Hospice heroes appeal joy: £200k target is smashed!

Nine months ago The Gazette embarked on a massive a campaign to raise the money, which be spent on the biggest refurbishment ever at Trinity Hospice and Brian House children’s hospice.

And today we can reveal the total stands at an astounding £214,692.

Plus there are still events being held, including a Tower to Tower cycle which is set to bring in £20,000 in August and the Fire and Ice Walk taking place at Blackpool FC on Thursday.

The money raised through the appeal has been put together with a £280,000 grant from the Department of Health to pay for the work at the hospice on Low Moor Road, Bispham.

As soon as we announced the appeal residents of Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre, turned out in their thousands with amazing support.

From scaling The Big One at Blackpool Pleasure Beach and charity walks, runs and swims, to sports events, balls and fancy dress, you haven’t disappointed in your creative ways to raise funds.

Trinity chief executive David Houston said: “We feel like World Cup winners – lifting the trophy on behalf of all the patients and families who will benefit from the stunning improvements in Trinity and Brian House.

“I am blown away by the amazing generosity of local people who have rallied to the Gazette’s Hospice Heroes appeal to raise more than £200,000. This is in addition to the almost £5m we have to raise each year to ensure the hospice stays open.

“Walking through our Inpatient Unit or Brian House today is a joy and speaking to patients about the difference the improvements has made for them makes us all incredibly proud.

“There is such a bright and welcoming spirit to the place, patients have more choice and we can ensure more families can have even greater dignity in life and death.

“Children in Brian House now have more space to play and live their lives to the fullest thanks to Gazette readers’ amazing generosity.

“Thanks to The Gazette for being a wonderful partner.”

Our news comes as Trinity is preparing to unveil the final phase of the work, which has been carried out by Blackpool-based R P Tyson Construction.

The new-look hospice will be open to the public on Friday from 3pm to 6pm.

Mr Houston added: “It’s fantastic timing that our £200,000 target coincides with the handover of the final phase of the project. I do hope readers will come along to see how their support has made such a difference. Of course, as a local charity, our fund-raising doesn’t stop. It’s a 365 days a year job to help fund the nurses, health care assistants and doctors who really make the difference.

“Please keep supporting us – without you we wouldn’t be here. You are the Champions.”

More articles:

Hospice heroes appeal joy: How the money will be spent as hospice prepares itself for future

Hospice heroes appeal joy: The dream that came true