Ashgate Hospicecare

Chesterfield Champions set to take on the Sparkle Night Walk for Ashgate Hospice

Several Chesterfield Champions are getting ready to support one of the town’s largest fundraising events, the Ashgate Hospice Sparkle Night Walk 2023. 

The annual event takes place on Saturday, 1st July, and will see thousands of people take to the streets for a 10k walk around the town.

Starting and finishing at Chesterfield FC’s SMH Group stadium, the walk raises vital funds for the hospice, which provides specialist care to families across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Last year the event raised £171,500 for patients and families in need of hospice care.

This year, Ashgate Hospice is adding a bit of extra competition to the event, with workplaces able to battle it out to get to the top of the fundraising leaderboard. 

Here at Destination Chesterfield, our team is excited to be getting our hiking boots on for this year’s Sparkle Night Walk. Find out more below about some of the Chesterfield Champions joining us on the night!

Shorts

shorts sparkle walk

13 members of the team at Chesterfield accountancy firm, Shorts will be donning their sparkly shorts to take part in the walk.

The firm is taking part in the event under the team name of ‘SPARKLE SHORTS.’

You can donate to their efforts on the night at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/shorts-chartered-accountants3

Banner Jones Solicitors

banner jones sparkle walk

The Banner Jones Solicitors team is coming together for the 3rd year in a row to sparkle in support of Ashgate Hospice.

On the company’s fundraising page, the team said: “We are proud to have been based in Chesterfield for at least 145 years and we know the valuable work that Ashgate Hospice does for the people of the town. Some of us have seen it first-hand. We are raising money to help the hospice continue providing specialist care to patients and their loved ones.”

To donate to the Banner Jones Solicitors fundraising page for the event, go to: https://www.justgiving.com/team/bannerjones

MD Hair

MD Hair sparkle walk

Michelle Dalman and her team at MD Hair, based at The Glass Yard in Chesterfield will be taking part in the Sparkle Night Walk 2023.

She commented: “I’m taking on the Sparkle Night Walk 2023 to help raise vital funds for the hospice, to make sure that when our loved ones in North Derbyshire face a life-limiting illness, they’ll be able to access the specialist care and support they need.”

Donate to MD Hair’s fundraising page at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Mdhair

DoubleTree by Hilton Sheffield Park Hotel

doubletree

DoubleTree by Hilton Sheffield Park will be taking up the challenge of this year’s Sparkle Night Walk, with Ashgate Hospice being selected by the hotel as its chosen charity.

You can donate to team DoubleTree at: https://www.justgiving.com/TeamDoubletree

Valleys Group

Valleys Group - Sparkle Walk profile image

Chesterfield’s Valleys Group will be taking part in the walk, under the name ‘Valleys Vixens.’

You can find out more and donate to the team’s fundraising page at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/amanda-harris39

Rose Cottage Doggy Day Care

Dawn Brown, owner of Rose Cottage Doggy Day care will be taking on the 10-kilometre trek alongside friends and fellow Chesterfield Champions.

She commented: “I’m coming together to sparkle in support Ashgate Hospice on Saturday 1st July 2023. I’m raising money to help the hospice continue providing specialist care to patients and their loved ones.”

Donate to Dawn and her team’s fundraising efforts here.

Mortgage 1st

Team m1

Chesterfield’s Mortgage 1st has assembled a team to take on the Sparkle Night Walk for Ashgate Hospice.

The firm has been busy with a number of charity efforts recently, including playing host to a charity football tournament which raised more than £2,500 for Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

A Mortgage 1st spokesperson said: “We’d love to raise as much as possible for Ashgate Hospice. A local charity who do an absolutely wonderful job.”

Find out more on the company’s Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mortgage1st

Destination Chesterfield

DC team 2023

The Destination Chesterfield team always looks to support local charities where possible, and is delighted to be taking part in this year’s Sparkle Night Walk.

Previously, the organisation has supported Citizen’s Advice at their charity abseil as well as supporting the Alzheimer’s Society. The team is always on the lookout for charity events it can participate in.

Donate to Destination Chesterfield’s fundraising page at: https://www.justgiving.com/page/destination-chesterfield-1685606669039

Spire Radio

Spire Radio 873x466

The studio at Spire Radio

While not taking part in the walk directly, Spire Radio will have an important role to play on the night.

The station will be keeping participants’ spirits up by providing entertainment at the halfway point of the walk.

If you’re taking part, be sure to keep an eye out for the Spire Radio team at Eastwood Park in Hasland!

Not taking part and still want to be involved? Volunteer as a marshal on the night to help cheer on walkers and keep them safe! Find out more about volunteering at: https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/sparkle-night-walk/

Still want to involve your business at the event? Opportunities are available to sponsor the screens throughout the route. Find out more: https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/product/sparkle-night-walk-screen-sponsorship/

 

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Long serving Ashgate Hospice staff member marks 30 “incredible” years

One of Ashgate Hospice’s longest serving members of staff is marking 30 years caring for palliative and end of life patients this month – and her ‘desire’ and ‘dedication’ has been praised by charity bosses.

Pam Garvey, who as a Palliative Care Support Worker, cares for patients and their families in their own homes, celebrated her 30th anniversary at Ashgate on Thursday (21st October).

Over the past three decades, the 65-year-old has been there to provide compassionate and comforting care to thousands across North Derbyshire.

Before starting at the hospice, Pam worked in a role supporting people across the county with mental health problems.

She says although it wasn’t her first job when she started at Ashgate in 1991, she ‘knew quickly after starting that it would be her last’.

After reaching the milestone this week, Pam said: “The past 30 years have passed by so quickly, but I’m so glad that I followed my heart and joined the hospice team back in 1991.

“So much has changed at Ashgate over the years to meet the needs of our patients but our goal has always remained the same: to provide excellent, compassionate palliative and end of life care to the people who need us.

“I meet so many inspirational people, who make me feel so humble and grateful for everything I have. I have learnt something from all of them.

“I feel a sense of pride when I tell people I work at Ashgate Hospice; I still have the letter offering me the post from all those years ago. I just can’t believe it’s been 30 years!”

Pam initially started at the hospice as a volunteer in 1989, before being offered a permanent position on the hospice’s Inpatient Unit two years later.

After a short length of time supporting patients on the ward, Ashgate started caring for patients and their families in their own homes – and Pam instantly knew that was her dream job.

She added: “Two years after starting out on the Inpatient Unit, Ashgate extended our care offering to people in their own homes, and I instantly knew that’s where I wanted to be.

“The role has certainly changed since then, there were no mobile phones or sat navs; our matron, Jean, would wave us off, armed with just a map and the patient’s details – that’s where each day began!”

When Pam started at Ashgate, there were approximately 12 nurses, four health care assistants, a few doctors, three kitchen staff and three office staff.

Today, there are 340 members of staff and 600 volunteers at the charity, which last year cared for more than 2,500 patients across a range of different services.

Barbara-Anne Walker, Chief Executive at Ashgate Hospice, said: “On behalf of everyone at Ashgate I’d like to wish Pam a huge congratulations as she reaches her 30th  year caring for patients.

“From starting as a volunteer when we first started providing care on our Inpatient Unit to being involved with the launch of our community services – she’s achieved so much over the past three decades.

“She has helped and continues to help make a positive impact on the lives of so many families – she’s truly one in a million.

“I’m so grateful to Pam for her incredible service over the years and the desire, commitment and hard work she brings to work each day emulates everything Ashgate is about. Thank you, Pam – Ashgate wouldn’t be the same without you!”

Would you like to work alongside Pam and other Ashgate colleagues? The charity is currently hiring for Bank Registered Nurses to join its award-winning ‘Outstanding’-rated team on the hospice’s newly refurbished 21-bed Inpatient Unit.

To find out more about the role and other vacancies at Ashgate Hospice, go to: www.ashgatehospice.org.uk/vacancies

Ashgate Hospice supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Ashgate Hospice’s Inpatient Unit wins prestigious Royal College of Nursing award

The Inpatient Unit team from Ashgate Hospice have won an award from the Royal College of Nursing Institute.

The Outstanding Contribution to Infection Prevention and Control Award was won by the Inpatient Unit team, who were recognised for their scrupulous approach to infection prevention which had avoided any outbreaks of COVID and had allowed patients to continue to receive visitors throughout the pandemic.

“It is a privilege to be part of this incredible team who have consistently gone above and beyond to ensure our patients and their families receive the very best care,” Ashgate’s Ward Manager, Karen Walker said, in accepting the award.

She continued: “When COVID-19 first hit we were quick to respond to the changing demands and procedures that must be put in place, this was despite our own anxieties and fears around the virus.

“I feel honoured that my team have been acknowledged and it’s amazing that we have been given this award. I look forward to continuing to make a difference alongside my colleagues and ensuring those who need our care can access it.”

Ashgate is one of the few hospices in the UK which cared for end-of-life patients with COVID-19 throughout the pandemic. Earlier this year, demand for Ashgate’s support and services was so great that the hospice opened a second COVID wing. During this time, 1 in 3 beds were used by patients with COVID-19.

In addition, when many healthcare providers stopped patients receiving visitors, Ashgate committed to allowing visitors, including to end-of-life patients with COVID-19.

Barbara-Anne Walker, Chief Executive at Ashgate Hospice, said ensuring patient visits went ahead was a crucial part of the hospice’s culture which always puts patients and their families at the heart of their decision making.

“When someone is nearing the end of their life, they understandably want to spend the time they have left with the people who matter the most to them.

“Denying visits at this time could have catastrophic consequences to the wellbeing of the patient but also to the family, particularly after their loved one has died.

“Our team made it possible for our patients and their families to have dignity, respect and love during their final days.

“It feels very special to be recognised for the vital work our Inpatient Unit team do and the extraordinary efforts they have gone to in order to keep everyone safe during the pandemic.”

The rigorous infection control measures at Ashgate continue with weekly COVID testing for all patient facing staff and volunteers, strict PPE requirements for workers and visitors and ensuring access to COVID positive patients’ rooms for visitors is through a separate entrance and exit to the main ward.

Other infection control measures include:

All visitors and those who work at the hospice are temperature checked on arrival.

  • Visitors and staff are asked to wear a clinical mask at all times.
  • Visiting restrictions allow two named visitors per patient.
  • Visitors to a patient with COVID must wear full PPE and access the ward through a separate entrance and exit.
  • The housekeeping team are adhering to the recommended strict cleaning procedures.
  • Visitors are unable to use the communal family spaces to ensure safe social distancing and are asked whenever possible to stay with their loved one in their room or outside space – with staff and our frontline volunteers ensuring that visitors have drinks and refreshments.
  • Footfall has been reduced, with the overall number of people allowed on the ward reduced, and our other staff working remotely from home, wherever possible.

The 2021 RCNi Nurse Awards took place virtually, presented by Kate Garraway, who announced Ashgate as winners in their category.

Currently, Ashgate are recruiting for Registered General Nurses to join their award-winning Inpatient Unit Team. Anyone interested, should visit: https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/work-for-us/

Ashgate Hospicecare supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Ashgate Hospicecare staff reunite with relatives of patients they’ve cared for

Ashgate Hospicecare has released three ‘emotionally charged’ videos reuniting its staff with the relatives of patients they cared for in their final days.

The videos, released during Hospice Care Week (4th – 8th October) and filmed in the hospice gardens, reveal the crucial support patients and their families received from Ashgate and how its staff care not just for its patients but for their families and loved ones too.

One of those people is 38-year-old Simon Birley from Clowne, who in October 2020, married his wife Lindsay in a special ceremony at the hospice where Lindsay was being cared for in Ashgate’s Inpatient Unit. Tragically, Lindsay died just one month later.

Simon said: “Throughout her short illness, she never once complained; it’s just awful that one minute we’d just welcomed our son Isaac into the world and were so happy, the next thing life comes crashing to pieces. All we ever wanted was our own family, and then cancer took it away from us.

“I’m just so grateful that Ashgate was able to be there for us all. Lindsay was so comfortable here and they did everything they could to offer the best care possible.

“She loved all the people that came around and supported her. She truly loved Ashgate and was so thankful that a place like the hospice existed.”

Simon breaks down in tears when he is reunited with Ashgate’s Ward Manager, Karen Walker, who supported the couple on their special day.

He adds: “Karen is just an amazing person. It’s hard to put into words the difference that somebody has made. When my life had been shattered and I was seeing my loved one changing due to the disease, Karen was there to support us all.

“On the wedding day, Karen was there to support Lindsay and having her there made us much more relaxed, she helped make our wedding day go as well as it possibly could have. Without her and everyone else at Ashgate, we wouldn’t have been able to get married.
“I look up to Karen as someone who made a positive impact on my life, and I’ll be forever thankful for that.”

In another video, 61-year-old Sheryle Scott, from Sheffield, pays tribute to Helen Harrison, an Ashgate Community Nurse Specialist who cared for her brother Mark Coley at home after he was diagnosed with MND.

Sheryle said: “Without Helen, I don’t know what we would’ve done. We felt like we’d known her all our lives.

“With Helen, her patients must all feel the same way, we felt that we were the only patients she had.

“She just pulled everything together for us in a matter of days. I could phone her whenever I liked, even during the lockdown it was never a problem.

“Helen became such a big part of our life and I’m so grateful for everything she did for Mark and our family. She just never stopped caring.”

In the final video, Graham Matthews, from Killamarsh, returns to Ashgate to reunite with Lucy, the physiotherapist who “helped to extend the life” of his wife Diane, who was diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy, a rare degenerative neurological condition similar to Motor Neurone Disease.

Graham said: “We were so worried about how life would end for Diane, but fortunately, thanks to the support of everyone at Ashgate, it was very peaceful for her.

“Lucy was a big part of Diane’s life towards the end. She helped make a terrible situation much brighter and more cheerful.

“I remember when she couldn’t even stand up or get her head up, but through Lucy’s hard work Diane managed to get her head back up and even stood up a couple of times.”

The charity, which provides specialist end-of-life care to patients with complex palliative care needs across North Derbyshire, hopes the videos will provide an insight into the care and support they offer and raise awareness of their services.

Hayley Wardle, Director of Quality and Patient Care at Ashgate, said: “Hospice Care Week is all about raising awareness and challenging perceptions of hospice care. These videos help to do just that by highlighting the lasting impact that good quality hospice care can have.
“The stories shared in these videos are incredibly emotional and I feel a deep sense of pride that Ashgate was able to support those families when they needed us most.

“Our hope is these videos will help explain in a bit more detail the support we provide not just to our patients but to their families and loved ones too by bringing the reality of what we are all about straight into people’s homes.”

To watch the videos, go to: www.youtube.com/user/ashgatehospice or to donate visit www.ashgatehospicecare.org.uk/donation

Ashgate Hospicecare supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Ashgate Hospicecare appeals for volunteers to help with Sparkle Night Walk

Ashgate Hospicecare is appealing for volunteers to come forward and support one of the biggest fundraising events of the year, the Sparkle Night Walk 2021.

The popular event is set to return this weekend, Saturday, 25th September, after being cancelled in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The route comprises of a 10km course down the A61 bypass, past the iconic Crooked Spire and through the streets of Chesterfield, beginning and ending at Chesterfield FC’s Technique Stadium.

Peter Stone, Ashgate Hospicecare’s Director of Income Generation said: “We need more volunteers than ever before to help more than 1,600 Sparkler Walkers hit our target of £150,000 for the event.

“The funds the Sparkle Walk raises are vital for our work – although it isn’t just about the money as people take part to remember someone they have lost.

“It’s a hugely significant event for many families of people who the Hospice has cared for and when those bunny-ear clad folk are winding their way through Chesterfield through the night and then start to turn again towards the morning, it’s a sight not to be missed!”

“We need volunteer marshals on the route to cheer everybody on and help them remember why they’re taking part.”

Marshals would need to arrive at 8pm and will be needed until between midnight and 1.30am. Anyone who would like to help but can’t stay for the whole event is able to marshal at an early post, or the organisers can find another role for you.

Any volunteers wishing to bring along family or friends to help, they will be very welcome. All volunteers will be fully briefed and placed with an experienced volunteer where possible.

Volunteers will also receive a free hot drink and a free bacon roll (or a vegan alternative) – and a chance to make Chesterfield really sparkle!

If you can volunteer on Saturday, Contact events@ashgatehospicecare.org.uk or call on 01246 233404.

Ashgate Hospicecare supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

sparkle night walk

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Schoolteachers and staff to swap classroom for Sparkle Night Walk in memory of much-loved colleague

More than thirty primary school teachers and staff are taking on Ashgate Hospicecare’s Sparkle Night Walk together in memory of their friend and colleague who died in the charity’s care.

The 31-strong team from Mary Swanwick Primary School are swapping the classroom for the sparkling streets of Chesterfield on September 25th as they hope to raise money to help fund Ashgate Hospicecare.

They’re taking on the fundraiser in memory of Claire Sivorn, a former Teaching Assistant at the school, who died in Ashgate’s care earlier this year, aged 55.

Claire had planned to marry her partner, Craig, in Edinburgh this month, but when her cancer made her progressively more ill, doctors advised the couple to cancel their special day.

However, Ashgate was able to step in to help arrange the pair’s wedding at an earlier date in April, so they got to tie the knot before Claire died just weeks later.

Her best friend and fellow Teaching Assistant, Becky Jackson, will join 30 others from Mary Swanwick in taking on the 10km route in tribute to Claire, whilst helping fund care for future families who need the hospice’s support.

The 50-year-old, from Woodthorpe, said: “We wanted to say thank you for everything Ashgate did for Claire and her family at the end of her life.

“Not only was the care she received outstanding, but the hospice went above and beyond to arrange her and Craig’s wedding. It was such a special day; something me, Claire’s friends and family will be able to cherish for ever.

“Claire was so caring, selfless and incredibly hard working. She worked for nearly 20 years at Mary Swanwick Primary School and was an incredibly talented artist; her artwork is still proudly on display throughout our school.

“She put everyone before herself, so we wanted to do something special in her memory. We all can’t wait to take part and are hoping to raise some much-needed funds for such a fantastic and worthwhile cause.”

Claire spent six weeks on the Ashgate’s Inpatient Unit before receiving the hospice’s support at home when she died on 6th May with her family by her side. Meanwhile, Craig and her children have received counselling from the charity’s Supportive Care team in recent months.

The team from Mary Swanwick Primary School are among more than a thousand participants to have signed up for the return of Ashgate’s Sparkle Night Walk this September.

Previously, the event, sponsored by Vertu Toyota, has taken place in July, but the charity has pushed back the date this year in light of the ongoing roadmap out of lockdown.

Ashgate hopes the new September date will allow the hospice to hold a socially distanced event while ensuring the safety of its supporters, volunteers and the local community.

Carl Jones, Fundraising Manager at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “It’s so wonderful to hear Becky and her team from Mary Swanwick Primary School are coming together to take on our Sparkle Night Walk in memory of Claire.

“I’m glad our incredible team was able to be there for Claire and her family at the end of her life; it’s thanks to fantastic fundraisers like Becky and the team from Mary Swanwick that we’re able to be there for the families who need us most.

“We are really looking forward to welcoming back our supporters and seeing some familiar faces, as well as those new supporters taking part for the first time. We hope you’ll consider joining the team from Mary Swanwick Primary School along the route this September!”

Ashgate is encouraging their local community to sign-up to the Sparkle Night Walk and help raise much needed money to fund the specialist end-of-life care they provide.

Like last year, a virtual option will also be offered, for those who would prefer to choose their own route and complete it separately.

The charity is asking those taking part virtually to walk, run, cycle or dance their way through the streets to raise money for charity’s care.

To find out more about Ashgate Hospicecare’s Sparkle Night Walk and to register go to: www.sparklenightwalk.org.uk or call 01246 568801.

Ashgate Hospicecare supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

sparkle night walk

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Ashgate Hospicecare director raises more than £6,000 in incredible marathon challenge

An Ashgate Hospicecare director who set himself the challenge of running 12 marathons in as many months has finally crossed the finish line – two months ahead of schedule.

Peter Stone, Director of Income Generation at the North Derbyshire charity and Destination Chesterfield board member, was inspired to fundraise having seen others go above and beyond to help fund Ashgate’s vital care.

Starting last October, the 60-year-old challenged himself to run 12 marathons in just one year – a remarkable 314.4 miles in total.

And on Saturday, Peter was delighted to complete his final marathon of the challenge, finishing at Ashgate’s hospice site in Old Brampton, Chesterfield, where family, friends and colleagues applauded him as he passed through the gates.

Thanks to the generosity of Peter’s supporters, the challenge has helped raise an incredible £6,200 towards the charity, smashing his target of £1,000.

Following the final marathon, Peter said: “My final marathon was one of the hardest yet – it included 3,500 feet of ascent and a lot of off-road navigation in the area around Tansley and Ashover.

“That, combined with hot weather, made for a tiring trip out. I am delighted to have completed the 12 marathons and I am so grateful for all the support I have received.

“I am responsible for the fundraising and retail teams at Ashgate who every year must generate around 70 per cent of the organisation’s income. I was keen to raise some funds myself – to help with fundraising and to remind me how hard our fundraisers must work to generate the money we need.

“Even as a keen runner this challenge has been difficult. The older I get, the longer it takes to recover from a marathon so trying to cover one every four weeks has been tiring. Plus, there’s been runs in the rain, sleet and snow which haven’t helped matters at all!”

From a double marathon – with no stopping– in Northumberland to a 50km run along a disused railway line in Shropshire, Peter has taken part in marathons across the UK.

He’s averaged around one marathon every four weeks – a task he admits was “tough”, but now he’s got into the routine of it he’ll find it difficult to stop.

Peter’s efforts will help Ashgate in continuing to provide caring and compassionate palliative and end-of-life care to people all over North Derbyshire.

He added: “I wanted to fundraise for Ashgate because the charity undertakes such amazing work – offering specialist palliative and end of life care to patients with a life-limiting illness and their families across North Derbyshire.

“Ashgate is so loved by the community, and this has been apparent by the level of support I have received to date. I couldn’t have asked for more from everyone who has supported me and made donations – thank you all so much.”

Have you been inspired by Peter’s fundraiser? You can run for Ashgate Hospicecare at the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K on 17th October.

To support Peter following his mammoth marathon challenge go to his JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/peterstoneag

Ashgate Hospicecare supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Ashgate Hospicecare teams up with BRM Solicitors for ‘Make a Will Month’

People in North Derbyshire are being encouraged to a make a will this August as part of Ashgate Hospicecare’s Make a Will Month campaign.

The hospice has partnered with BRM Solicitors who are waiving their usual fees during August and instead they are asking clients to consider a voluntary donation to Ashgate Hospicecare.

The choice and amount to give is up to the client, but for a simple single will a suggested donation is just £75, and £150 for a mirror will for a couple.

Jack Wood, Head of Fundraising at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “The past 18 months have been a challenging time for us all, with the pandemic making us painfully aware of our own mortality.

“Making a will is an important part of making sure that our affairs are in order and ensuring our loved ones are cared for. It enables us to put plans in place so that we can get on with living and make the most of the time we have.

“Ashgate’s Make a Will Month allows you to do that for free.”

Ashgate Hospicecare is an independent charity that provides free care and support to patients with a life-limiting illness, and their families across North Derbyshire, both at the hospice and in the community.

Currently, one in five people are cared for thanks to money left in wills, but as the number of people with life-limiting illnesses increases, demand for the services continues to grow.

Ashgate must raise £7 million over and above NHS funding, with the hospice reporting losses of more than £3 million in planned fundraising income because of the pandemic.

Jack added: “While there is no obligation to leave a gift in your will, or make a donation to Ashgate, we hope people will consider leaving a legacy.

“By choosing to leave money to Ashgate, you are helping us safeguard our future and ensure we can continue to support families in years to come when they need us the most.”

Supporters can make their will at BRM’s conveniently located Chesterfield office, with disabled access and free parking. In addition, free home, hospital and hospice visits are being offered to those physically unable to attend the office.

Jack added: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to BRM Solicitors for supporting Make a Will Month and offering such a vital service to our community.”

To find out more about Make a Will Month, and to make an appointment, go to: https://www.brmlaw.co.uk/ashgate-hospicecare-free-wills-month/ or call 01246 555 111

BRM Solicitors and Ashgate Hospicecare support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Vaccination rollout at the Winding Wheel raises thousands for Ashgate Hospicecare

Visitors of a North Derbyshire vaccination centre have raised more than £11,000 to help fund Ashgate Hospicecare’s specialist end-of-life care for patients and families.

More than 170,000 jabs have been provided at Chesterfield’s Winding Wheel Theatre’s vaccination centre since the rollout first started at the beginning of the year.

The Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust and primary care network were keen to further support their local communities by helping to raise funds for Ashgate.

Charity bucket yielding marshals at the Holywell Street site have collected an incredible £11,989 towards the charity’s end-of-life and palliative care, which supports patients and their families across North Derbyshire.

Local health bosses have hailed the public’s response to the fundraiser as “fantastic”, after £800 was raised after just two days.

Janet Kirk, who has been volunteering at the Winding Wheel Theatre during the rollout, is one of the marshals to have helped raise the much-needed funding.

She said: “I like to bring people’s attention to the fundraising at the Winding Wheel Theatre. You don’t know when you might need Ashgate’s services and people need to know it’s primarily funded by fundraising.

“The hospice wouldn’t be able to exist if it wasn’t for people being generous and giving what they can; it doesn’t take long before the pennies soon turn into pounds!”

Among those supporting the vaccine rollout at the Winding Wheel Theatre has been Ashgate’s retail staff, who were furloughed due to the charity’s shops being closed in lockdown.

The workers stepped forward to support the NHS with the vaccine rollout to help protect the local community and save lives.

Staff volunteered to ensure smooth arrival onsite of people arriving for their jabs, efficient patient flow to the clinical assessment and overall onsite safety and security.

Dr Peter Flann, GP and Chesterfield and Dronfield primary care network clinical director, says they wanted to support Ashgate because of the “essential care” the hospice provides to patients and families across North Derbyshire.

He said: “We chose Ashgate because of the integral day-to-day work it does in general practice and for patients who need its support across the region.

“The hospice’s skill and support for end-of-life care really is essential and should be funded as such; it offers a fantastic service that we simply cannot be without.”

Carl Jones, Fundraising Manager, at Ashgate Hospicecare, added: “We are so grateful to the staff and volunteers at the Winding Wheel for their support during the vaccination rollout in recent months.

“Not only have they tirelessly fundraised for us, but they’ve done an incredible job in vaccinating the North Derbyshire community against COVID-19.

“A huge thank you to everyone who has dug deep into their pockets to make a donation – your support means we can continue caring for the patients and families who need us most.”

Would you like to fundraise for Ashgate Hospicecare? Find out what you can do to help online at www.ashgatehospicecare.org.uk or calling 01246 568801.

Ashgate Hospicecare supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Ashgate Hospicecare’s Forget-Me-Not Appeal raises £117,300

Supporters from across North Derbyshire have rallied behind Ashgate Hospicecare’s Forget-Me-Not Appeal to raise £117,300 in just eight weeks.

Since the appeal launched in May, 3,194 flowers have been dedicated in memory of someone special, with supporters receiving a custom-made flower for a suggested donation of £25.

The charity, which provides specialist end of life care to patients with complex palliative care needs across North Derbyshire, say they have been “overwhelmed” by the response.

Jack Wood, Head of Fundraising at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “We are so grateful to all of our wonderful supporters who dedicated a flower and helped to raise vital funds for the hospice.

“Over the course of the appeal we have had the privilege to speak to many of our supporters who have shared emotional stories about the people they are remembering. It is an honour to be able to provide our community a way for them to mourn and celebrate the lives of their loved ones in a meaningful way.”

Throughout June, thousands of visitors enjoyed visiting the flowers which were on display within the grounds of Chatsworth.

Jack added: “We want to say a huge thank you to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire for hosting our flower display within the picturesque grounds of Chatsworth and to our sponsors Graysons Solicitors who have supported us every step of the way.

“We hope that everyone who has received a flower loves them as much as we do. Every penny raised helps to fund our specialist round-the-clock care to support families across North Derbyshire living with a life-limiting illness.”

With just a small number of the limited-edition flowers left; supporters are being urged to act quickly to secure one. To dedicate a flower, visit www.ashgatehospicecare.org.uk/forget-me-not or call the fundraising team on 01246 567250.

Ashgate Hospicecare supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Hasland pupils get creative to support patients and families at Ashgate Hospicecare

Kind-hearted school children have been hard at work creating bespoke fabric hearts for patients and families cared for by Ashgate Hospicecare.

Pupils at Hasland Junior School took part in the project during the pandemic to help families and loved ones who may have been separated feel closer together.

Every child in the school was encouraged to create hand-sewn hearts, which are lovingly handcrafted with matching fabric, with one kept by the patient and the other given to the family member.

The school was inspired by the original project launched by Shelagh’s Sewing Circle – a group ran by Ashgate volunteer Shelagh Cheetham, who supported the pupils throughout the creative process.

The aim is that the hearts will provide comfort to those who may be unable to visit the hospice and encourage feelings of togetherness.

Teacher at Hasland Junior School, Fran Lee, said: “I saw how Shelagh’s Sewing Circle had supported Ashgate Hospicecare and thought it was a fantastic way of contributing to the local community during such a challenging year.

“Our focus has been on building mental health and wellbeing through the concept of ‘giving’. The project provided an incredible opportunity to discuss with the children the role that volunteering plays in the community and how acts of kindness, however small, can make someone’s day.

“The whole school community takes great satisfaction in knowing that the hearts that we have created are making a big difference to the patients at Ashgate Hospicecare and their families.

“Thanks to Shelagh’s Sewing Circle for their support and guidance with this project and we look forward to working with them again in the future.”

The children, both at home and in school, enjoyed making the hearts and practising their textiles skills and even took part in a dedicated day to the project called ‘Helping Hearts’.

The fabric hearts have also been made available across the charity’s 14 shops to offer comfort and support to grieving relatives donating their loved one’s possessions.

Shelagh, a strong supporter of Ashgate for more than a decade after the hospice cared for her father-in-law, said: “We were so delighted when we saw that the teachers and pupils at Hasland Junior School wanted to support Shelagh’s Sewing Circle’s fabric hearts project.

“Visiting your friends or family at the hospice and then leaving without them can be so difficult, but the hearts are a wonderful way to keep your loved ones by your side at all times – whether with us still or not.

“Hasland Junior School’s contribution means more people will be able to spread love, kindness and offer comfort during these challenging and uncertain times. Everyone at Ashgate Hospicecare would like to thank them for their generosity and support.”

Since the group started the project last year, more than 1,500 fabric hearts have been donated to the hospice to support patients and their families.

To find out how you can support Ashgate Hospicecare, go to www.ashgatehospicecare.org.uk

Ashgate Hospicecare supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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