bag raffl e.

Her name was drawn after her husband entered her to win a stylish Jaeger tote worth £99 in exchange for donating a bag of items to our Scarlet shop in Buckhurst Hill. On average, Scarlet receives about 40 bags of donated items each week, which increased to 55 and 82 respectively over the two weeks the Bag for a Bag raffl e was on offer.

St Clare’s retail manager Fiona Eaton said: “Great items donated were a pair of Rupert Sanderson shoes and boots. We also had an unworn Nanette Lapore jacket donated which sold for £70 and as we had asked the customer to sign up to Gift Aid it will bring an extra 25% into the Hospice.”

Bag for a bag raffl e

• Loughton Acoustic Club for organising a charity gala – £1,000

Two new faces have been welcoming customers at the Hospice shops in Dunmow and Buckhurst Hill following the arrival of new managers Sandra Revell (pictured above left) and Jan Cutts (above right).

Mum-of-six Sandra, who lives near Finchingfi eld, has worked in the charity retail sector for several years and joins us from the British Heart Foundation. “The customers are lovely and have been very supportive,” she said. “As a local charity we get tremendous support and I’m passionate about St Clare because it’s such an inspiring place. It’s wonderful to do a job that is so worthwhile and helping make a difference.”

Over at Scarlet in Buckhurst Hill, mum-of-two Jan previously worked as an assistant shop manager for the Sue Ryder charity, having started as a volunteer. The Woodford Green resident said: “I absolutely love working for St Clare. I can remember buying a dress from Scarlet when it fi rst opened and thinking I’d like to work here one day. Well that ‘one day’ has arrived!”

New Shop ManagersTwo new faces have been welcoming customers at the Hospice shops Two new faces have been welcoming customers at the Hospice shops Two new faces have been welcoming customers at the Hospice shops

A rare fi rst edition of a historic fi shing anthology helped reel in the customers to a special Bring a Book to Breakfast event at our Bishop’s Stortford shop.

Confessions of a Carp Fisher, written by Carnegie Medal-winning author BB and fi rst published in 1950, was snapped up for £200 by one lucky fi shing enthusiast after we enlisted the help of celebrity angler Keith Arthur to help promote the event. The anthology was penned by British naturalist and illustrator Denys James Watkins Pitchford MBE, who wrote under the nom de plume of BB, a reference to the size of lead shot he used to shoot geese.

The Bring a Book to Breakfast event, during which customers were invited to browse the shelves while enjoying a coffee and croissant, helped boost the Stortford shop’s usual Saturday takings by £100.

Rare fi shing book reels in customers

The Bring a Book to Breakfast event, during which customers were invited to

Employees at Uttlesford District Council raided their cupboards to donate 100 bags of pre-loved goods as part of a stock appeal for our seven shops.

Clothes, bags, shoes, children’s toys, books, bric-a-brac and even a hockey stick were among the donations collected by our van drivers Paul and Martin when they stopped at the civic offi ces in Saffron Walden to receive the donations from council leader Cllr Jim Ketteridge and chief executive John Mitchell.

UDC stock appeal

• Caterer Katherine Garner devised an Italian menu inspired by the origins of Saint Clare for her Mustard Seed and Athena supper club – £412

stclarehospice.org.uk

• Clavering Supporters Group conjured up some cash at their Magic Noir evening – £300

• AbbeyEvents4Charity organised a charity dance – £750

• Clavering Supporters Group

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9

• Geraldine Wilson for organising a Santa Fun Run in Loughton – over £1,000

• Former St Clare social worker Alison Danbury-Lee for organising an acoustic night featuring singer-songwriter Edwina Hayes – £1,032

• Bishop’s Stortford College hosted a Sing for Your Supper event – over £1,000

• GreenAcres Woodland Burials for donating the proceeds from its Christmas Memorial Service – £3,000

• Stansted Supporters Group held a Christmas bridge drive – £710

Dozens of paper chains featuring messages of goodwill decked the halls of St Clare to bring festive cheer to patients and their relatives spending Christmas at the Hospice.

Christmas is traditionally a time for family, togetherness and celebration, but when a loved one is dying and their family is facing what may be their last Christmas together, it becomes even more important.

Which is why we asked our supporters to help make Christmas extra special and memorable by sending a message of love and understanding to make into paper chains that were strung up around the Hospice for our patients to enjoy over the holidays.

The decorations looked fantastic and we are grateful to everyone who took the time to send their best wishes and help spread a little seasonal goodwill. Thank you.

“When the lights on the tree are lit, and the fi reworks are set off, I really feel close to Brian and I know everyone around me feels the same about their loved ones. The fi reworks were a fi tting fi nale for someone who lit up my life for so many years.”

Those were the poignant words of Sue Chambers, one of the hundreds of relatives who attended one of St Clare Hospice’s nine Light Up A Life services to remember their loved ones at Christmas. Sue’s husband Brian was cared for at the Hospice and she said attending Light Up A Life brings her great comfort at what can be a diffi cult time of year.

Each heartfelt service of readings and carol singing was an opportunity to celebrate the lives of those who are no longer with us, with every twinkling light on the Christmas tree dedicated to someone special.

Everyone who made a dedication received a beautiful card with the name of their loved one inside. Their names have also been written in our Book of Remembrance, available to look at throughout the year at the Hospice.

Two Light Up A Life services were held at the Hospice as well as in Loughton, Ongar, Waltham Abbey, Epping, Stansted, Great Dunmow and Harlow.

Light up a Life services

Santa Run update...The festive spirit was alive and kicking when people dressed up as Father Christmas for three fundraising Santa Runs during December.

Two adorable reindeer, Holly and Belle, who reside at Pets Corner, brought some extra yuletide cheer to the sponsored fun runs held in Harlow, Epping and Loughton.

Father Christmas took time out from his busy schedule to arrive with his sleigh at the Epping event. It was an amazing sight to see all the Santas lined up at the starting line as people kicked off their Christmas celebrations early by running with family, friends and colleagues.

We hope the Santa Runs will raise more than £16,000 once all the sponsor money has been sent in.

Christmas appeal

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Walkers of all ages helped shine a light on hospice care for St Clare’s third annual Starlight Walk in Bishop’s Stortford.

Hospice mascot Clare the Bear led the procession as they set off on either the one-mile or fi ve-mile route joined by the town’s MP Mark Prisk and East Herts District Council chairman Cllr Graham McAndrew.

Everyone who crossed the fi nish line was presented with a Starlight Walk medal, with plenty of smiling faces as the walkers arrived back at Sworders Field.

Sponsor money is still coming in but we hope to have raised about £5,000.

Dog owners are helping lead the way when it comes to fundraising by taking part in three Winter Walkies events. Hundreds of pet owners and their four-legged friends are expected to join in the canine capers, which are taking place at the Hospice on February 9, GreenAcres Woodland Burials in Epping Forest on February 16 and from the White Hart pub in Wimbish on March 2.

There will be plenty of doggy fun and games before the pooch parade gets underway, with the 5km rural routes taking in the surrounding countryside. Please remember to wear suitable clothing and footwear as it is likely there will be plenty of muddy feet and paws!

Anyone is welcome to join the walk – whether you are a pet owner or not – but if you are bringing your dog then please remember to take bags for their waste. Walkers can also sign up on the day. Registration is now open and costs £10 for adults and £5 for children, which includes a hot soup. You’d be barking mad to miss it!

Winter Walkies leads the waY

Supporting their local Hospice was child’s play for mums and their little ones who took part in our fi rst-ever Follow the Bear event in Harlow.

More than 20 families took part in the sponsored toddle, which was supported by the town’s Spurgeons children’s centre. Our cuddly mascot Clare the Bear was lavished with lots of cuddles from the children who were all delighted to meet her. Afterwards they all sat down for a teddy bear’s picnic, with sandwiches, crisps, drinks and sweets provided by the Hospice. Every child who took part also received a colouring book.

We have raised £281 from the Follow the Bear event – thanks to everyone who took part and collected sponsorship.

Harlow Follow the Bear


Result

Pictures courtesy of Rebecca Callaghan.

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DECEMBER

St Clare EventsCalendar 2014• ‘Take the Plunge’

bungee jump – March 8

• Men2Sing ‘Sound of Spring’ concert in Waltham Abbey – March 29

• St Clare Hospice cycle ride – May 11

• Midnight Walk – June 29

• Stansted 10K Fun Run – July 13

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• Corporate go-karting competition – September TBC

• Santa Run – December 7

• Light Up A Life – throughout December

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Make a date with St Clare Hospice!2014 is set to be another busy year for the charity, with a whole host of fun events and challenges to get involved in over the coming 12 months.

To ensure our supporters don’t miss out, we’ve put together this handy desk calendar for you to cut out and keep as a reminder of all the exciting events going on from January through to December.

From our big annual spectaculars like June’s Midnight Walk to a range of smaller community fundraisers like our Clavering Friends Spring Fayre in April, we’ve got a full and diverse calendar of events planned across all four seasons.

2014 will also see the launch of some new events for the Hospice, such as a cycle ride in May and a summer concert in September. Full details of these and our other events scheduled for later in the year will be available in the coming months so watch this space!

To use your desk calendar, simply cut along the dotted line, fold the page in three and secure into a triangle shape using the sticky strip on the base. We look forward to seeing you at one of our events soon!

Where would we be without our friends?

In the case of the St Clare fundraising team, we would be lost without the wonderful support and enthusiasm of our Friends and Supporters groups.

We now have groups in Clavering, Stansted, Harlow, Epping, Waltham Abbey and Ongar, their members all involved in spreading the word about the work the Hospice does and also raising much-needed funds in our local communities.

In addition to the many events they organise in aid of the Hospice, our Friends and Supporters are our spokespeople and ambassadors and we are incredibly grateful and proud of their commitment to St Clare.

If you would like to join your local group or fi nd out more about setting up a new group in your area, please give us a ring!

Result

Pictures courtesy of Rebecca Callaghan.

Registered Charity No. 1063631. St Clare Hospice, Hastingwood Road, Hastingwood CM17 9JX. All rights reserved

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Have you got what it takes to be a St Clare Corporate Champion? It’s not too late to sign up for the Clear IT Solutions £50 Challenge and help ‘invest’ in Hospice services. Launched at the beginning of January and running until March 11, we are challenging our business-minded supporters to generate as much money as they can for St Clare from an initial £50 investment.

You will have to use all your entrepreneurial acumen to grow the seed funding into a profi t – the more innovative your ideas, the more profi table they could be!

Anything goes as long as it is legal, ethical and upholds the good reputation of the Hospice so you will have to invest your money wisely.

Be quick and register today by calling our corporate fundraiser Brooke Stacey on 01279 773750 or email [email protected]

£50 Challenge invests in future

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St Clare Hospice is a registered Data User under the Data Protection Act.We do not disclose your details to any third party other than those disclosures required by statute. Please tick here if you do not wish to receive appeal mailings in the future or email [email protected]

Please treat this donation and all donations I have made to St Clare Hospice in the past four tax years prior to this declaration and all future donations until I notify you otherwise, as Gift Aid donations* Date….../….../…...

*You must pay an amount of Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax at least equal to the tax that the charity reclaims on your donations (currently 25p for each £1 you give) in the appropriate tax year. If in the future your circumstances change and you are no longer a UK tax payer or if you change your name or address, please notify us. If you are unsure whether your donations qualify for Gift Aid tax relief, please ask us for advice b

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St Clare Hospice is a registered Data User under the Data Protection ActWe do not disclose your details to any third party other than those disclosures required by statute.Please tick here if you do not wish to receive appeal mailings in the future or email [email protected]

St Clare Hospice is a registered Data User under the Data Protection ActWe do not disclose your details to any third party other than those disclosures required by statute.Please tick here if you do not wish to receive appeal mailings in the future or email [email protected]

UTTLESFORD Saffron Players Panto Robin Hood 16th January 2014 The Saffron Players are making St Clare the beneficiaries of their charity performance at Saffron Walden Town Hall. Tickets £6 from Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre 01799 524002.

St Clare Stars Dance Event 18th February 2014 Local dance schools will be showcasing their talents in a fantastic show at Saffron Hall in Saffron Walden. For more information, call Sarah 07528 520016.

Quiz night at Dunmow Town Hall 21st March 2014 Join us for an evening of fun and brain-straining, call Sarah on 07528 520016.

Clavering Supporters Group Spring Fayre 26th April 2014 Arts, crafts, cakes and more will be available at this annual event at Clavering village hall.

Herts & Soul Community Choir concert1st February 2014 The Bishop’s Stortford-based choir cover all genres from pop and gospel to rock and musical theatre. They will be performing at Harlow Playhouse. For details, call the Hospice fundraising team 01279 773750.

Lavers Entertainers present Puss in Boots31st January, 7th and 8th February 2014 The amateur dramatics group perform their panto at Magdalen Laver village hall and will be donating money raised through the sale of refreshments over the three shows. To buy tickets, call Alan Riddall 01277 890318.

Men2Sing Choral Concert, Waltham Abbey 29th March 2014 Thanks to our newly-formed supporter group we’re now looking forward to their first event – a musical extravaganza in the Abbey Church. From 2:30 – 4:30pm.

St Clare Hospice Annual Scarlet Ball8th February 2014 Ex-England cricket captain Chris Cowdrey will be hosting the annual gala evening at Bishop’s Stortford Golf Club. Ronnie Scott’s regular Kevin Fitzsimmons will be performing. Tickets £70 per head. To reserve your place, please call Sarah 07528 520016.

St Clare Stars Dance Event 12th April 2014 A second showcase for young dancers at Rhodes in Bishop’s Stortford. For more details call James on 01279 773750.

For more information on these please contact the Fundraising team on 01279 773750 or email [email protected]

EPPING FOREST

What’s on near you?

HARLOW

BISHOP’S STORTFORD

St Clare Hospice newsletter January 2014

Documents

Transcript of St Clare Hospice newsletter January 2014