Latest News

Golfers Raise over £4400!

Thu, 17 May 2012 13:07:00 GMT

St Mary's Hospice would like to thank everyone who supported their second Golf day at Ulverston Golf Club on the 16th May 2012. The grand total raised during the day was over £4400!

Funding & Operations Manager, Zoe Guest said, "A big thank you goes to the committee, caterers and staff at Ulverston Golf Club for hosting the event on behalf of the charity and helping throughout the day. To everyone who donated prizes for the competition winners – Bramhall Golf Club, Cumbria Crystal, Turnstone HR Consultants. And to all those companies and organisations who provided donations for the auction, sponsored a tee, provided refreshments or entered a team, we are extremely grateful for all your support. The weather was fantastic for a second year running and everyone who took part had a great day. To raise such a large sum of money is wonderful.”

Louise Steur, Captain of the winning ladies team sponsored by thebestofbarrowandfurness, said, "We were really lucky to have a dry, sunny day and everyone had a great time. The Hospice made over £4400 which is a fantastic amount and the organisers should be congratulated. On behalf of my team members, I'd also like to thank Helen Penny of thebestofbarrowandfurness who generously sponsored our team and a tee for the second year running."

The winning team on the day was Just 4 Men Captained by Brian Redhead. The team received a Tee Time for Four People for the prestigious Bramhall Golf Club.

It is hoped that he event could be repeated in 2013.

Charity Shops Join Forces in National Campaign for Donations

Thu, 17 May 2012 10:27:00 GMT

Major national UK charities – as well as hundreds of smaller charities and local hospices – today joined forces in a drive to generate more donations for charity shops.

The Choose Charity Shops campaign, led by the Charity Retail Association, is being supported by St Mary’s Hospice. St Mary’s is delighted that local MP’s Tim Farron and John Woodcock will be calling at two of their shops on the 18th May to raise awareness and show their support for making donations to charity shops. Mr Farron will be at the St Mary’s Hospice Bowness shop at 11.30am and Mr Woodcock will be at the St Mary’s Hospice shop in Barrow at 3pm.

Charity shop popularity is at an all-time high, and charity shops raise over £200 million every year for a huge range of charitable causes. They provide 180,000 volunteering opportunities, and 17,000 jobs nationwide. In addition, they re-use and recycle whatever they can, reducing UK carbon emissions by approximately 3.7 million tonnes every year.

However, they thrive on donations of unwanted items, and many shops are facing real difficulties in getting donations through the door. The majority of people in the UK have unwanted items of clothing in their wardrobes that they aren’t using, let alone other household items such as toys or bric-a-brac, that could be put to use by charities.

This week nearly 6,000 charity shops in the UK are coming together to ask members of the public to make a donation to a charity shop in their area and pledge to donate to charity shops for the coming year.

Events are taking place across the country to support the campaign. Ministers and MPs, including Eric Pickles, Theresa May, Danny Alexander and Hilary Benn are taking part and making a donation to their local charity shop – and charities are organising events locally to encourage more members of the public to donate.

Warren Alexander, Chief Executive of the Charity Retail Association, said: ‘Charity shops simply can’t survive without donations of items from the public to sell, and the thousands of charity shops taking part in this week’s campaign shows how big an issue this is. Donating items to a charity shop is a great way to support a good cause when people have less money to give by way of cash donations. This week, charities across the country are joining forces to ask the British public to have that clear out and take unwanted items down to their local charity shop.”

Zoe Guest, Funding & Operations Manager from St Mary’s Hospice, said “St Mary's currently has 9 shops; the aim of these is to provide a regular and sustainable source of income to support our work. To us, our shops are the public face of St Mary's and bring awareness of what we do into the heart of all our communities. Donating items to a charity shop is a great way to support our cause when people have less money to give by way of cash donations. Every donation we receive helps us to help local people who need our support.”

NGS Gardens Open for Charity

Wed, 16 May 2012 12:33:00 GMT

Every year NGS gardens across England and Wales welcome about 750,000 visitors. Most gardens which open for the NGS are privately owned and open just a few times each year. Some gardens open as part of a group with the whole community involved. The NGS tradition of opening gardens of quality, character and interest is supported by their Patron, HRH The Prince of Wales.

Of the money raised at the open gardens the NGS currently give away more than £2.5 million each year to nursing, caring and gardening charities and they have given more than £25 million in the last 15 years. Most of the work at the NGS is carried out by volunteers and so currently more than 80p in every £1 raised at garden openings goes directly to their beneficiaries. St Mary’s Hospice is grateful to be one of those nominated charities.

Moira and Kirsty Rowlenson are the owners of Field Head, Outgate, Ambleside, LA22 0PY, and they would like you to join them for their first time opening with the NGS on Saturday 19th May. From noon until 4pm guests are welcome to enjoy the superb garden of Field Head, accompanied by teas, cakes and the opportunity to purchase plants, for a small entrance fee that will be donated to St Mary’s Hospice.

Please note that this event was advertised to take place on Sunday 20th May, but due to limited road access because of the Brathy Marathon, the event will now take place on Saturday 19th May. Parking will be available.

For information about visiting other open gardens in your area visit http://www.ngs.org.uk/

Cabaret Night is an Amazing Success!

Tue, 15 May 2012 10:29:00 GMT

On Friday 27th April, St Mary’s Hospice hosted a Cabaret Night at Ulverston Sports and Social Club. The evening commenced at 7.30pm with well known local entertainer, Brian Judge and his Swing Band. DJ Billy then entertained the audience to get them warmed up ready for the main performance - Lareena the UKs No. 1 Adele Tribute Act.

Lareena is a perfect tribute to the award winning and outstanding Adele. She has played at many high profile functions including Sir Alex Ferguson son's Wedding and Manchester United's Celebration parties amongst many others. Lareena is a real professional artist who has a natural talent for an Adele Tribute Show and we were delighted that she came to Ulverston to support our charity.

The event was sold out. And we are pleased to say that we raised £1400.

We would like to thank the team at the Ulverston Sports & Social Club, DJ Billy, Brian Judge, the Bob In café and all who helped to support the evening and make it such a success.

The Vintage Village Hall Goes Down a Treat!

Tue, 01 May 2012 14:33:00 GMT

We were absolutely delighted to see so many people at our first Vintage Village Hall event at Greenodd Village Hall on Sunday 29th April.

The venue was bustling from 10am until 4pm as people came to see amazing exhibitors offering vintage clothing, accessories, jewellery and home wares from the 1930s – 1970s. A special stall from the St Mary’s Hospice retail chain was also a feature.

Over 400 people enjoyed Tea Time 1940s style! The Vintage Tea Room offered the most fabulous cakes you will have seen this decade! Guests were able to step back in time to sip tea whilst appreciating the beauty of vintage china.

We were so grateful to be able to work with the team from the Vintage Village Hall and their famous pop up fair and tea room. We are delighted to announce that £1055 was raised on the day for St Mary’s.

Clarins Exclusive Beauty Preview Party

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 09:36:00 GMT

30 ladies attended the Clarins Exclusive Beauty Preview Party hosted by the team at Debenhams in Barrow on Wednesday 11th April. The evening was a great success and all who attended were treated to a glass of wine, a beauty demonstration, had the chance to preview some excellent special offers and the opportunity to win some fantastic prizes in the Clarins raffle.

The evening was a great success and we are delighted to announce that the event raised £150, which is fantastic support for St Mary's. We would like to thank the Clarins team for arranging the event and all the ladies who attended and gave so generously.

Sun Shines for Charity Open Bowling Competition

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 09:18:00 GMT

On Sunday April 22nd the first St Mary's Charity Open Bowling Competition was held at Roose Conservative Club in Barrow. The event was sponsored by Leck Construction and organised by Paul Lewis, Secretary of Furness Bowls. We were absolutely delighted that we had 61 entrants in the competition and even the sun shone to make it a perfect day!

Prizes were awarded to the winner, runner up and semi-finalists in the singles contest, which went on throughout the day.

We are delighted to announce that £398 was raised at the event, which is a wonderful achievement and our thanks go to the organisers, sponsors, competitors and all who supported the event. It is now hoped that the event will be held annually.

Details of the winners of the raffle are outlined below. If you are winner please contact Paul Lewis of Furness Bowls:

5 Nuffield Health Club Day Passes - White 164

2 Back, Neck & Shoulder Massages at Nuffield Health Club - Pink 153

Stagger Inn Stainton Voucher - White 25

Barrow AFC Family Pass - White 51

Dusty Miller's Gleaston Voucher - Pink 159

Lazerzone Family Pass - White 142

Loveit Studios Photoshoot - Pink 184

Clinique Makeover & Gift at Debenhams - White 127

Box of Chocolates - White 133

The Elwy Singers & Barrow Savoyards Perform to Raise Funds

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:40:00 GMT

Fred Davies and Bill Edmonds from the Lakeland Chapter Rose Croix No. 173 presented Zoe Guest from St Mary's with over £1000. The money was raised at a Charity Concert Fred & Bill organised, which took place at the Ulverston Masonic Hall on Saturday 21st April. The concert featured Welsh Male Voice Choir 'The Elwy Singers' together with 'Barrow Savoyards' (The music of Gilbert & Sullivan) and was attended by over 100 people.

The Elwy Singers who travelled from North Wales gave up their time to come to the concert to help raise funds for St Mary’s, which is greatly appreciated by all concerned.

The team at St Mary's would like to thank the Freemason’s for arranging the concert and raising such an amazing amount of money, and for all the support that they have given to the charity over many years.

The Vintage Village Hall Pop up Fair and Tea Room!

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 14:56:00 GMT

St Mary’s Hospice is absolutely delighted that the Vintage Village Hall team will be hosting their famous pop-up fair and tearoom to raise funds for the charity at Greenodd Village Hall on Sunday 29th April.

At the event you will find amazing exhibitors offering vintage clothing and accessories from the 1930s – 1970s, jewellery, homewares and much more. A special stall from the St Mary’s Hospice retail chain will also feature.

Come and make it a day of it browsing delicious Vintage & Handmade Stalls and enjoy Tea Time 1940s style! The Vintage Tea Room will have the most fabulous cakes you will ever see this decade! Step back in time as you come and sip tea with us, whilst appreciating the beauty of vintage china. Afternoon Tea will be served from 12pm prompt for £5.50 per person.

The event is the perfect opportunity to dress up for the day. Come on girls, get your lippy out… a prize for the coolest vintage outfit will be presented!

The event will be open from 10am – 4pm. Only £1 per person entry fee.

Move over High Street clothes! If you are looking to be unique, individual and stylish, come and shop at The Vintage Village Hall and support St Mary’s Hospice.

PartyLite Employees Support Local and National Charities with Donations

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 14:05:00 GMT

PartyLite employees at the Barrow-in-Furness factory have collected nearly £1000 from contributions they made when purchasing second quality candles. The money was distributed at a ceremony to the charities nominated by the employees as they have each in some way, impacted the lives of one or more members of the PartyLite Team.

Attending the cheque handover ceremony were:
Steven Dayman representing Meningitis UK
Sophie Crewdson representing Clic Sargent (nominated charity of PartyLite UK)
Lorraine Irving representing St Mary’s Hospice

One of the employees Karolina Czaplak received a cheque on behalf of Liz Piper of Kirkby -in-Furness who is a volunteer worker for SIM that aims to propagate evangelism; missionary and relief work in Third World countries. Liz is looking to return to Malawi in January 2013 for two years and provide medical support to the sick and education/training. Liz provided a short presentation to a handful of employees at the factory with the message that we all should seek to be “children of light”. At PartyLite we make candles to provide light and even the candles that don’t make the grade can make money to shed light into the darker places of our world.

Donations was also made to Shine-Spina Bifida Charity and Epilepsy UK.

2012 SUPERDRAW LAUNCH!

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 12:45:00 GMT

On 21st March St Mary's Hospice launched their 2012 Lottery Superdraw at Barrow-in-Furness Tesco. One lucky ticket holder will have the opportunity to win a brand new Ford KA in a colour of their choice or the cash alternative (cost price of the Ford KA at the date of the draw).

Tickets cost just £1 each and sales will help us to provide support, care and hope for local people with life limiting illnesses and their families.

The draw will take place on 14th December 2012. Lorraine Irving, Fundraising Team Leader commented: "We are grateful to Alan Myerscough Ltd. once again for supporting this fundraising campaign and to Tesco for supporting us with the launch and for giving us the opportunity to sell tickets throughout the year in the Barrow store."

Tickets can also be purchased at any of the St Mary's Shops thoughout the area. For further information call 01229 580305.

FLUOR Nominate St Mary's as their Chosen Charity

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:28:00 GMT

We would like to thank the contactors FLUOR, based at Barrow Gas Terminal, for their recent donation in April to St Mary's Hospice. The FLUOR team were winners of the Rivers Project Safe Contractor of the Month Award. Employees were awarded with a prize of £1000 to donate to their chosen charity.

Site Planner Jimmy Moffett commented: "We wanted to choose an extremely hard working and worthwhile local charity. We felt very strongly that this prize money should be awarded to St Mary's Hospice. Their role within the local community is invaluable."

Jimmy Moffett, William Dodd, Gavin Angus, John Arrowsmith and Steve Taylors presented their winning cheque to Zoe Guest from St Mary's.

Charity Gig Night raises £1057!

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 14:19:00 GMT

The Fundraising Team at St Mary's would like to thank Claire Mcllroy, member of the BAE Systems Barrow Project Team, for raising a fantastic £1057.59 at a Charity Gig Night she organised at The Nines.

Claire commented: "As part of my BAE Systems course work through Blackpool and the Fylde College, I organised a Charity Gig Night in aid of my local Hospice, St Mary's. This fulfilled requirements for my training as a Project Manager and also presented the opportunity to support such a worthy cause. It proved to be a very successful event, raising in total £1057.59 through ticket sales and a brilliant raffle."
"Enjoyed by all, the night was opened by the talented Freshman, described as Barrow's answer to Ed Sheeran, followed by the amazing AKB, the awesome Audio Conspiracy and finally Sidewalk who got everyone up on their feet. DJ Mark Phillips held the night together with classic old school hits along with contemporary artists."
"I would really like to thank everyone who was involved in making the event a success, including all of the bands, DJ Mark Phillips, sound guy Bryn Tyson, The Nines, the BAE Systems Project Team and everyone who bought a gig ticket, raffle ticket or both. I would also like to thank those local businesses who sponsored the event by donating raffle prizes."

Furness Cancer Support Group Celebrate 25 Years

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 13:36:00 GMT

Furness Cancer Support Group celebrated 25 years with a fundraising celebration evening at The Nines, Barrow in Furness on the 20th March. The event was an amazing success and £2000 was raised for St Mary’s Hospice.

Pictured is Sue McGraw & Zoe Guest from St Mary’s presenting a certificate of appreciation to Anne Beattie and the team for raising such an amazing amount of money, and also to thank them for all the support that they have given to patients, and carers in our community over the last 25 years. A voucher for the Hospice Orangery Café, was presented to Anne and Elaine who set up the group in 1987 in recognition of the amazing work that they have done.

St Mary's Gift Shop Half Price Spring Sale starts today!

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 11:55:00 GMT

The St Mary's Gift Shop Half Price Spring Sale starts today for the next couple of weeks. Visit the gift shop at St Mary's Hospice, Ford Park Crescent, Ulverston.

The gift shop is set in our Orangery Café which is staffed primarily by volunteers. The café offers customers freshly prepared coffee, complemented by delicious cakes, and other light refreshments. The Orangery which has wonderful views of St Mary's gardens, is a comfortable place to meet your friends, to read a book, or for a bite to eat when out walking in the Hoad area.

The café and gift shop are open 7 days a week between 10.30am and 3.30pm. Their aim is to raise additional revenue for the charity, while increasing awareness for the role St Mary's plays in the community.