Fundraising Stories Need inspiration? Donna’s story Donna Lee completed the Virgin London Marathon to raise money for North London Hospice in memory of her father. Donna set her sights on raising a whopping £7,000 for the Hospice. With the support of her family she held a number of fundraising events to help her reach her target including car boot sales, a karaoke night and a toddle waddle. Donna said: “I always said I would do the marathon before I was 40. In fact, it was dad who signed me up shortly before he died. We can’t thank the Hospice for what they did for us. The staff were so caring and loving. They were not only a support for dad but for the whole family. Truly nothing could repay the North London Hospice experience but we all felt we had to do our bit.”
Cidney’s Story Cidney Miller chopped off 29cm of her brown hair to say a special thank you to North London Hospice for caring for her grandmother, Melinda Lewis. Cidney recognised the difference the Hospice had made to her grandmother’s last days and she wanted to give something back. Cidney said: “I saw how brave Grandma was when she was going through treatment and losing her hair and this is nothing compared to that. Grandma was still alive when I told her I wanted to cut my hair off. She cried. She would have been very proud.” To begin with, Cidney and her mother, Nicola, thought £500 was a realistic fundraising target. However, Cidney exceeded all expectations and raised more than £6,000 for the Hospice. Melinda died of bowel cancer aged 63. The family say they have been touched by the support the Hospice provided during a very hard time. Nicola added: “The nurses looked after mum as if she was family. The North London Hospice touched a big bit of our hearts. They are pure angels. That is the only way you can describe them.”
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N21 Support Group Support groups play a crucial role in helping us to raise both money and awareness in the community. The North London Hospice N21 Support Group is one of several geographical groups who help fund the Hospice’s work. The group, which was formed shortly after the Hospice opened its day services site in Winchmore Hill in November 2012, is made up of local businesses and residents. The team has successfully arranged a talent contest, wine tasting evening and a fitness day. Helen Osman said: “I contacted North London Hospice when I first heard that they were opening a new day centre in the heart of Winchmore Hill. A friend of mine spent her last few days in the Hospice in 2000 and it is a big regret that my late parents couldn’t have spent their last few days in such a caring environment. “In our first few months the N21 group has raised several thousands pounds. I have made new friends and enjoy working with others. The Hospice has inspired us and we are pleased to give our time and help spread the word about the great service the charity provides. We love what we do!” The Hospice is keen to see new support groups. If an individual or a small group are interested in starting one, we would love to hear from them.
Winchmore School We really value the support of the schools that fundraise for North London Hospice. Being so close to the school site, sixth form students at Winchmore School have really taken North London Hospice to their hearts. Head of year Lisa Hughes said: “Students want to support the fantastic work of the Hospice and have worked hard to fundraise. Some also volunteer for a few hours at the weekend in one of the Hospice’s charity shops. It has been fantastic to see the students working together for such a wonderful cause.” Money has been raised through a successful ‘Donate Don’t Dump Day’, holding a stall with their handmade goods at the N21 ‘St Nicholas Christmas Fair’ and a bake and rose sale on Valentine’s Day in the sixth study room.
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