Charity News

Virtual Gifts are meaningful presents that keep on giving this Christmas

A children’s hospice has launched its new Virtual Gifts webpage – giving the public an opportunity to buy meaningful presents that keep on giving this Christmas. The initiative is now live on the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) website and features five options – Gift of Comfort, Gift of Play, Gift of Compassion, Gift of Memories and Gift of Creativity. They range from £15 to £40 and allow people to buy and personalise a gift, while directly helping children, young people and families being cared for and supported by EACH. “We’re very proud of our Virtual Gifts,” said EACH Director of Fundraising Kevin Clements. “It’s a simple way to donate, while at the same time treating someone special to a meaningful present that keeps on giving. “We all have family and friends who are difficult to buy for but this is a new way to get something special, while making a significant difference to our charity. Every purchase will help support children and young people with lifethreatening conditions, and their families, across East Anglia.” Gift of Comfort (£15) could pay for an hour with a care assistant, Gift of Play (£15) could put a smile on a child’s face as they discover inclusive and accessible play for their abilities and Gift of Creativity (£24) could pay for an hour of music or art therapy. Gift of Memories (£35) could pay for a memorymaking kit full of activities for the whole family while Gift of Compassion (£40) could pay for two hours of bereavement support with a specialist EACH counsellor. A card acknowledging the gift can be sent to the recipient and there is an opportunity to add a personalised message. To find out more, visit each.org.uk/virtual-gifts

Hundreds light up the Peterborough night with Starlight Hike

Hundreds of walkers donned their best fancy dress and glow-in-the dark accessories on Saturday 22 October for a special hike under the stars to celebrate the memory of loved ones. Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Peterborough, sponsored by Perkins Engines Company Limited, saw over 300 people of all ages take on a 5k walk in support of national healthcare charity Sue Ryder. The spectacle started at Ferry Meadows County Park, where teams and individuals sporting bright coloured clothing, flashing headwear and neon face paint enjoyed a fun disco-style warm up from Clubbercise before setting off on a 5k route around the tranquil setting off the country park, enjoying live music along the way. There was also an opportunity for participants to place a poignant dedication during the event in honour of someone special to them. Last year Sue Ryder provided over 830,000 hours of care to thousands of families across the country, including from its Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice in Peterborough. Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Peterborough is expected to raise over £25,000 to help Sue Ryder provide even more expert and compassionate palliative care, and create a future where everyone has access to support at the end of their life or following a bereavement. Asif Shaheed, Community Fundraiser at Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, said: “We’re absolutely blown away by everyone’s support for this year’s Starlight Hike, turning out in their brightest lights and outfits to make the night an amazing success. You all looked brilliant! “Thank you to our headline sponsor, Perkins Engines Company Limited, all our supporters, and of course our dedicated team of volunteers and marshals, without whom we would simply not be able to put on this fantastic event.”