17 strong group walks Cumbria Way to raise vital funds

A 17-strong group of walkers, led by Martin Hughes from Barrow, embarked upon the five-day trek along the Cumbria Way walk to Carlisle, from Ulverston in memory of Linda Hughes in June 2011.

The walk was held to raise money for St Mary’s Hospice, where Mr Hughes’ wife Linda was cared for before she died, aged 45, on the 10th September 2010.

On the 10th September 2011, the group gathered together again at the Brown Cow Inn, Dalton to present Zoe Guest from St Mary’s Hospice with £7765, which has been raised by all the participants for the charity.

The group is now planning to hold an annual fundraising event in Linda’s memory.

Mr Hughes said he was extremely grateful to Phil and Jenny Collier, who drove the group’s support car along the journey and ferried bits and pieces to them along the way.

Mr Hughes would also like to thank Tina Bayliss, Selina McKenna, Angela Forbes and Mandy Shaw for bringing daily supplies to the group.

Zoe Guest said “It is a fantastic achievement to raise such a significant amount of money for St Mary’s. We cannot thank Martin and the team enough for everything that they have done and really appreciate all the support shown to St Mary’s.”

Paws for Thought

We were delighted that 39 dogs and their owners turned up for our first ever sponsored dog walk “Paws for Thought” on Sunday 11th September. Despite the terrible weather, all the pets put their best feet forward with their families to raise funds for St Mary’s.

“Paws for Thought”, in memory of Family Support Team Leader, Mo Kirk, who sadly passed away recently, covered 1.5 miles and took place from Glaxo Sports and Social club, Ulverston.

The course took the owners and dogs towards the coast and then on a circuit of the playing fields. It was then back to the entrance for well-deserved refreshments for both adults and dogs. All dogs who took part in the event received an award for their participation.

It is hoped that together participants will have raised over £1200 for St Mary’s, which is a wonderful achievement. We will certainly be running the event in 2012 and hope that even more dogs will come forward to take the challenge.

A Day at the Races raises £4200!

Lots of people put on their finest outfits to help raise funds for St Mary’s Hospice when we held our first ever charity race night, kindly hosted by Cartmel Racecourse on the 25th August.

There were some fabulous prizes for the best dressed racegoers (male and female) and lots of glamorous activities in the “Belles and Beaus” enclosure. In addition, to all the fun associated with racing at Cartmel, there was an emphasis on fashion and the opportunity to take part and enjoy a range of stalls.

During the afternoon racegoers were also treated to an amazing fashion show by locally based fashion designer, Angi Morton. The volunteer models looked stunning in outfits that were complemented by hats provided by Tracy Wells who helped to organise the event.

The first prize for the best dressed lady was provided by Sue Shields Face and Body Spa in conjunction with Clarins UK – a spa day for two at Sue Shields Face and Body Spa in Carnforth and a Clarins hamper worth £300 - which was presented to a lady dressed in a stunning black and white outfit with matching hat.

Other generous prizes for the runners up, contributed by local companies included: fashion shoots from Kells Photographic Images of Barrow; jewellery from Sienna (Kirby Lonsdale); designer gift vouchers from Phoebe (Ulverston); and a bespoke fascinator voucher from The Hat Box (Barrow). A pair of binoculars from Lamberts (Lancaster) was the first prize for the best dressed male and one night’s bed and breakfast for two at the Green Castle Hotel in Kendal was given to the runner up.

A huge thank you goes to everyone who helped with the event and supported all the activities. We are delighted to announce that we will have made over £4200 which is a wonderful achievement.

A special thanks goes to Jeff Walsh and the team who donated the prizes for the silent auction. This raised £1646 during the evening.

We hope to hold the event in 2012 and make it bigger and better still.

Charity Band Night raises £311.30!

The Fundraising Team at St Mary’s would like to thank all of the local bands who performed at the Charity Band Night at The Nines on Thursday 18th August. Collie Stewart and The Roomers, Audio Conspiracy, Last Gang in Town and Olivia Lumb all pulled together at the last minute to help raise £311.30 for the charity and to promote the hospice movement by covering the stage, and themselves, in bright and cheerful sunflowers.

For more information about future music events like this email events@stmaryshospice.org.uk. If you are musically talented yourself and would like to get involved please get in touch.

Paws for Thought

Lots of owners have registered their pooch for our first ever sponsored walk for dogs on Sunday 11th September. However, we would love to reach our maximum of having 100 owners coming forward to put their pooch to the test.

“Paws for Thought”, in memory of Family Support Team Leader, Mo Kirk, who sadly passed away recently, covers 1.5 miles and will take place from Glaxo Sports and Social club, Ulverston starting at 1.30pm.

The course takes the owners and dogs (which must be on a lead) towards the coast and then on a circuit of the playing fields. It is then back to the entrance for well-deserved refreshments for owners and dogs.

All dogs who take part will receive an award for their participation in the event.
Places on the sponsored walk can be booked in advance or will be taken on the day. However, it will be on a first come basis. Registration is £5 per dog and they will be issued with a sponsor form to try and raise as much money as they can for St Mary’s.

To register your dog 01229 580305 or visit http://www.stmaryshospice.org/events/eventscalendar.php

The photograph shows Bailey Guest who will be taking part in the event!

Vintage Afternoon Tea at The Custom House

The team at the Custom House in Barrow arranged a Vintage Afternoon Tea to raise funds for St Mary’s on Wednesday 17th August.

The afternoon was a wonderful success with everyone having an exceedingly good time.

The 47 people who attended were treated to a delightful choice of sandwiches, cakes and scones. Music was provided by the amazing Mr Denis Horan.

We are delighted to announce that the event and a raffle with prizes donated by local businesses raised an amazing £900 for St Mary’s Hospice and the pictures show the team at the Custom House presenting the funds to Zoe Guest, Funding & Operations Manager.

Pictured: Germaine Mackenzie, Zoe Crayston, Keiron Hart, Stacey Pearce, Louise Richardson, Martine Scrogham and Zo Rollings owner of the Custom House.

Grange Weekend Sale raises £845.85!

With an amazing amount of effort by Shop Coordinator Tracy and the Grange Shop volunteers, the Grange Bank Holiday Weekend Sale raised £449.85 at Sunday's Art Clearance Sale and £396.00 at Monday's End of Season sale.

In total this weekend raised £845.85! Thank you to all who attended!